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G1683 · Greek · New Testament
ἐμαυτοῦ
emautou
Pronoun, reflexive
Of myself, myself

Definition

The Greek reflexive pronoun emautou means 'of myself,' 'myself,' or 'my own.' It is the first person singular reflexive, combining emou (genitive of 'I') with autos (self). In the New Testament it appears prominently in Jesus' self-referential statements in John's Gospel, and in Paul's self-examination passages.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus' use of emautou in John 5:30 — 'By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear' — expresses the Son's willing dependence on the Father rather than independent action. This is the Incarnate Son modeling submission within the unity of the Godhead.

Paul's reflective uses in 1 Corinthians 4:3–4 and 2 Corinthians 10:1 model the kind of honest self-assessment the Christian life requires — neither self-aggrandizement nor self-deprecation, but clear-eyed evaluation before the judgment of God. 'My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.'

Key Bible Verses

John 5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just.
John 8:28 I do nothing on my own (emautou) but speak just what the Father has taught me.
1 Corinthians 4:3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Romans 16:2 for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me (emautou).

Related Words

External Resources

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