### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mé**, represented by `{{G3165}}`, is a personal pronoun that functions as a shorter form of ἐμέ, meaning **me**, **I**, or **my**. It appears **302 times** across **277 unique verses** in the Bible. This word is crucial for understanding personal address and relationship, often used by Christ to define his mission and his connection to believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3165}}` is frequently used by Jesus to issue direct invitations and commands. He calls for all who labor to "Come unto **me**" [[Matthew 11:28]] and states, "If ye love **me**, keep my commandments" [[John 14:15]]. The term is also central to defining Jesus's relationship with God the Father, as seen in phrases like "the Father which hath sent **me**" [[John 6:44]]. This pronoun is used in profound statements of dependence and suffering, most notably in Jesus's cry from the cross, "why hast thou forsaken **me**?" [[Matthew 27:46]]. The Apostle Paul also uses it to express personal reliance on Christ's power [[Philippians 4:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related pronouns and words clarify and expand upon the concept of personal identity and relationship:
* `{{G1473}}` **egṓ** (I): This is the emphatic first-person pronoun, used to make a strong declaration of identity. For instance, Jesus distinguishes his divine initiative by saying, "Ye have not chosen me, but **I** have chosen you" [[John 15:16]].
* `{{G1691}}` **emé** (me): A prolonged form of `{{G3165}}`, used interchangeably in many contexts to refer to the self. Jesus uses it to declare His anointing in [[Luke 4:18]]: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon **me**."
* `{{G1700}}` **emoû** (of me): This genitive form indicates possession or relationship. It appears in contexts describing association or separation, as in "their heart is far from **me**" [[Mark 7:6]].
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (father): This word is frequently connected to `{{G3165}}` to establish Jesus's divine origin and mission, as seen in the statement, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the **Father** which hath sent me" [[John 5:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3165}}` is significant, highlighting the personal nature of God's plan for salvation.
* **Divine Mission and Authority:** The pronoun "me" is central to Jesus’s self-declaration as the one sent from God. His authority and purpose are rooted in this mission, as He states, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent **me**" [[John 6:38]].
* **The Object of Saving Faith:** `{{G3165}}` identifies the person to whom belief, love, and obedience are directed for salvation. To receive eternal life, one must believe on "him that sent **me**" [[John 5:24]] and demonstrate love through obedience [[John 14:15]].
* **Personal Invitation and Relationship:** The word establishes a direct connection between Christ and humanity. The invitation to "Come unto **me**" [[Matthew 11:28]] is a call to a personal relationship that offers rest and life, distinct from impersonal religious observance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3165}}` is a simple personal pronoun that carries immense theological weight. While its definition is straightforward, its usage in Scripture—particularly by Jesus—establishes His divine identity, His mission from the Father, and His role as the central figure of faith. It transforms abstract doctrines into direct, personal encounters, calling every individual to respond to the one who says, "Come unto **me**."
TRV