genitive case plural masculine or neuter of οὗτος; of (from or concerning) these (persons or things):--such, their, these (things), they, this sort, those.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **toútōn**, represented by `{{G5130}}`, is the genitive plural form of οὗτος. It appears 69 times across 68 unique verses. Its primary function is to mean **of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)**, serving as a demonstrative pronoun that points back to previously mentioned subjects, objects, or concepts. It clarifies which specific group is being discussed, often in contexts of comparison, identification, or reference.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G5130}}` is employed in several significant ways. It is frequently used to identify a specific group of people, most notably in Jesus' teachings about "the least **of these**" brethren or "little ones," where actions toward them are equated with actions toward Him ([[Matthew 25:40]], [[Matthew 18:6]]). The word also serves to make comparisons and establish priorities, such as when Paul identifies faith, hope, and charity, declaring charity to be the greatest **of these** [[1 Corinthians 13:13]]. Furthermore, it refers to specific commandments, with Jesus stating that there is no other commandment greater than **these** two [[Mark 12:31]], and to spoken words, as when what is more than "yea" or "nay" is said to come from evil [[Matthew 5:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the same root (οὗτος) provide further demonstrative context:
* `{{G3778}}` **hoûtos** (this, that): The base demonstrative pronoun from which **toútōn** is derived, used to point to a singular subject. For example, **the same** shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven [[Matthew 5:19]].
* `{{G5023}}` **taûta** (these things): The plural nominative/accusative form, often referring to a list of items, concepts, or events. Paul lists faith, hope, and charity as "**these** three" [[1 Corinthians 13:13]], and the men of Lystra are urged to turn from "**these** vanities" [[Acts 14:15]].
* `{{G5124}}` **toûto** (that thing): The singular form used to refer to a specific, singular concept or saying. Gamaliel refers to "this counsel or **this** work" [[Acts 5:38]], and after Jesus foretold his death, the disciples understood that "**this** saying was hid from them" [[Luke 18:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5130}}` is demonstrated in its application to core spiritual truths.
* **Valuing the Vulnerable:** The term is central to Christ's teachings on humility and service. By repeatedly referring to "one **of these** little ones," Jesus establishes a divine principle where the treatment of the weakest believers reflects one's relationship with God Himself ([[Matthew 18:10]], [[Matthew 25:45]]).
* **Connecting Promises to Believers:** In 2 Peter, the word points directly to the "exceeding great and precious promises" of God. It is "by **these**" that believers are able to escape the corruption of the world and become partakers of the divine nature [[2 Peter 1:4]].
* **Defining Spiritual Hierarchy:** `{{G5130}}` is used to frame and resolve spiritual comparisons. It helps establish love as the "greatest **of these**" virtues [[1 Corinthians 13:13]] and highlights that even the "least **of these** commandments" hold significance in the kingdom of heaven [[Matthew 5:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5130}}` functions as more than a simple grammatical connector. It is a crucial word that specifies and gives weight to groups, principles, and promises. It is used to identify the "least **of these**" as centrally important to God, to define the very promises by which believers participate in the divine nature, and to establish the supreme value of virtues like love. Through its use, scripture shows how a demonstrative word can be essential for conveying profound theological truths.
TRV