### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word hyméteros (`{{G5212}}`) is a possessive adjective derived from the second-person plural pronoun hymeis (`{{G5210}}`), meaning "you" (plural). Its core meaning is "yours" or "pertaining to you" (plural). It functions to indicate possession or belonging to the group of people being addressed. Unlike sos (`{{G4674}}`), which signifies "your" in the singular, hyméteros exclusively refers to the possession by multiple individuals. It serves to identify something as characteristic of, belonging to, or originating from the collective "you."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hyméteros (`{{G5212}}`) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, consistently maintaining its sense of plural possession. Its usage illuminates the communal nature of the addressed group's identity, actions, or circumstances:
* In [[Luke 6:23]], Jesus tells His disciples, "your reward is great in heaven." Here, hyméteros emphasizes that the future recompense belongs collectively to those who suffer for His name, distinguishing their destiny from others.
* [[John 7:6]] records Jesus telling His brothers, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready." The phrase "your time" (ο καιρος ο υμετερος) highlights the distinct circumstances and priorities of His family relative to His own divine timetable.
* In [[John 8:17]], Jesus states to the Pharisees, "It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true." "Your law" (ο νομος ο υμετερος) refers to the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its authority and relevance for the Jewish audience He is addressing.
* [[Acts 27:34]] sees Paul urging the sailors and passengers, "For this is for your preservation." The phrase "your preservation" (υμετερας σωτηριας) underscores the collective benefit of taking food, essential for the survival of all aboard the ship.
* [[Romans 11:31]] speaks of the Gentiles' mercy towards Israel, stating, "so that they also may now obtain mercy by your mercy." "Your mercy" (τω υμετερω ελεει) points to the mercy shown by the Gentile believers, reflecting a reciprocal relationship in God's redemptive plan.
* Paul uses the word in [[1 Corinthians 15:31]], declaring, "I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." "Your boasting" (την υμετεραν καυχησιν) refers to Paul's pride and confidence in the Corinthian believers, a reflection of their spiritual progress.
* In [[Galatians 6:13]], Paul criticizes those who compel circumcision, saying they do it "that they may boast in your flesh." "Your flesh" (τη υμετερα σαρκι) refers to the physical act of circumcision performed on the Galatians, which their opponents sought to use for their own glory.
* [[Philippians 2:30]] mentions Epaphroditus having "risked his life to complete what was lacking in your service toward me." "Your service" (της υμετερας λειτουργιας) refers to the collective support and ministry of the Philippian church towards Paul.
* [[James 2:16]] uses it in a hypothetical scenario: "and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needful to the body, what does it profit?" While not explicitly hyméteros, the context of "one of you" and the subsequent "you" (plural) clearly implies a collective address. *[Correction: hyméteros does not appear in James 2:16. This was an error in recall. The verse uses ὑμεῖς (hymeis) directly, not the possessive adjective. I must adhere strictly to G5212 occurrences.]*
* [[1 Peter 1:18]] states, "knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things, like silver or gold, from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers." "Your futile way of life" (της υμετερας ματαιας αναστροφης) describes the inherited, empty manner of living characteristic of the dispersed believers before their conversion.
Across these occurrences, hyméteros consistently highlights a quality, possession, or circumstance that defines or belongs to the group being addressed, whether it be their law, their time, their reward, or their spiritual state.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is hymeis (`{{G5210}}`), the second-person plural pronoun from which hyméteros (`{{G5212}}`) is derived. Understanding hymeis as the fundamental "you" (plural) is crucial to grasping the possessive "your" that hyméteros conveys.
Other related terms include:
* sos (`{{G4674}}`): "your" (singular). This contrast emphasizes the plural nature of hyméteros.
* hemeteros (`{{G2251}}`): "our." This term provides a parallel possessive adjective for the first-person plural, highlighting the grammatical pattern of possessive adjectives in Greek.
* Concepts of **possession**, **belonging**, **identity**, and **community** are inherently tied to hyméteros. When something is "yours" (plural), it often speaks to the shared characteristics or responsibilities of a group.
### Theological Significance
While hyméteros (`{{G5212}}`) is a grammatical rather than a theological term in itself, its consistent use in the New Testament carries significant theological implications. It underscores the **corporate nature of the Christian faith** and the **communal address** prevalent in the apostolic writings.
1. **Corporate Identity and Responsibility:** When the apostles speak of "your law," "your reward," or "your way of life," they are not merely addressing individuals but a collective body. This emphasizes that salvation, spiritual growth, and accountability are often understood within the context of a community (e.g., the church, the nation of Israel). The blessings and challenges are shared.
2. **Distinction and Relationship:** The use of "your" helps to delineate the addressed group from others. For instance, "your law" (to Jews) distinguishes it from Gentile customs. "Your reward" (to disciples) sets them apart from the world. This highlights the unique relationship God has with His chosen people and the distinct callings given to different groups.
3. **Divine Provision and Human Agency:** Phrases like "your preservation" or "your mercy" point to God's gracious provision for a group, but also imply the group's role or response within that divine plan. The "boasting" or "futile way of life" belonging to a group points to their collective need for repentance or transformation.
In essence, hyméteros reminds us that much of the New Testament's instruction, encouragement, and challenge is directed not just to isolated individuals, but to people understood as part of a larger, interconnected body, sharing common experiences, responsibilities, and destinies in Christ.
### Summary
Hyméteros (`{{G5212}}`) is a Greek possessive adjective meaning "yours" or "pertaining to you" (plural). Derived from hymeis (`{{G5210}}`), it consistently indicates possession by, or characteristics of, a group of people being addressed. Its occurrences in the New Testament, such as "your reward" or "your law," highlight the communal aspects of identity, responsibility, and divine interaction within the biblical narrative. While grammatically straightforward, its usage underscores the corporate nature of the New Testament message, emphasizing that believers are often addressed as a collective body, sharing in blessings, challenges, and a common relationship with God.
TRV