### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word σοῦ (soû) is the genitive singular form of the second-person personal pronoun σύ (sy, `{{G4771}}`), meaning "you" (singular). As a genitive case, its primary function is to denote possession ("of thee," "thy," "your"). However, its semantic range extends beyond simple possession to encompass various relationships typically expressed by the genitive case in Koine Greek. These include:
1. **Possession/Belonging:** The most common usage, indicating that something belongs to the person addressed (e.g., "thy house," "thy name").
2. **Subjective Genitive:** The person addressed is the subject performing an action or holding a quality (e.g., "thy faith" - the faith that *you* possess).
3. **Objective Genitive:** The person addressed is the object of an action, feeling, or state (e.g., "love of thee" - love directed *towards you*).
4. **Genitive of Source/Origin:** Indicating derivation or origin from the person addressed (e.g., "from thee").
5. **Genitive of Relationship:** Denoting a familial or personal connection (e.g., "thy brother").
6. **Genitive of Description/Quality:** Describing a characteristic or quality associated with the person addressed.
The singular nature of σοῦ inherently personalizes the communication, directing the statement or question to one specific individual, thereby fostering a sense of intimacy, directness, or individual accountability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Given the pervasive nature of personal pronouns, σοῦ appears thousands of times throughout the New Testament, reflecting the highly personal and relational character of biblical discourse. Its usage illuminates various theological and practical truths.
In prayers, σοῦ often highlights divine ownership and sovereignty. The Lord's Prayer, for instance, repeatedly uses σοῦ to emphasize God's preeminence: "Hallowed be **Thy** name. **Thy** kingdom come. **Thy** will be done" [[Matthew 6:9-10]]. Here, σοῦ underscores that God's name, kingdom, and will are uniquely His, belonging to Him alone, and are the proper objects of human reverence and submission.
In direct address from Jesus, σοῦ often personalizes His teachings and miracles. When Jesus heals, He frequently affirms the individual's role: "Daughter, **thy** faith has made thee well; go in peace" [[Mark 5:34]]. The use of σοῦ here emphasizes that the healing is not merely an external act but is intimately connected to the individual's personal trust. Similarly, in the call to discipleship, Jesus states, "Follow Me, and I will make thee fishers of men" [[Matthew 4:19]], where the implied σοῦ (as the genitive of the object of the verb) reinforces the direct, personal call.
In ethical exhortations, σοῦ brings the command directly to the individual, emphasizing personal responsibility. For example, "But when **thou** givest alms, let not **thy** left hand know what **thy** right hand is doing" [[Matthew 6:3]]. This direct address demands individual application and accountability.
The word also appears in profound theological statements, such as Jesus' prayer in [[John 17:10]]: "and all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine." Here, σοῦ (Thine) and ἐμοῦ (Mine) articulate the perfect unity and shared essence between the Father and the Son. In [[Luke 1:42]], Elizabeth's greeting to Mary, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of **thy** womb," highlights the unique and personal blessing bestowed upon Mary and her Son.
### Related Words & Concepts
σοῦ is inextricably linked to its nominative singular form, σύ (sy, `{{G4771}}`), meaning "you" (singular). Understanding σοῦ requires an appreciation of the entire paradigm of the second-person pronoun:
* **Nominative:** σύ (sy, `{{G4771}}`) - "you" (subject)
* **Genitive:** σοῦ (soû, `{{G4675}}`) - "of you," "your," "thy"
* **Dative:** σοί (soi) - "to you," "for you"
* **Accusative:** σέ (se) - "you" (object)
The plural counterparts are ὑμεῖς (hymeis, `{{G5210}}`) for the nominative plural, and ὑμῶν (hymōn, `{{G5216}}`) for the genitive plural ("of you," "your").
While σοῦ often functions adjectivally (like "thy" or "your"), the true possessive adjective is σός (sos, `{{G4674}}`). However, σοῦ is far more common in the New Testament for expressing possession, often being placed strategically for emphasis.
The concept conveyed by σοῦ is fundamental to personal relationships, both human-to-human and divine-to-human. It underscores the individual, unique identity of the person being addressed, contrasting with the more general or collective implications of plural pronouns.
### Theological Significance
The frequent and varied use of σοῦ carries profound theological significance.
1. **Personal Relationship with God:** The consistent use of σοῦ in prayer and divine address (e.g., "Thy will," "Thy kingdom") emphasizes that God is not an abstract force but a personal being with whom individuals can have a direct, intimate relationship. It invites a personal response of devotion, obedience, and trust.
2. **Individual Accountability:** When God's commands or Christ's teachings are delivered using σοῦ, it places the onus of response directly on the individual. Salvation, discipleship, and ethical living are not merely corporate endeavors but require a personal decision and commitment from "you."
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership:** Phrases like "Thy name" or "Thy will" underscore God's absolute ownership and authority over all creation and all aspects of life. Humanity's proper posture is one of submission to "Thy" divine plan.
4. **Intimacy and Grace:** In instances of healing or forgiveness, "thy faith" or "thy sins" personalize the divine action, highlighting the specific grace extended to an individual based on their unique circumstances and response. This creates a sense of direct encounter with the divine.
5. **Christ's Personal Ministry:** Jesus' frequent use of σοῦ in His interactions demonstrates His profound care for individuals, addressing their specific needs, challenging their particular assumptions, and inviting their personal commitment.
### Summary
σοῦ (`{{G4675}}`) is the genitive singular of the second-person pronoun σύ (`{{G4771}}`), primarily meaning "of thee," "thy," or "your." Its semantic range extends to encompass various genitive relationships including possession, source, relationship, and objective/subjective connections. In the biblical text, σοῦ is crucial for establishing direct, personal communication, whether between God and humanity, or among humans. Theologically, its consistent use highlights the personal nature of God, the individual's accountability before Him, God's supreme sovereignty, and the intimate, grace-filled encounters that define the divine-human relationship. It underscores that God's interactions and expectations are not merely for a collective, but for "you" personally.
TRV