Spiritual Clarity: τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν (Strong’s G5123: tout estin) Unveils Truth

Strong’s G5123: A phrase meaning “that is” or “which is,” formed by crasis from τοῦτο ἐστίν. In biblical context, it introduces explanations of spiritual truths, particularly in Paul’s writings where it clarifies deep theological concepts for better understanding.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν serves as a crucial explanatory bridge in New Testament teaching. First appearing in Romans 7:18, it helps Paul clarify complex spiritual truths about human nature and sin. The early church frequently used this phrase to introduce interpretations of Scripture and explain theological concepts. Its precision in linking ideas made it valuable for teaching and apologetics. Today, it reminds us of the importance of clear biblical interpretation and the need to make spiritual truths accessible to all believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν, tout estin, /tut ˈes.tin/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOOT ES-teen
• Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun + Verb (Phrase)

Etymology:

• Contracted from τοῦτο ἐστίν
• τοῦτο – this
• ἐστίν – is
• Elision forms τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν

D – Defining Meanings

• That is
• Which is
• That means

For compound words:

• τοῦτο (this/that) indicates the subject
• ἐστίν (is) connects to explanation

Translation Options:

• “that is” – most common translation
• “which is” – for relative clauses
• “meaning” – for explanatory contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δηλονότι (dēlonoti) /dē.lo.ˈno.ti/ – clearly, evidently See G1212
• οἷον (hoion) /ˈhoi.on/ – such as See G3634
• ὡς (hōs) /hōs/ – as, like See G5613

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Components include:

• τοῦτο: Demonstrative pronoun (neuter singular)
• ἐστίν: Present indicative active, 3rd person singular of εἰμί

The phrase remains unchanged regardless of context, functioning as a fixed explanatory formula.

Cross-references: Related to ἑρμηνεία meaning “interpretation”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons highlight τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν’s crucial role in biblical interpretation. BDAG emphasizes its use in clarifying difficult concepts. Thayer’s notes its frequent appearance in explanatory contexts. LSJ documents its development as a standard explanatory formula. Vine’s highlights its importance in theological exposition. Strong’s connects it to the concept of interpretation. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in explanatory documents. LEH notes its role in Septuagint commentary traditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For I know that in me [that is] (τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν) in my flesh, dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18

Additional References:
Romans 9:8
Romans 10:6
Hebrews 9:11
Hebrews 13:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοῦτ᾿ ἔστιν plays a vital role in making the gospel clear and accessible. Its use demonstrates God’s desire for His truth to be understood, not just heard. The good news of King Jesus often requires explanation and interpretation, and this phrase helps bridge the gap between divine truth and human understanding. It reminds us that clarity in teaching is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.

D – Did You Know?

• Early Christian teachers used this phrase to introduce biblical interpretations
• It appears frequently in ancient Greek biblical commentaries
• The phrase influenced the development of hermeneutical methods

Strong’s G5123: A phrase meaning “that is” or “which is,” formed by crasis from τοῦτο ἐστίν. In biblical context, it introduces explanations of spiritual truths, particularly in Paul’s writings where it clarifies deep theological concepts for better understanding.

Part of speech: Demonstrative Pronoun + Verb (Phrase)

Tags: explanation, interpretation, clarification, teaching, paul, doctrine, understanding, hermeneutics, exposition, clarity, meaning, translation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​