the personal pronoun of the second person singular; thou:-- thou. See also σέ, σοί, σοῦ; and for the plural ὑμᾶς, ὑμεῖς, ὑμῖν, ὑμῶν.
Transliteration:sý
Pronunciation:soo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word σύ (G4771) functions as the nominative singular form of the second-person personal pronoun. Its most direct English equivalent is "you" (singular). Unlike some languages, Greek does not inherently distinguish between formal and informal "you" through this pronoun; its primary function is to indicate direct address to a single individual. The core meaning thus centers on the singular recipient of an action, statement, or question. While the verb ending in Greek often indicates the person and number (e.g., βλέπεις - "you see"), the explicit inclusion of σύ frequently serves to add emphasis, contrast, or clarity to the address. This emphasis can highlight the individual's responsibility, unique position, or the personal nature of the interaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As a fundamental pronoun for direct address, σύ (G4771) appears thousands of times throughout the New Testament, permeating dialogue, commands, and prayers. Its contextual usage reveals several key patterns:
* **Divine Address to Humanity:** God and Jesus frequently use σύ when addressing individuals, underscoring a personal relationship or a specific command. For example, Jesus asks Peter, "But σύ (you), who do you say that I am?" [[Matthew 16:15]], demanding a personal confession. Similarly, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus addresses Peter, "Are σύ (you) asleep?" [[Mark 14:37]], highlighting Peter's individual failure.
* **Human Address to Divinity:** In prayers and supplications, σύ is consistently used, emphasizing the direct, personal nature of communication with God. The leper's plea, "Lord, if σύ (you) are willing, you can make me clean" [[Matthew 8:2]], demonstrates both faith in Jesus' power and a personal appeal.
* **Emphasis and Contrast:** Often, σύ is used when the subject is already clear from the verb, indicating an emphatic or contrasting purpose. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states, "Why do σύ (you) see the speck in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?" [[Matthew 7:3]]. Here, the explicit σύ draws a sharp contrast between the accuser and the accused, highlighting hypocrisy.
* **Singular Focus within a Group:** Even when addressing a crowd, Jesus might shift to σύ to make a point acutely personal to each listener. This technique compels individual reflection and response.
* **Questions and Challenges:** σύ is central to questions that probe an individual's identity, belief, or actions, as seen in Pilate's interrogation of Jesus: "Are σύ (you) the King of the Jews?" [[John 18:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The full semantic range of the second-person singular pronoun in Greek is completed by its various case forms:
* σέ (G4571): The accusative singular form ("you," as a direct object).
* σοί (G4671): The dative singular form ("to/for you").
* σοῦ (G4675): The genitive singular form ("of you," or possessive "your").
Beyond the singular, the New Testament employs a distinct set of pronouns for the second-person plural, explicitly noted in the lemma's definition:
* ὑμεῖς (G5210): Nominative plural ("you all").
* ὑμᾶς (G5209): Accusative plural ("you all," as direct object).
* ὑμῖν (G5213): Dative plural ("to/for you all").
* ὑμῶν (G5216): Genitive plural ("of you all," or possessive "your").
The contrast between σύ (G4771) and its plural counterparts is crucial for discerning whether an address is directed to an individual or a group, a distinction often lost in modern English translations that use "you" for both. Conceptually, σύ is often contrasted with ἐγώ (G1473, "I"), establishing a direct speaker-to-listener dynamic that forms the bedrock of personal communication in the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The pervasive use of σύ (G4771) carries profound theological weight:
* **Personal Relationship with God:** The frequent use of σύ in both human address to God (prayer, worship) and divine address to humanity (commands, promises, invitations) underscores the deeply personal and relational nature of biblical faith. God is not an abstract force but one who engages directly with the individual "you." This highlights the covenantal relationship where God knows and interacts with His people on an individual basis.
* **Individual Accountability and Responsibility:** When divine commands, warnings, or calls to repentance are delivered using σύ, they emphasize individual moral responsibility before God. Each person is personally accountable for their choices and actions. "If σύ (you) wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions..." [[Matthew 19:21]] is a direct challenge to individual commitment.
* **Divine Intimacy and Calling:** Jesus' use of σύ with His disciples, particularly in moments of profound teaching or personal commissioning, reveals a profound level of intimacy and specific calling. His question to Peter, "Do σύ (you) love me?" [[John 21:17]], is a personal probe into the depth of Peter's devotion, leading to a unique commission.
* **The "You" of Discipleship:** The call to follow Christ is often presented as an individual invitation, requiring a personal response. While there is corporate discipleship, the initial and ongoing commitment is fundamentally personal, directed to "you."
### Summary
σύ (G4771) is the nominative singular second-person pronoun, meaning "you." While grammatically straightforward, its frequent and varied use in the New Testament is rich with theological significance. It fundamentally establishes a direct, personal encounter, whether in prayer, divine command, or human dialogue. The explicit use of σύ often adds emphasis, highlights individual accountability, and underscores the intimate and relational nature of God's interaction with humanity. Understanding σύ is crucial for grasping the personal dimension of faith, discipleship, and the divine call in the biblical narrative.
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