Brief Overview of σύ (Strong’s G4771: su)

Strong’s G4771: The second person personal pronoun meaning “you” (singular). From Proto-Indo-European *túh₂. A fundamental word in biblical discourse, especially significant in conveying direct divine address to individuals and in personal spiritual dialogue. Used extensively in both declarative and intimate conversational contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σύ serves as the primary second person singular pronoun in Koine Greek, carrying deep significance in biblical texts, particularly in passages of divine address. Its usage creates immediacy and intimacy in communication, especially notable in prayer texts and prophetic utterances. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in direct discourse with the Messiah and in apostolic teachings. Early church fathers emphasized its importance in personal prayer and divine-human dialogue. Today, it reminds us of the personal nature of our relationship with God, highlighting that He addresses us individually and intimately.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύ, su, /soo/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOO (as in “soon” without the ‘n’)
• Part of Speech: Personal Pronoun (Second Person Singular)

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *túh₂
• Related to Latin “tu” and English “thou”
• One of the most stable pronouns across Indo-European languages

D – Defining Meanings

• You (singular, nominative)
• Thou (archaic English equivalent)
• The person being directly addressed

Translation Options:

• “You” – Modern standard English usage
• “Thou” – Formal/archaic translation preserving singular distinction
• “You yourself” – Emphatic usage when pronoun is stressed

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑμεῖς (humeis) /hoo-mice’/ – you (plural) See G5210
• σεαυτοῦ (seautou) /seh-ow-too’/ – yourself See G4572
• ἐγώ (ego) /eg-o’/ – I (first person singular) See G1473

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a personal pronoun:

• Case forms:
• Nominative: σύ (you)
• Genitive: σοῦ (of you)
• Dative: σοί (to/for you)
• Accusative: σέ (you as object)
• Number: Singular only
• Person: Second person
• Gender: Not marked for gender

The word changes form based on its function in the sentence, similar to English “I/me/my/mine.”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its fundamental role in direct address. Thayer’s notes its emphatic use in certain contexts. LSJ traces its usage through classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its importance in divine-human dialogue. Strong’s connects it to other Indo-European pronouns. LEH documents its frequent use in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its consistent usage in everyday Koine Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 2:6: “And you [σύ], Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah.”

Additional References:
Matthew 3:14
Matthew 6:6
Matthew 11:3
John 1:42
John 3:10
Acts 10:15
Romans 2:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σύ represents the beautiful intimacy of personal address in Scripture, particularly highlighting the direct, personal nature of God’s communication with His people. This pronoun reminds us that the good news of King Jesus is not just a general message but a personal invitation to relationship with the living God, who addresses each of us directly and personally.

D – Did You Know?

• It’s one of the most stable words across Indo-European languages
• In biblical Greek, it’s often used emphatically to show contrast or emphasis
• The pronoun appears in some of the earliest known Greek inscriptions

Strong’s G4771: The second person personal pronoun meaning “you” (singular). From Proto-Indo-European *túh₂. A fundamental word in biblical discourse, especially significant in conveying direct divine address to individuals and in personal spiritual dialogue. Used extensively in both declarative and intimate conversational contexts.

Part of speech: Personal Pronoun

Tags: pronouns, grammar, direct-address, divine-communication, personal-relationship, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, prayer-language, intimate-discourse, personal-pronouns​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​