The Greek word toutésti, represented by G5123, is a contraction meaning that is or that is to say. It appears 17 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. Its primary function is to provide clarification, definition, or a more explicit explanation of a preceding statement or term.
In scripture, G5123 is used to ensure clarity in important doctrinal and narrative statements. It translates phrases from other languages, as when Jesus' cry, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani," is explained as, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46. It also defines symbolic terms, clarifying that the veil of the temple represents "his flesh" Hebrews 10:20. Furthermore, it specifies identities, such as identifying him that had the power of death as "the devil" Hebrews 2:14, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Several related words provide context for the function of G5123:
- G2076 estí (is): As the second part of the contraction, this word provides the essential meaning of "is" or "to be," forming the basis of the explanatory statement.
- G3004 légō (to say): This word often appears in the context where G5123 is used to clarify what is being said or meant, such as defining the "word of faith, which we preach" Romans 10:8.
- G4561 sárx (flesh): This term is frequently the subject of clarification by G5123. Paul uses it to specify that the "no good thing" dwelling in him is found "in my flesh" Romans 7:18, and it is used to explain that the veil of the tabernacle is a picture of Christ's flesh Hebrews 10:20.
The theological weight of G5123 lies in its role as an instrument of precision, preventing misunderstanding of critical concepts.
- Clarifying Spiritual Realities: The term bridges the physical and the spiritual. It explains that the new tabernacle is "not of this building" Hebrews 9:11 and that the "better country" desired by the faithful is "an heavenly" one Hebrews 11:16.
- Defining Doctrinal Concepts: G5123 provides precision for key doctrines. It defines the sacrifice of praise as "the fruit of our lips" Hebrews 13:15 and clarifies that the children of the promise, not the children of the flesh, are counted as the seed Romans 9:8.
- Identifying Christ's Centrality: The phrase is used to point directly to Jesus. Paul clarifies that John's baptism of repentance pointed to the one who would come after him, "that is, on Christ Jesus" Acts 19:4. It is also used in questions to emphasize that bringing Christ down from heaven or up from the dead is an act of unbelief Romans 10:6-7.
In summary, G5123 functions as a critical tool for precision and understanding in the New Testament. It is not merely a conjunction but an interpretive key that translates foreign phrases, defines crucial theological symbols like the veil Hebrews 10:20, and clarifies abstract concepts such as the "word of faith" Romans 10:8. By removing ambiguity, toutésti ensures that the intended meaning of foundational truths is clearly communicated.
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