The Greek word ἐμαυτοῦ (emautoû), represented by G1683, is a reflexive pronoun meaning of myself, myself, or mine own self. It is a compound word used in various grammatical cases to refer back to the speaker. Appearing 37 times in 37 unique verses, it plays a significant role in expressing personal agency, resolve, and relationship to divine authority.
The compound structure of G1683 itself, combining G1691 (emé, the accusative form of "I") and G846 (autós, "self"), inherently emphasizes the speaker as the direct object or agent of their own action or thought. This grammatical construction goes beyond simple first-person reference, lending a distinct force to the self-involvement or self-origination of an act or state. It underscores a profound personal connection, whether in asserting individual resolve, acknowledging limitations, or articulating a unique relationship to a higher power, making the speaker both the subject and the object of the verb's action.
In biblical usage, G1683 is frequently employed by Jesus to distinguish His own initiative from the will of the Father. He states, "I can of mine own self do nothing" John 5:30 and "I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works" John 14:10. This highlights His perfect submission. The Apostle Paul uses the term to express his personal dedication and humility in ministry, stating he has made himself a servant to all 1 Corinthians 9:19 and does not count his life dear to himself in order to finish his course Acts 20:24.
Beyond Christ's divine submission, G1683 also illuminates the personal convictions and internal resolve of the apostles. Paul, for instance, employs it to articulate his conscious decisions and the principles guiding his ministry. He states, "I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness" 2 Corinthians 2:1, revealing a deliberate, internal choice rather than external compulsion. Similarly, in his defense before King Agrippa, Paul expresses a personal sense of contentment, declaring, "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee" Acts 26:2. This usage highlights the speaker's personal agency in self-determination and self-presentation, often in challenging circumstances, further demonstrated by Jesus' sovereign declaration, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself" John 10:18, asserting His unique authority over His own life.
Several related words help clarify the concept of personal action and will associated with G1683:
- G4160 poiéō (to make or do): This word for action is often used in contrast to self-will, as when Jesus says He does not do anything of Himself, but only what the Father has taught Him John 8:28.
- G2307 thélēma (will): This term for desire or purpose is crucial. Jesus explicitly states He does not seek His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him John 5:30.
- G1392 doxázō (to render glorious): Jesus uses this to explain the source of His honor, stating that if He were to honour Himself, His honour would be nothing; rather, it is the Father who honours Him John 8:54.
- G1402 doulóō (to enslave): Paul uses this to describe his posture in ministry, explaining that though free, he has made myself servant to all to win more people 1 Corinthians 9:19.
- G1699 emós (my, mine): This possessive pronoun directly reflects ownership or association with the speaker, complementing G1683 by indicating what belongs to the self, in contrast to the reflexive's emphasis on action originating from or directed back to the self.
The theological weight of G1683 is significant, particularly in Christology and Christian ethics.
- Divine Submission: The word is foundational to understanding the relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus repeatedly uses it to emphasize that His words, actions, and very presence are not from His own initiative but from the Father who sent Him (John 7:28, John 8:42, John 12:49).
- Sacrificial Service: Paul provides a model for Christian ministry by using G1683 to describe his own self-abasement and servitude for the sake of the gospel and the believers (2 Corinthians 11:7, 1 Corinthians 9:19).
- Personal Consecration: Jesus declares, "for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth" John 17:19. This demonstrates a deliberate act of setting oneself apart for God's purposes.
- Humility in Self-Assessment: The term is used to express the limits of self-judgment. Paul states, "I judge not mine own self," acknowledging that the Lord is the ultimate judge 1 Corinthians 4:3 and that he has not yet "apprehended" his goal Philippians 3:13.
- The Nature of Self-Testimony: G1683 is pivotal in the Johannine discourses concerning the validity of Jesus' own witness. While Jesus initially states, "If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true" John 5:31, implying that human self-testimony alone lacks ultimate corroboration, He later asserts, "Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go" John 8:14. This apparent paradox is resolved by His unique identity and the Father's co-witness, establishing G1683 as a key term in understanding the divine authority and truthfulness of Christ's claims, which do not rely on external human validation.
The Greek reflexive pronoun G1683 (emautoû), meaning "of myself," serves as a profound linguistic tool in the New Testament for articulating personal agency, resolve, and the intricate relationship between self and divine authority. Its compound nature, literally "of me myself," reinforces a direct and undeniable connection to the speaker, whether in action, thought, or determination.
In the teachings of Jesus, G1683 is foundational to understanding His incarnate existence and perfect submission to the Father. He consistently uses it to clarify that His words and works originate not from His own independent human will, but from the Father who sent Him, thereby defining the very nature of divine submission and unity. Yet, in moments like declaring His power to lay down His life "of myself" John 10:18, G1683 also underscores His unique divine authority and sovereign control, even in self-sacrifice. Furthermore, the word is crucial in His discourse on self-testimony, where His claims, though appearing as self-witness, are ultimately validated by His divine origin and the Father's corroboration.
For the Apostle Paul, G1683 paints a vivid picture of apostolic humility, sacrificial service, and unwavering personal consecration. He employs it to describe his deliberate choices in ministry, such as making "myself servant unto all" 1 Corinthians 9:19 for the gospel's sake, and his profound self-assessment, as when he states, "I judge not mine own self" 1 Corinthians 4:3, deferring ultimate judgment to the Lord. His personal resolve, as seen in determining not to come in heaviness 2 Corinthians 2:1, and his humble recognition of his own limitations, "I count not myself to have apprehended" Philippians 3:13, further illustrate the ethical and spiritual depth conveyed by this seemingly simple pronoun. Thus, G1683 transcends a mere grammatical function, becoming a theological marker for Christ's divine identity and the believer's call to self-denial and consecrated service.
TRV