probably from the same as δεινῶς (through the idea of forgetting the name as fearful, i.e. strange); so and so (when the person is not specified):--such a man.
Transliteration:deîna
Pronunciation:di'-nah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1170 (δεῖνα, *deîna*) functions as an indefinite pronoun, signifying "so and so," "such a man," or "a certain person" whose name is either unknown, forgotten, or intentionally left unspecified. The base definition suggests a potential etymological connection to δεινῶς (`{{G1169}}`), implying a sense of strangeness or even a deliberate omission due to a perceived "fear" or reluctance to name. However, in its practical usage, G1170 primarily serves as a placeholder for an unnamed individual, conveying a sense of anonymity or a deliberate withholding of specific identity. It points to a specific person without disclosing their name, often because the name is not pertinent to the immediate context or is known only to the speaker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1170 (δεῖνα) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 26:18]]**: "He said, 'Go into the city to such a man, and say to him, "The Teacher says, 'My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.'"'"
* In this pivotal passage, Jesus instructs His disciples to prepare for the Passover meal. Rather than providing a specific name, He directs them to "such a man" (πρὸς τὸν δεῖνα). This usage is highly significant. It suggests that while the person's identity was unknown to the disciples, Jesus Himself possessed full knowledge of this individual and their willingness to host the Passover. The anonymity for the disciples underscores divine foreknowledge and pre-arrangement. It implies a pre-existing understanding or agreement between Jesus and this unnamed host, perhaps for reasons of security or to demonstrate Jesus' sovereign control over the unfolding events leading to His passion. The disciples were called to obey the instruction without needing to know the host's name, trusting Jesus' precise, albeit veiled, direction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of an unspecified person is commonly conveyed by other Greek terms, most notably τις (`{{G5100}}`), which can mean "someone," "anyone," "a certain one," or "a certain thing." While τις is a general indefinite pronoun, δεῖνα (`{{G1170}}`) carries a more specific nuance of referring to *a particular, known individual* whose name is simply not stated. It is not "just anyone," but "that specific person whose name I am not mentioning."
Other related concepts include:
* **Anonymity vs. Divine Knowledge**: The use of δεῖνα highlights the contrast between human ignorance of specific details and God's complete, intimate knowledge.
* **Sovereignty and Providence**: The instruction to go to "such a man" demonstrates God's meticulous planning and the precise orchestration of events, even down to the host for the Passover.
* **Obedience and Trust**: The disciples' willingness to follow an instruction involving an unnamed individual speaks to their trust in Jesus' authority and knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G1170 (δεῖνα) in [[Matthew 26:18]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a subtle yet powerful affirmation of Christ's omniscience and sovereign control over all circumstances. Even as the hour of His betrayal approached, Jesus was not a victim of circumstance but actively orchestrating the events according to God's predetermined plan.
The "such a man" is not a random individual but a person specifically chosen and known by Jesus for this sacred purpose. This demonstrates:
1. **Divine Precision**: God's plan is not vague but incredibly precise, even when the details are not fully revealed to human agents.
2. **Hidden Providence**: There are often elements of God's working that remain veiled to us, requiring faith and obedience without full comprehension of every detail. The disciples did not need to know the host's name; they needed only to obey the instruction.
3. **Christ's Authority**: Jesus' ability to send His disciples to an unnamed individual, knowing that "such a man" would be prepared and willing, underscores His divine authority and the pre-arranged nature of His final Passover. It speaks to a divine appointment, not a chance encounter.
### Summary
The Greek word G1170 (δεῖνα, *deîna*), though appearing only once in the New Testament in [[Matthew 26:18]], is an instructive indefinite pronoun meaning "such a man" or "a certain specific, but unnamed, person." Its solitary use in the context of Jesus' instructions for the Passover preparation profoundly illuminates Christ's divine foreknowledge and sovereign orchestration of events. It underscores that while human agents may operate with limited knowledge (not knowing the host's name), God's plan is meticulously precise and fully known to Him. The disciples' obedience to go to "such a man" without further identification serves as a powerful example of trusting Christ's authority and wisdom, even when the full scope of His divine appointments remains veiled.
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