### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5209 (ὑμᾶς, hymâs) is the accusative plural form of the second-person pronoun ὑμεῖς (hymeis, `{{G5210}}`), meaning "you" (plural). As an accusative case, G5209 primarily functions as the direct object of a verb, indicating the recipient of an action, or as the object of certain prepositions that govern the accusative case. Its semantic range is therefore determined by its grammatical function, pointing to the plural "you" as the one acted upon, affected by, or directed toward. It delineates the audience or group to whom an action or statement is specifically addressed or applied.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5209 appears extensively throughout the New Testament, reflecting the frequent direct address to groups of people, whether disciples, adversaries, or entire communities. Its usage highlights the dynamic interaction between speakers (God, Christ, apostles) and their audiences.
* In [[John 15:16]], Jesus declares to His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose **you** (ἐγὼ ἐξελεξάμην ὑμᾶς) and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit..." Here, G5209 clearly functions as the direct object of the verb "chose," emphasizing Christ's sovereign initiative in selecting His followers.
* [[John 15:18]] presents a contrasting scenario: "If the world hates **you** (εἰ ὁ κόσμος ὑμᾶς μισεῖ), know that it hated me before it hated you." Again, G5209 is the direct object, this time of "hates," indicating the disciples as the target of worldly animosity.
* In [[Luke 6:27]], Jesus instructs, "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate **you** (τοῖς μισοῦσιν ὑμᾶς)." Here, G5209 is the direct object of "hate," specifying the recipients of the commanded benevolent action.
* Paul uses G5209 pointedly in [[Galatians 3:1]]: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched **you** (τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν)?" The accusative form underscores the direct impact of the "bewitchment" upon the Galatian believers.
These examples demonstrate G5209's consistent role in marking the plural "you" as the direct recipient or object of an action, whether divine or human, positive or negative.
### Related Words & Concepts
G5209 is part of a grammatical family of second-person plural pronouns:
* ὑμεῖς (hymeis, `{{G5210}}`): The nominative form, "you" (as the subject).
* ὑμῶν (hymōn, `{{G5216}}`): The genitive form, "your" or "of you."
* ὑμῖν (hymin, `{{G5213}}`): The dative form, "to you" or "for you."
These forms collectively define the various grammatical relationships of the plural "you" within a sentence. Other related concepts include:
* ἡμεῖς (hēmeis, `{{G2249}}`): The first-person plural pronoun, "we," often used in parallel to ὑμεῖς to describe the collective body of believers or the apostles.
* αὐτοί (autoi, `{{G846}}`): The third-person plural pronoun, "they" or "them," contrasting with direct address.
The frequent use of these plural pronouns highlights the communal nature of early Christian life and the corporate identity of the church.
### Theological Significance
The pervasive use of G5209 carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Initiative and Action:** When God or Christ is the subject, and G5209 is the object, it underscores the active, personal, and direct nature of God's engagement with humanity. God *chooses* you, God *loves* you, God *sends* you, God *redeems* you. This highlights divine grace and sovereignty, as the "you" is the recipient of God's saving acts.
2. **Human Responsibility and Accountability:** Conversely, when G5209 is the object of human actions (e.g., "the world hates you," "bewitched you"), it emphasizes the real-world consequences and challenges faced by believers. It also implies the expectation of response to divine commands and warnings directed *at* them.
3. **Corporate Identity:** The consistent use of the plural "you" (rather than singular forms like σέ) reinforces the communal aspect of faith. It addresses believers not merely as individuals but as a collective body, whether the church in a specific city or the broader community of disciples. This fosters a sense of shared experience, responsibility, and destiny in Christ.
4. **Pastoral Care and Exhortation:** In the epistles, G5209 frequently marks the recipients of apostolic teaching, encouragement, and correction, demonstrating the apostles' deep concern and direct communication with the congregations.
### Summary
G5209 (ὑμᾶς) is the accusative plural of the second-person pronoun "you," serving primarily as the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Its extensive use throughout the New Testament is grammatically foundational and theologically rich. It consistently points to the plural "you" as the recipient or target of divine action (election, love, sending) and human interaction (hatred, bewitchment, exhortation). The frequent deployment of G5209 profoundly emphasizes God's direct engagement with His people, the collective identity and shared experiences of believers, and the corporate nature of their calling, responsibilities, and challenges within the Christian faith.
TRV