a shorter (and probably original) form of ἐμέ; me:--I, me, my.
Transliteration:mé
Pronunciation:meh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μέ (transliterated as *mé*) serves as the first-person singular personal pronoun in the accusative case. It is identified as a shorter, and likely original, form of ἐμέ (`{{G1691}}`). Its fundamental meaning is "me," functioning as the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition. While its base definition is strictly accusative, contextual usage can imply a possessive sense (e.g., "my" in certain idiomatic expressions or when referring to something belonging to "me"). Grammatically, it is derived from the nominative ἐγώ (`{{G1473}}`, "I"). Its primary role is to denote the speaker as the recipient of an action or the object of a relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As a ubiquitous first-person pronoun, μέ appears extensively throughout the New Testament, frequently in the words of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Its significance often lies not merely in its grammatical function but in the identity of the speaker and the theological weight of the statement.
When spoken by Jesus, μέ consistently points to His unique person and divine mission. For instance, in His profound declaration in [[John 14:6]], "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through *me*," the use of μέ underscores His exclusive mediatorial role. Similarly, in [[John 6:35]], "Whoever comes to *me* shall not hunger, and whoever believes in *me* shall never thirst," Jesus emphasizes the necessity of a personal relationship with Him for spiritual sustenance and eternal life. Here, μέ highlights His identity as the source of life and salvation. In [[John 15:5]], "Apart from *me* you can do nothing," the pronoun stresses the believer's absolute dependence on Christ for spiritual fruitfulness.
When used by the apostles, μέ often reflects their personal experiences, callings, and relationship with Christ. Paul frequently employs it to speak of his apostolic ministry, his suffering for the Gospel, or his profound union with Christ. For example, in [[Galatians 2:20]], "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in *me*," μέ powerfully conveys the transformative indwelling of Christ within the believer. Peter's declaration in [[Matthew 16:16]], "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is followed by Jesus' response, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven" (referring to the revelation *to* him).
The contexts in which μέ appears often revolve around themes of invitation, command, revelation, and personal relationship, making its seemingly simple grammatical function carry profound theological weight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μέ is enriched by considering its grammatical and semantic relatives:
* **ἐγώ (`{{G1473}}`)**: The nominative first-person singular pronoun, "I." μέ is the accusative form of this pronoun. The relationship between "I" and "me" is fundamental to understanding the speaker's identity and role in a sentence.
* **ἐμέ (`{{G1691}}`)**: The longer, more emphatic form of the accusative first-person singular pronoun, also meaning "me." While μέ is the more common form, ἐμέ can be used for added emphasis.
* **μου (`{{G3450}}`)**: The genitive first-person singular pronoun, meaning "my" or "of me." This form expresses possession or relationship.
* **ἡμᾶς (`{{G2248}}`)**: The first-person plural accusative pronoun, "us," representing the plural counterpart to μέ.
Beyond grammatical relations, μέ evokes several theological concepts:
* **Personal Identity**: Especially when spoken by Jesus, μέ underscores His unique divine identity and mission.
* **Divine-Human Interaction**: It often appears in contexts describing the interaction between God/Christ and humanity, such as invitations to believe or follow.
* **Mediation**: Jesus' use of μέ frequently highlights His role as the sole mediator between God and humanity.
* **Discipleship and Dependence**: The call to "follow me" or the declaration "apart from me you can do nothing" emphasizes the nature of discipleship and the believer's reliance on Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μέ is profoundly shaped by its speaker, especially when that speaker is Jesus Christ.
* **Christological Centrality**: When Jesus says "me," it is never merely a grammatical formality. It points directly to His person as the locus of salvation, truth, and life. His claims such as "come to *me*", "believe in *me*", "follow *me*", and "abide in *me*" are invitations to a saving, transforming relationship with God Himself. This underscores His unique status as the Son of God and the sole means of access to the Father.
* **The Necessity of Personal Relationship**: The repeated use of μέ by Jesus highlights that salvation and spiritual life are not abstract concepts but deeply personal. One must come *to Him*, believe *in Him*, and abide *in Him*. This emphasizes the relational core of the Christian faith.
* **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**: Jesus' use of μέ often carries an implicit claim to divine authority. When He states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to *me*" [[Matthew 28:18]], it is a declaration of His sovereign power and right to command.
* **The Believer's Identity in Christ**: For the apostles and believers, the use of μέ often reflects their personal surrender, identification with, and dependence upon Christ. Paul's "Christ lives in *me*" [[Galatians 2:20]] is a prime example, illustrating the profound theological truth of Christ's indwelling presence and the believer's new identity found in Him.
* **Suffering and Mission**: In the context of apostolic witness, μέ can also signify the personal cost and commitment to the Gospel, as apostles speak of what they have endured for Christ or what Christ has called them to do.
### Summary
The Greek word μέ (`{{G3165}}`) is the first-person singular personal pronoun in the accusative case, meaning "me." Though grammatically simple, its theological weight is immense, particularly when spoken by Jesus Christ. In His words, μέ consistently points to His unique identity as the Son of God, the exclusive mediator between God and humanity, and the source of all spiritual life and salvation. It underscores the necessity of a personal, relational faith centered on Him. For believers, μέ speaks to their absolute dependence on Christ and their new identity found in Him. Thus, this seemingly simple pronoun is a foundational element in articulating the Christological core of the New Testament and the deeply personal nature of faith.
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