τοῦ
toû
G5120
SILEX Entry
Definition
Genitive singular masculine/neuter form of the article ὁ, τό, functioning primarily to indicate possession or relationship, 'of the [man/thing]'; secondarily, can function as a pronoun in idiomatic or elliptical expressions, often translated according to context as 'his', 'its', or 'of this one'. In certain idiomatic phrases, can substitute for a demonstrative or personal pronoun.
Semantic Range
of the (masculine or neuter), belonging to, pertaining to, of this one, his, its (contextual, pronominal), of the [man/thing], genitive marker of possession or relation
Root / Etymology
Formed from the Greek definite article ὁ (masculine nominative singular) and τό (neuter nominative/accusative singular), with the genitive singular ending -υ. Not derived from another lexical root; a basic feature of Greek grammar.
Historical & Contextual Notes
τοῦ is not a lexical word but a grammatical form (genitive singular masculine and neuter) of the definite article, which functions similarly to the English possessive 'of the' but also appears in various idiomatic uses unique to Greek syntax. In Koine Greek, definite articles were also used with names, titles, and abstract nouns more frequently than in English. In some contexts, especially in elliptical phrases or when indicating an understood antecedent, τοῦ can function almost pronominally, and traditional English translations sometimes render it as 'his', 'its', 'of his', or 'of this (one)'. Early papyri and inscriptions show extensive and varied usage, including frequent occurrences as a possessive marker, even where no such article would appear in English.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
properly, the genitive case of ὁ; sometimes used for τούτου; of this person:--his.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.