### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **emoí**, represented by `{{G1698}}`, is a prolonged form of the first-person pronoun meaning **to me**, **me**, **mine**, or **my**. It appears **95 times** across **87 unique verses**, establishing a direct, personal reference to the speaker. This word is crucial for understanding the speaker as the recipient or object of an action, relationship, or state of being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1698}}` is used to express several profound relational truths. It is central to the concept of the believer's union with Christ, as seen in the command to "**abide** in **me**" for fruitfulness [[John 15:4]]. It also conveys Christ's deep identification with His followers, where acts of service done to "one of the least of these" are considered done directly to **Him** [[Matthew 25:40]]. Furthermore, it is used in declarations of divine authority, such as when the Lord says, "Vengeance is **mine**" [[Romans 12:19]], and that every knee shall bow "to **me**" [[Romans 14:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related first-person pronouns expand upon this personal identification:
* `{{G1473}}` **egṓ** (I): This is a primary pronoun of the first person, often used for emphasis, as in Christ's declaration, "**I** am the vine" [[John 15:5]].
* `{{G1691}}` **emé** (me): A prolonged form used as the direct object of a verb, signifying the one who receives an action, as in "thou hast loved **me**" [[John 17:23]].
* `{{G1700}}` **emoû** (of me): This genitive form denotes possession or origin, as seen in the phrase "gave himself for **me**" [[Galatians 2:20]].
* `{{G3427}}` **moí** (to me): As the simpler form of ἐμοί, this word functions similarly, indicating the recipient, as in "what man shall do unto **me**" [[Hebrews 13:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1698}}` is immense, framing the believer's relationship with God.
* **Divine Indwelling:** The word is foundational to the doctrine of union with Christ. Paul's statement, "Christ liveth in **me**" [[Galatians 2:20]], and Jesus' promise that believers can abide "in **me**" [[John 14:20]], shifts the focus from external observance to an internal, transformative relationship.
* **Union with the Godhead:** `{{G1698}}` is used by Jesus to describe His own unity with the Father ("thou, Father, art in **me**") and to extend that unity to believers, that they may be "one in us" [[John 17:21]].
* **Christ's Identification with His People:** By stating that service to the needy is service "unto **me**" [[Matthew 25:40]], Jesus elevates acts of compassion to acts of worship and personal devotion to Him.
* **Assertion of Divine Authority:** When used in declarations like "Vengeance is **mine**" [[Romans 12:19]], the term asserts God's exclusive right and sovereign control over justice and retribution.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1698}}` functions as far more than a simple grammatical marker. It is a key word that defines the intimate and personal nature of the Christian faith. It undergirds core theological concepts such as the indwelling of Christ, the believer's union with the Godhead, and the direct identification of Jesus with His followers. Through this simple pronoun, scripture conveys the profound truth that the relationship between God and humanity is direct, personal, and transformative.
TRV