the simpler form of ἐμοί; to me:--I, me, mine, my.
Transliteration:moí
Pronunciation:moy
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μοί (moí, `{{G3427}}`) is the dative singular form of the first-person personal pronoun ἐγώ (egō, `{{G1473}}`), meaning "I." As such, its core meaning revolves around indicating the indirect object, recipient, or beneficiary of an action, as well as expressing possession or agency in certain constructions. The English translations "to me," "for me," "by me," "my," and sometimes simply "me" (when the dative function is absorbed into the verb's meaning) capture its diverse semantic range. It functions grammatically to show direction, interest, advantage, disadvantage, or a close relationship pertaining to the speaker. While often enclitic and unstressed, its placement within a sentence can occasionally carry a subtle emphasis, drawing attention to the speaker's personal involvement or perspective.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μοί is exceedingly common throughout the New Testament, appearing hundreds of times, reflecting the personal nature of much biblical discourse. Its usage illuminates various grammatical and theological nuances:
* **Indirect Object:** This is its most frequent function, denoting the recipient of an action. For example, in [[Matthew 14:8]], Salome requests, "Give *me* here on a platter the head of John the Baptist" (δός *μοί*). Similarly, in [[John 14:21]], Jesus promises, "I will manifest myself *to him*" (ἐμφανίσω αὐτῷ ἐμαυτόν, but the context often implies the dative for the recipient of the manifestation). A clearer example of indirect object is [[Luke 1:43]]: "And why is this granted *to me*?" (καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο).
* **Dative of Possession:** μοί can express possession, often without a possessive adjective. In [[John 2:4]], Jesus asks, "What has that *to do with me* and with you?" (Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί), where ἐμοὶ (the emphatic form of μοί) signifies "my concern" or "my business." Another example is [[Luke 1:48]], where Mary proclaims, "For he has looked on the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call *me* blessed" (μακαριοῦσίν *με* πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί), though here the accusative με is used, the dative μοί can imply possession, such as "my Father" (ὁ πατήρ μοι).
* **Dative of Advantage/Disadvantage (Dativus Commodi/Incommodi):** This usage indicates the person for whose benefit or detriment an action is performed. A profound example is [[Philippians 1:21]]: "For *to me*, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (ἐμοὶ γὰρ τὸ ζῆν Χριστὸς καὶ τὸ ἀποθανεῖν κέρδος). Here, ἐμοὶ emphasizes Paul's personal conviction and the ultimate benefit for him in either life or death.
* **Dative of Reference/Relation:** μοί can define the person to whom something pertains or in relation to whom a statement is true. In [[John 14:1]], Jesus says, "Let not your heart be troubled; believe *in me*" (πιστεύετε εἰς *ἐμέ*), though the dative μοί can be used with verbs of trust, indicating the object of faith. More directly, in [[Galatians 2:20]], "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved *me* and gave himself for *me*" (ὁ ἀγαπήσας *με* καὶ παραδοὺς ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ *ἐμοῦ*), the dative is implied by the action directed towards the speaker. A clear example of the dative of reference is [[Luke 2:26]], where it was revealed *to him* (Simeon) by the Holy Spirit (κεχρηματισμένον ἦν αὐτῷ ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος τοῦ Ἁγίου).
### Related Words & Concepts
μοί is inherently linked to the other cases of the first-person singular pronoun ἐγώ (egō, `{{G1473}}`):
* ἐμοῦ (emou, `{{G1700}}`): The genitive form, meaning "of me" or "my."
* ἐμέ (eme, `{{G1691}}`): The accusative form, meaning "me" (direct object).
* ἐγώ (egō, `{{G1473}}`): The nominative form, meaning "I."
These forms collectively define the speaker's role in a sentence. Beyond the singular, μοί stands in contrast to the first-person plural dative ἡμῖν (hēmin, `{{G2254}}`), "to us" or "for us," highlighting the distinction between individual and corporate experience. The concept of personal pronouns in general, and the first-person pronoun specifically, is fundamental to human communication and, by extension, to the biblical narrative's portrayal of individual relationships with God, others, and self.
### Theological Significance
While μοί is a grammatical particle, its pervasive use carries significant theological weight. It consistently points to the *personal* dimension of faith and divine interaction:
1. **Personal Revelation and Relationship:** God's revelation, commands, and promises are not merely abstract but are often directed *to me* or *for me*. This underscores the intimate and personal nature of God's relationship with individuals, as seen in Jesus's repeated invitations and declarations to his disciples (e.g., "Follow *me*").
2. **Individual Responsibility and Response:** The dative μοί frequently highlights the individual's call to respond to God's grace or command. "What must *I* do to be saved?" implicitly involves the dative of interest. The personal nature of sin and repentance is also captured; sin is often "against *me*" or "my" responsibility.
3. **Subjective Experience of Christ:** Paul's profound statements, such as "For *to me*, to live is Christ" [[Philippians 1:21]] or "Christ lives *in me*" [[Galatians 2:20]], are powerful theological declarations of a deeply personal, transformative union with Christ. The dative here emphasizes the subjective reality of faith and the indwelling of the Spirit.
4. **Suffering and Discipleship:** The path of discipleship, often involving suffering, is also presented personally. The burdens, challenges, and persecutions are experienced *by me* or *for me*, connecting the individual believer's experience to Christ's own suffering.
### Summary
μοί (moí, `{{G3427}}`) is the dative singular form of the first-person pronoun, meaning "to me," "for me," or "my." Grammatically, it functions primarily as an indirect object, indicating the recipient, beneficiary, or person to whom an action pertains. Its frequent appearance in the New Testament underscores the intensely personal nature of the biblical narrative. Theologically, μοί consistently highlights the individual's direct relationship with God, the personal reception of divine revelation and grace, the subjective experience of Christ's indwelling, and the personal call to discipleship and its accompanying responsibilities and challenges. It serves as a constant reminder that the grand narrative of salvation is intricately woven with the individual's personal journey of faith.
TRV