from ὁ and δέ; the same, i.e. this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun:--he, she, such, these, thus.
Transliteration:hóde
Pronunciation:tod'-e
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3592}}` (hóde) is a demonstrative pronoun and adverb, derived from the definite article `{{G3588}}` (ho) and the postpositive particle `{{G1161}}` (de). Its fundamental meaning points to something in immediate proximity to the speaker or to something being directly introduced or referenced. As a demonstrative, it conveys "this here," "this one," or in the plural, "these." When used adverbially, it signifies "here," "hither," or "in this place." The provided definition emphasizes its pronominal function, encompassing "he," "she," "such," "these," and "thus," indicating its capacity to refer to persons, objects, or states of affairs with a sense of directness or immediate relevance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While `{{G3592}}` most frequently functions as an adverb meaning "here" or "hither" in the New Testament, its usage also aligns with the pronominal/demonstrative sense outlined in the definition.
1. **Adverbial Use ("here"):**
* In [[Matthew 24:23]], Jesus warns against false messiahs: "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it." Here, hóde (ὧδε) points to a specific, immediate location, emphasizing the deceptive nature of claims to Christ's physical presence.
* [[Luke 9:33]] records Peter's reaction on the Mount of Transfiguration: "As they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents...'" Peter's desire to remain "here" (ὧδε) reflects a human longing to preserve a moment of divine glory, though it momentarily distracts from the larger redemptive narrative.
2. **Pronominal/Demonstrative Use ("thus," "these things"):**
* The neuter plural form, táde (τάδε), explicitly fulfills the "thus" or "these" aspect of the definition. In [[Acts 15:23]], the Jerusalem Council's letter begins: "With them they sent the following letter: 'The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.'" The phrase "writing thus" (γράψαντες διὰ χειρὸς αὐτῶν τάδε) introduces the content of the letter, referring to "these things" that follow.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 21:11]], the prophet Agabus takes Paul's belt and declares: "'Thus says the Holy Spirit: "This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."'" Here, táde légei (τάδε λέγει) directly translates to "thus says" or "these things says," introducing a specific, divinely revealed prophecy concerning Paul's impending suffering. This usage underscores the authoritative and direct nature of the prophetic utterance.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G3592}}` stands in relation to other Greek demonstratives and particles:
* `{{G3778}}` (houtos): The most common demonstrative pronoun, meaning "this" or "that." While hóde often implies a stronger sense of immediate presence or direct reference, houtos is more general.
* `{{G1565}}` (ekeinos): The demonstrative pronoun for something more distant, meaning "that one."
* `{{G3588}}` (ho, he, to): The definite article, from which hóde is partially formed, signifying a specific, identified entity.
* `{{G1161}}` (de): A postpositive particle often indicating a slight shift, continuation, or contrast, contributing to the nuanced emphasis of hóde.
The concept of *deixis* (pointing or indicating) is central to `{{G3592}}`, highlighting its role in directing attention to specific persons, objects, or events within the narrative or discourse.
### Theological Significance
While `{{G3592}}` does not inherently carry a profound theological meaning, its strategic use in biblical texts can underscore significant theological truths:
* **Divine Presence and Revelation:** When hóde is used to indicate "here" in contexts related to Christ ([[Matthew 24:23]]), it implicitly affirms His unique and true presence, contrasting it with false claims. In prophetic declarations using táde légei ([[Acts 21:11]]), the word lends an immediate and authoritative weight to the divine message, emphasizing that God's word is direct, specific, and unfolding in real time.
* **Human Response to the Sacred:** Peter's desire to remain "here" ([[Luke 9:33]]) on the Mount of Transfiguration, though misguided in its full implications, reflects a natural human inclination to cling to moments of perceived divine glory. It highlights the tension between a desire for static spiritual experience and the dynamic, redemptive work of God that often calls for movement and suffering.
* **Clarity and Specificity:** The use of `{{G3592}}` in official communications ([[Acts 15:23]]) underscores the desire for clarity and specificity in conveying divine instructions or communal decisions, ensuring that the message is understood as "these things" or "thus" from the source.
### Summary
`{{G3592}}` (hóde) is a versatile Greek word functioning as both an adverb ("here") and a demonstrative pronoun ("this," "these," "thus"). Its core meaning emphasizes immediate proximity or direct reference. In biblical contexts, it serves to focus attention, whether to a physical location ([[Matthew 24:23]], [[Luke 9:33]]) or to the specific content of a message or prophecy ([[Acts 15:23]], [[Acts 21:11]]). While not a word with inherent theological weight, its usage provides emphasis and directness, powerfully conveying divine presence, authoritative pronouncements, and human responses to sacred encounters within the New Testament narrative.
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