### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hēmâs**, represented by `{{G2248}}`, is the accusative plural form of "we," meaning **us**. It appears 178 times in 164 verses, consistently positioning believers as the recipients of divine action. The word is fundamental to understanding the nature of salvation, identifying those who are acted upon by God's grace, love, and redemptive power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G2248}}` is used to define the community of believers in relation to God's work. God has delivered **us** from the power of darkness and translated **us** into the kingdom of His Son [[Colossians 1:13]]. Christ has redeemed **us** from the curse of the law [[Galatians 3:13]] and washed **us** from our sins in his own blood [[Revelation 1:5]]. Furthermore, God has chosen **us** before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame [[Ephesians 1:4]]. This consistent usage highlights that the subjects identified by `hēmâs` are the direct objects of God's saving purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key verbs in the text further clarify the actions directed toward **us**:
* `{{G25}}` **agapáō** (to love): This verb emphasizes the foundational motivation for God's actions. It is used in contexts such as being "more than conquerors through him that loved **us**" [[Romans 8:37]] and Christ who "loved **us**, and washed **us** from our sins" [[Revelation 1:5]].
* `{{G4506}}` **rhýomai** (to deliver): This word describes the rescue of believers from peril. God has "delivered **us** from the power of darkness" [[Colossians 1:13]] and we pray for Him to "deliver **us** from evil" [[Matthew 6:13]].
* `{{G4982}}` **sṓzō** (to save): This term is central to the gospel, defining the ultimate act of God toward believers. It appears in declarations that God has "saved **us**, and called **us** with an holy calling" [[2 Timothy 1:9]] and that there is no other name "whereby we must be saved" [[Acts 4:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2248}}` is profound, defining the position of believers in God's plan.
* **Recipients of God's Sovereign Choice:** `{{G2248}}` identifies those God chose in Christ "before the foundation of the world" [[Ephesians 1:4]]. This group was "predestinated **us** unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself" [[Ephesians 1:5]], not based on works but on His purpose and grace [[2 Timothy 1:9]].
* **The Object of Redemption:** The word consistently points to those for whom Christ's sacrifice was made. Christ redeemed **us** from the law's curse [[Galatians 3:13]], gave himself for **us** to redeem **us** from iniquity [[Titus 2:14]], and reconciled **us** to God [[2 Corinthians 5:18]].
* **A Called and Commissioned People:** Those identified as **us** are not passive recipients but are given a new identity and purpose. God has made **us** "able ministers of the new testament" [[2 Corinthians 3:6]], "kings and priests unto God" [[Revelation 1:6]], and "meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" [[Colossians 1:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2248}}` is more than a simple pronoun; it is a term of profound theological identity. It defines the collective body of believers as the focus of God's redemptive history—the ones who are loved, chosen, delivered, saved, and called. The word shifts the perspective from human striving to the divine initiative, reminding the reader that salvation is what God has done for **us**.
TRV