### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sý**, represented by `{{G4771}}`, is the personal pronoun for **thou**, used for direct, singular address. It appears **178 times** across **163 unique verses** in the Bible. This pronoun is essential for establishing a personal connection, whether in direct conversation, divine declaration, or intimate prayer, singling out an individual for a specific message, command, or revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4771}}` is used to frame moments of profound revelation and personal calling. It is central to the affirmation of Jesus's identity, as when Peter declares, "**Thou** art the Christ, the Son of the living God" [[Matthew 16:16]], or when the voice from heaven proclaims, "**Thou** art my beloved Son" [[Mark 1:11]]. The term is also used to issue direct commands and impart personal responsibility, such as Paul's instruction to Timothy, "But **thou**, O man of God, flee these things" [[1 Timothy 6:11]]. In prayer, it establishes an intimate I-Thou relationship, most notably in Jesus's submission to the Father: "not as I will, but as **thou** wilt" [[Matthew 26:39]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and grammatical cases build upon the direct address of **sý**:
* `{{G1473}}` **egṓ** (I, me): This first-person pronoun is the direct counterpart to **sý**, often establishing the "I-thou" relationship seen in Jesus's declarations, such as "**I** have overcome the world" [[John 16:33]].
* `{{G4572}}` **seautoû** (of thyself): This reflexive form points the action back to the individual, emphasizing personal responsibility, as in the command to love your neighbor as **thyself** [[Luke 10:27]].
* `{{G4671}}` **soí** (to thee): The dative case, indicating the recipient of a word or action. Jesus uses it to say, "I say unto **thee**, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" [[John 3:3]].
* `{{G4675}}` **soû** (of thee, thy): This genitive case indicates possession. It is used in the Lord's Prayer, "**Thy** kingdom come. **Thy** will be done" [[Matthew 6:10]].
* `{{G5210}}` **hymeîs** (you): The plural form of **sý**, used to address a group rather than an individual. Jesus uses it when speaking to his disciples, "**Ye** are the salt of the earth" [[Matthew 5:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4771}}` is immense, as it personalizes divine truth and applies it directly to an individual.
* **Divine Identity and Affirmation:** The pronoun is critical in moments of divine revelation. Jesus's identity is affirmed directly when God the Father says, "**Thou** art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" [[Hebrews 1:5]].
* **Personal Faith and Accountability:** The use of **sý** shifts focus from a collective to an individual's condition and responsibility. Paul warns a believer directly, "**thou** standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear" [[Romans 11:20]], and James challenges an individual's belief with "**Thou** believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" [[James 2:19]].
* **Intimacy with God:** The pronoun is the language of intimate communion with God. Jesus's prayer in John 17 is filled with it, establishing the unity between Father and Son: "as **thou**, Father, art in me, and I in thee" [[John 17:21]]. It is also used in worship, as in the heavenly cry, "**Thou** art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for **thou** hast created all things" [[Revelation 4:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4771}}` is far more than a simple pronoun. It is a cornerstone of biblical communication, transforming abstract doctrines into personal encounters. By singling out "thou," scripture delivers commands, affirms identity, and fosters a direct, intimate relationship between God and individuals. It ensures that the divine message is never merely general, but is always a specific and personal call to the one being addressed.
TRV