τοῦτο
toûto
G5124
SILEX Entry
Definition
Demonstrative pronoun in the neuter singular; refers specifically to 'this thing,' denoting something immediate or closely associated in discourse or context. In various contexts, τοῦτο can point to something just mentioned, a particular fact, action, or situation under discussion, or serve to introduce or emphasize a result, reason, or an explanation ('this fact,' 'this circumstance', 'this point'). It may function in nuanced ways such as referring to a statement, a proposition, or an event, whether already stated or about to be stated.
Semantic Range
this (thing or fact), this circumstance, this point (in argument), this action, this matter, referring to something immediate or present in thought, introducing or emphasizing an idea, reason, or result
Root / Etymology
From the demonstrative root οὗτ- (of οὗτος, 'this'), with neuter singular ending -ο. The root ultimately goes back to the Proto-Indo-European demonstrative base *so-/to-. The form τοῦτο is the neuter nominative/accusative singular of οὗτος.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, τοῦτο is the standard neuter singular form of the demonstrative pronoun 'this', and is used to single out a specified thing, idea, or circumstance, either concrete or abstract. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew זה (zeh) or forms of the demonstrative pronoun, referring to something present, immediate, or just mentioned. In the New Testament, τοῦτο remains the primary neuter demonstrative for 'this (thing)', but shifts often from strictly spatial reference to more abstract or logical reference: it can refer to a preceding or following clause or idea in a sentence, or serve to highlight the importance or immediacy of what’s being discussed (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:6, John 2:19). English translations render it as 'this,' 'this thing,' 'it,' or in idioms, 'for this reason,' 'thus,' 'therefore,' etc., but sometimes the full scope—especially when it refers to whole actions, propositions, or abstract concepts—is obscured in translation. Unlike the masculine and feminine forms, τοῦτο rarely refers to people, except by extension through abstraction (e.g. 'this [event],' 'this [statement],' etc.). The differentiation from ἐκεῖνο ('that') marks τοῦτο as closer or more immediate in the speaker's context or thought. The term is consistent with classical usage but in Koine Greek shows a greater range of idiomatic and logical functions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.