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Introduction
In the study of Biblical Greek, even the most basic words can carry profound significance. The Greek word ἐμέ (emé), a first-person singular pronoun meaning “me,” is a fundamental part of the language, appearing frequently throughout the New Testament. Understanding the use and nuances of this pronoun is essential for interpreting Biblical passages accurately, as it directly relates to the speaker or subject in question. This word is particularly significant in the context of New Testament interpretation, where the precise identity of the speaker or subject can affect the theological implications of a passage. Additionally, studying ἐμέ provides insight into the broader structure of ancient Greek, including its pronoun system and the way personal identity is expressed in the language.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐμέ (emé) [eh-MEH]
- Etymology: The word ἐμέ is derived from the first-person singular pronoun ἐγώ (egó), meaning “I” or “me,” in Greek. It represents the accusative form, used to indicate the direct object of a verb.
- Part of Speech: Pronoun (first-person singular, accusative case).
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Primary Meanings
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- “Me”: The primary meaning of ἐμέ is “me,” used as a direct object to refer to the speaker or subject of the sentence in the first person.
- Indicating Personal Involvement: In the context of a sentence, ἐμέ emphasizes the personal involvement or experience of the speaker.
Similar Words:
- ἐγώ (egó) [eh-GO]: The nominative form of the first-person singular pronoun, meaning “I.” It is used as the subject of a sentence.
- μου (mou) [moo]: The genitive form of the first-person singular pronoun, meaning “my” or “of me.” It indicates possession.
- μοι (moi) [moy]: The dative form of the first-person singular pronoun, meaning “to me” or “for me.” It indicates the indirect object of a verb.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐμέ is the accusative form of the first-person singular pronoun in Greek, indicating that it functions as the direct object of a verb. This form is used when the speaker or subject is the recipient of an action.
- Linguistic Features: The simplicity of ἐμέ belies its importance in sentence structure. In Greek, pronouns are inflected for case, number, and gender, which allows for flexibility in word order. The use of ἐμέ helps to clarify who is receiving the action in a sentence, which is crucial for understanding the intent and focus of the passage.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon identifies ἐμέ as the accusative form of the first-person singular pronoun, used primarily to indicate “me” as the direct object in a sentence. The lexicon emphasizes its frequent occurrence and essential role in the New Testament.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that ἐμέ, as a pronoun, is used to express the speaker’s involvement in an action, often highlighting personal experiences or direct impacts on the speaker.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary underscores the importance of understanding pronouns like ἐμέ in their grammatical context to accurately interpret passages where the speaker’s identity and role are crucial.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader look at the usage of ἐμέ in classical Greek, noting its function as a direct object pronoun in both literature and everyday speech, reflecting the common structure of Greek sentences.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐμέ as simply “me,” but notes its significance in conveying personal involvement or emphasis in various New Testament passages.
Scripture References
- John 14:9 – “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me (ἐμέ), Philip? Whoever has seen me (ἐμέ) has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”
- Matthew 25:40 – “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me (ἐμέ).’”
- Luke 22:61 – “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me (ἐμέ) three times.’”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “Do you not know me (ἐμέ) who has fought in your battles?” |
| Sophocles | Antigone | “It is not against me (ἐμέ) that you struggle, but against the gods.” |
| Plato | Apology | “You may kill me (ἐμέ), but you cannot harm my soul.” |
Summary of ἐμέ (G1691: emé)
The Greek word ἐμέ (emé) is a fundamental part of the New Testament’s linguistic framework, functioning as the accusative form of the first-person singular pronoun. Despite its simplicity, it plays a crucial role in conveying personal involvement and directing the action of a sentence toward the speaker. Its frequent usage in key New Testament passages underscores the importance of understanding this pronoun to fully grasp the nuances of the text. By examining ἐμέ, scholars and students alike gain deeper insight into the way personal identity and involvement are expressed in ancient Greek, enriching their understanding of Biblical texts.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek literature, the use of ἐμέ could often imply not just physical action directed toward the speaker, but also emotional or spiritual involvement. This subtlety in meaning adds a layer of depth to many New Testament passages, where Jesus or other speakers highlight their personal connection to the events described.
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