### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G1683}}` (emautoû) is a first-person singular reflexive pronoun, meaning "of myself," "to myself," or "myself," depending on its grammatical case. It is a compound formed from `{{G1700}}` (ἐγώ, *egō*), meaning "I," and `{{G846}}` (αὐτός, *autos*), meaning "self." As a reflexive pronoun, `{{G1683}}` indicates that the action or state described by the verb is directed back to the subject performing it. Its primary function is to emphasize the subject's self-reference, distinguishing its actions or origins from external sources. While the lemma itself is genitive (of myself), the definition also encompasses its dative (to/for myself) and accusative (myself) forms, all conveying the same fundamental reflexive meaning for the first person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{G1683}}` in the New Testament, though few, are profoundly significant, particularly in the Gospel of John and in one key Pauline epistle.
In John's Gospel, Jesus frequently uses the phrase ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ (ap' emautoû), meaning "from myself," to describe the origin and authority of His words and actions. This usage is central to understanding His relationship with the Father:
* In [[John 5:30]], Jesus declares, "I can do nothing of myself" (οὐ δύναμαι ἐγὼ ποιεῖν ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐδέν). This statement establishes His absolute dependence on the Father, asserting that His judgments are righteous because they are not His own independent will but the will of the Father who sent Him.
* Similarly, in [[John 7:17-18]], Jesus challenges His listeners to discern the divine origin of His teaching: "If anyone wills to do His will, he will know concerning the teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from myself" (εἴ τινος θέλει τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ ποιεῖν, γνώσεται περὶ τῆς διδαχῆς πότερον ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν ἢ ἐγὼ ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ λαλῶ). He then contrasts speaking "from myself" (ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ, using `{{G1438}}` for general self-reference) with seeking the glory of the one who sent Him, thereby underscoring His divine commission.
* [[John 8:28]] reiterates this theme: "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am, and I do nothing of myself" (ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ ποιῶ οὐδέν). This again links His identity and actions directly to the Father.
* Finally, in [[John 14:10]], Jesus assures His disciples, "The words that I speak to you I do not speak of myself" (τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λέγω ὑμῖν ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ λέγω), emphasizing that His teachings are the Father's words conveyed through Him.
In Paul's letters, `{{G1683}}` appears in [[Romans 15:17]], where Paul states, "I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God" (ἔχω οὖν τὴν καύχησιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν). The phrase "whereof I may glory" translates κατ᾽ ἐμαυτόν (kat' emauton), an accusative form of `{{G1683}}` used adverbially, meaning "in myself" or "as for myself." Here, Paul acknowledges a ground for boasting *in himself*, but immediately qualifies it by grounding it "in Christ Jesus" and in "things pertaining to God," thereby directing all credit to God's work through him.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1683}}` is intimately connected to `{{G1700}}` (ἐγώ, *egō*), the first-person singular pronoun "I," as it is the reflexive form of this pronoun. It is also a specific instance of the broader reflexive pronoun concept represented by `{{G846}}` (αὐτός, *autos*), which serves as the base for all reflexive pronouns (e.g., `{{G1438}}`, ἑαυτοῦ, *heautou*, meaning "himself, herself, itself, themselves"). The distinction is important: while `{{G1438}}` is the general reflexive, `{{G1683}}` specifically refers to the first person singular ("myself").
The concept of "self" (ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ or ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ) is often contrasted with "from God" (ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ), highlighting the source of authority, power, and truth. This contrast is central to theological discussions of divine inspiration, human autonomy, and the nature of Christ's person.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1683}}` is profound, particularly in its Christological implications within John's Gospel. Jesus' repeated assertion that He does nothing "from myself" (ἀπ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ) is a cornerstone of orthodox Christology. It underscores:
1. **Divine Dependence and Unity:** It emphasizes Jesus' complete and utter dependence on the Father, affirming the unity of will and action within the Godhead. His words and deeds are not His own independent initiatives but are perfectly aligned with, and sourced from, the Father. This refutes any notion of Jesus acting autonomously from God or being merely a human prophet.
2. **Authenticity of Revelation:** By stating His teachings are not "from myself," Jesus authenticates them as divine revelation. His message carries the full authority of God, not merely human wisdom or opinion. This establishes the absolute truthfulness and binding nature of His words.
3. **Humility and Self-Abnegation:** Though divine, Jesus models profound humility by consistently deferring to the Father as the ultimate source of His being, power, and mission.
In Paul's use in [[Romans 15:17]], `{{G1683}}` touches on the nature of Christian service and boasting. While Paul acknowledges a reason to boast *in himself* regarding his ministry, he immediately qualifies it as being "in Christ Jesus" and "in things pertaining to God." This highlights the principle that any human achievement or effectiveness in ministry is not due to inherent human ability or self-sufficiency, but is always God's work accomplished *through* the individual. It underscores the necessity of humility and the proper attribution of glory to God alone.
### Summary
`{{G1683}}` (emautoû) is a first-person singular reflexive pronoun meaning "myself." Its primary theological weight lies in the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses it to declare His absolute dependence on the Father, asserting that His words and actions are not "from myself" but originate from God. This usage is crucial for understanding the divine unity of the Trinity and the authentic, divine authority of Christ's revelation. In Paul's writings, `{{G1683}}` appears in the context of Christian boasting, where it serves to qualify human agency by directing all glory and credit back to God's work in and through the believer. In both contexts, `{{G1683}}` serves to highlight the source of authority and action, emphasizing either divine origin and dependence or the proper attribution of glory in human endeavor.
TRV