Precise Direction: ταύτῃ (Strong’s G5026: tautē) Points to God’s Path
Strong’s G5026: A feminine dative singular demonstrative pronoun meaning “to this” or “in this,” frequently used in temporal and instrumental phrases. In biblical usage, it often indicates specific moments, methods, or pathways through which God works.
U- Unveiling the Word
Ταύτῃ functions as a precise pointer in New Testament discourse, drawing attention to specific ways, moments, or means through which divine action unfolds. As a feminine dative singular form, it often appears in phrases indicating manner (“in this way”) or time (“on this day”). In theological contexts, it helps emphasize the specificity of God’s methods and timing. The early church frequently used this word to highlight particular aspects of divine instruction or intervention. Today, it reminds us that God works through specific means and moments, not just in general or abstract ways.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: ταύτῃ, tautē, /TAU-tay/
- Detailed Pronunciation: TAU (as in “tower”) – tay (as in “day”)
- Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun
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Etymology:
- Feminine dative singular form of οὗτος (houtos)
- From Proto-Indo-European *so-, *to- (demonstrative stem)
- Dative ending -ῃ indicating “to,” “in,” or “by” this
D – Defining Meanings
- In this way
- By this means
- On this occasion
- To this (feminine singular)
For compound words: Not applicable as this is an inflected pronoun form
Translation Options:
- In this way – Emphasizes manner or method
- By this means – Highlights instrumental use
- On this occasion – Captures temporal aspect
E – Exploring Similar Words
- τούτῳ (toutō) /TOO-toh/ – Masculine/neuter dative singular form
See G5129 - τῇ (tē) /tay/ – The feminine singular article in dative
See G3588 - αὐτῇ (autē) /ow-TAY/ – To her/it (feminine)
See G846
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a demonstrative pronoun, ταύτῃ exhibits:
- Case: Dative
- Number: Singular
- Gender: Feminine
- Declension: Demonstrative
The dative case indicates indirect object, means, or location. Its feminine singular form requires agreement with feminine singular nouns it references.
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexical authorities provide rich insight into ταύτῃ’s usage patterns. BDAG emphasizes its role in indicating specific methods or occasions. Thayer’s notes its frequent appearance in temporal and instrumental phrases. LSJ documents its classical usage in precise references to manner or time. Vine’s highlights its importance in marking specific divine actions or instructions. Strong’s emphasizes its demonstrative force in immediate contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in legal documents for specific reference. LEH discusses its frequent appearance in the Septuagint for emphasizing particular divine interventions.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Matthew 26:31: “Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me.'”
Additional References:
Acts 27:23, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 2 Corinthians 9:4
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Plato: Apology | “In this manner he proceeded with his defense” |
Herodotus: Histories | “By this route they entered the country” |
Xenophon: Cyropaedia | “On this occasion the army gathered” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Ταύτῃ powerfully demonstrates how God works through specific means and moments in history. Its precise pointing nature reminds us that divine action isn’t vague or general but purposeful and particular. This grammatical tool proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing how God’s redemptive plan unfolds through specific events and methods, culminating in the precise moment of the Messiah’s incarnation, death, and resurrection.
D – Did You Know?
- Often used in the Gospels to mark specific moments in Jesus’ ministry
- Frequently appears in Paul’s letters to indicate particular methods of ministry
- Used in ancient Greek navigation texts to indicate specific routes or paths
Strong’s G5026: A feminine dative singular demonstrative pronoun meaning “to this” or “in this,” frequently used in temporal and instrumental phrases. In biblical usage, it often indicates specific moments, methods, or pathways through which God works.
Part of speech: Demonstrative Pronoun
Tags: grammar, specificity, method, timing, feminine-words, dative-case, demonstrative-pronouns, divine-timing, precise-reference, manner, path
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