dative case plural of ἐγώ; to (or for, with, by) us:--our, (for) us, we.
Transliteration:hēmîn
Pronunciation:hay-meen'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἡμῖν (hēmîn, `{{G2254}}`) is the first-person plural pronoun in the dative case. It is derived from ἐγώ (egō, `{{G1473}}`), the singular first-person pronoun "I." As a dative form, ἡμῖν carries a rich semantic range, primarily indicating the indirect object, recipient, beneficiary, or point of reference for an action. Its core meaning translates to "to us," "for us," "with us," "by us," or "among us," depending on the specific verbal context or implied preposition. It signifies a collective participation or experience on the part of the speaker and one or more others, emphasizing a relational or transactional aspect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἡμῖν appears frequently throughout the New Testament, underscoring the communal and relational dimensions of the Christian faith. Its usage consistently highlights the recipients of divine action, the beneficiaries of grace, or the collective subjects of shared experience.
Examples of its varied functions include:
* **Indirect Object/Recipient:** Often used to denote those to whom something is given, spoken, or revealed. For instance, in [[Luke 1:74]], Zechariah prophesies that God would "grant *us* (δοῦναι ἡμῖν), being rescued from the hand of our enemies, to serve him without fear." Similarly, in [[Romans 5:5]], it is stated that God's love "has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given *to us* (δοθείσης ἡμῖν)." The victory in Christ is also something God "gives *us* (τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν)" in [[1 Corinthians 15:57]].
* **Dative of Advantage/Reference:** Indicating for whose benefit or with respect to whom something occurs. In [[Luke 11:4]], believers pray, "forgive *us* our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted *to us* (ὀφείλοντι ἡμῖν)." The race of faith is described as that which is "set *before us* (προκειμένην ἡμῖν)" in [[Hebrews 12:1]], indicating the course laid out for the collective body of believers.
* **Dative with Verbs of Saying/Speaking:** Signifying the audience. Jesus often spoke "to us" (e.g., [[John 16:17]], where the disciples ponder what Jesus meant by "a little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me," and "because I am going to the Father").
These occurrences collectively paint a picture of a God who actively engages with and bestows blessings upon a corporate people, rather than solely isolated individuals.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἡμῖν is intrinsically linked to other first-person plural pronouns, all stemming from the root ἐγώ (`{{G1473}}`):
* ἡμεῖς (hēmeis, `{{G2249}}`): The nominative plural, meaning "we," emphasizing the subjects of an action.
* ἡμᾶς (hēmas, `{{G2248}}`): The accusative plural, meaning "us," emphasizing the direct objects of an action.
* ἡμῶν (hēmōn, `{{G2257}}`): The genitive plural, meaning "our" or "of us," indicating possession or origin.
The consistent use of these first-person plural forms highlights several theological concepts:
* **Corporate Identity:** The New Testament frequently speaks of believers as a unified body, the Church, sharing a common experience, salvation, and destiny.
* **Communal Salvation:** Salvation is not merely an individual transaction but brings believers into a new community, the Body of Christ.
* **Shared Inheritance:** Believers collectively inherit the promises of God, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life.
* **Solidarity and Fellowship:** The "we" emphasizes the mutual relationship among believers and their shared journey with Christ.
### Theological Significance
The frequent appearance of ἡμῖν carries profound theological weight. It underscores the communal and relational nature of God's redemptive work. God's grace, love, and gifts are not merely abstract concepts but are actively poured out "to us" and "for us." This emphasizes God's posture of generous giving and active engagement with humanity, specifically with the community of faith.
The dative case highlights the receptive stance of humanity in relation to God's initiative. It is God who gives "to us," God who acts "for us," and God who is "with us." This perspective counters any notion of a solely human-initiated path to salvation or spiritual growth, firmly rooting the Christian life in divine grace. Furthermore, ἡμῖν reinforces the solidarity of believers, reminding them that their blessings, responsibilities, and struggles are shared within the corporate body of Christ. It is a constant linguistic reminder of the covenantal relationship God establishes with His people, a relationship marked by mutual indwelling and shared purpose.
### Summary
ἡμῖν (hēmîn, `{{G2254}}`) is the dative first-person plural pronoun, translating broadly to "to us," "for us," or "with us." Its pervasive use in the New Testament is crucial for understanding the corporate dimension of Christian faith. It consistently highlights the collective recipients of God's grace, gifts, and commands, emphasizing God's active and generous engagement with His people. The word underscores the communal nature of salvation, the shared experience of believers in the Body of Christ, and the relational dynamic between God and His covenant community.
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