### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ταύταις (taútais, `{{G5025}}`) is the dative case, feminine plural form of the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος (houtos, `{{G3778}}`), which means "this" or "these." Its core meaning is "to/for/with/by these" (feminine plural). As a demonstrative pronoun, ταύταις serves to point out, specify, or refer back to particular feminine plural entities, concepts, or circumstances that are either nearby in the immediate context or have been recently mentioned. The dative case indicates various relationships, including indirect object, instrument, means, location, or time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of ταύταις (`{{G5025}}`) in the New Testament are relatively few, highlighting its specific grammatical function as the dative feminine plural. The most prominent example is found in the prophecy of Zechariah concerning the nature of the salvation brought by the Messiah:
* **[[Luke 1:75]]**: "...τοῦ δοῦναι ἡμῖν ἀφόβως ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ῥυσθέντας λατρεύειν αὐτῷ ἐν ὁσιότητι καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ πάσαις ταύταις ταῖς ἡμέραις."
* Here, ταύταις modifies ταῖς ἡμέραις ("the days"), forming the phrase "πάσαις ταύταις ταῖς ἡμέραις" ("all these days"). Zechariah declares that God's people, delivered from their enemies, will serve Him "in holiness and righteousness before Him all these days." The use of ταύταις emphasizes the *entirety* and *duration* of the period of service, referring to the full extent of their lives, empowered by God's redemption. It underscores a continuous, lifelong devotion made possible by divine intervention.
While the Strong's definition for G5025 mentions both dative and accusative cases, ταύταις specifically functions as the dative feminine plural. The accusative feminine plural is ταύτας (`{{G5026}}`), a distinct form. Therefore, analysis focuses on its dative applications. Its role is consistently to specify and ground the preceding or implied context in concrete, feminine plural referents.
### Related Words & Concepts
ταύταις is one form within a larger family of demonstrative pronouns in Greek, all derived from the root οὗτος (`{{G3778}}`). Key related forms and concepts include:
* οὗτος (houtos, `{{G3778}}`): The nominative masculine singular, serving as the base form for "this."
* αὕτη (haútē, `{{G3778}}`): The nominative feminine singular, "this (feminine)."
* τοῦτο (toúto, `{{G3778}}`): The nominative/accusative neuter singular, "this (neuter)."
* ταῦτα (taúta, `{{G3778}}`): The nominative/accusative neuter plural, "these (neuter things)."
* ταύτας (taútas, `{{G5026}}`): The accusative feminine plural, "these (feminine things)."
* ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos, `{{G1565}}`): The contrasting demonstrative pronoun, meaning "that" or "those," indicating distance rather than proximity.
Understanding ταύταις requires appreciating its place within the system of Greek demonstrative pronouns, which serve to distinguish, emphasize, and direct attention to specific persons, objects, or concepts within a discourse.
### Theological Significance
As a grammatical particle, ταύταις does not carry inherent theological meaning in isolation. Its theological significance is derived entirely from the context in which it is used and *what* it is pointing to.
In [[Luke 1:75]], ταύταις contributes to the profound theological declaration of God's redemptive purpose. By specifying "all these days," it underscores the comprehensive and enduring nature of the salvation that enables believers to serve God in holiness and righteousness throughout their entire lives. This highlights a key aspect of the new covenant: not merely a one-time deliverance, but an ongoing empowerment for a life of devoted service. The demonstrative pronoun thus concretizes the scope and continuous reality of God's grace and the resulting human response. It grounds abstract theological concepts (holiness, righteousness, service) in the tangible, lived experience of the believer.
### Summary
ταύταις (taútais, `{{G5025}}`) is the dative feminine plural form of the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος (`{{G3778}}`), meaning "to/for/with/by these." It functions to direct attention to specific feminine plural nouns, often indicating time, means, or location. Its most notable New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 1:75]] highlights the continuous, lifelong nature of serving God in holiness and righteousness, made possible by His redemptive work. While grammatically simple, ταύταις plays a vital role in specifying and emphasizing the particular entities or periods to which biblical authors refer, thereby grounding theological truths in concrete, discernible realities.
TRV