Strong's g3592

Pronunciation Guide: HOH-deh

Quick Answer: ὅδε (hode) is a Greek demonstrative pronoun meaning “this” or “this one,” used to point to something specific, immediate, and present, often emphasizing what is near or about to be revealed.

Key Information

ὅδε

Transliteration: hode Part of Speech: Demonstrative pronoun First Appears: Luke 10:39 Appears: 10 times

Strong’s Entry

g3592

Gloss: hode (hod’-eh) (including the feminine hede  hay’-deh, and the neuter tode  tod’-e) p/d.1. the same, i.e. this or that one (plural these or those){Often used as a personal pronoun}[from G3588 and G1161]KJV: he, she, such, these, thus Root(s): G3588, G1161 

What Does ὅδε Mean?

Strong’s G3592: ὅδε is a demonstrative pronoun that functions as a precise pointer, directing attention to something specific and immediate. Unlike the more common οὗτος (houtos), ὅδε carries a heightened sense of immediacy and often introduces something that follows. It can be translated as “this,” “this one,” “the following,” or “such a one,” with an emphasis on what is present, near, or about to be disclosed. The word creates anticipation and focuses the reader’s attention on what is being highlighted as particularly significant or noteworthy.

Key Insight: ὅδε doesn’t just identify something; it creates expectation and draws attention to the significance of what follows.

Where Does ὅδε Come From?

• Part of Speech: Demonstrative pronoun
• Root Components: Composed of the demonstrative ὁ (ho) + the particle δε (-de) meaning “indeed” or “now”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek, continuing into Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and teaching sections, often introducing significant statements or pointing to important persons

ὅδε Morphology:

This section helps you recognize different forms of this word when reading the ancient Greek texts, enabling deeper engagement with the original language.

Morphology:

• ὅδε (masculine nominative singular) – this one (masculine subject)
• ἥδε (feminine nominative singular) – this one (feminine subject)
• τόδε (neuter nominative singular) – this thing
• τοῦδε (masculine/neuter genitive singular) – of this one/thing
• τῇδε (feminine dative singular) – to/in this one
• τόνδε (masculine accusative singular) – this one (direct object)
• οἵδε (masculine nominative plural) – these ones
• ταῦτα τάδε (neuter accusative plural) – these things

What Is the History of ὅδε?

The word ὅδε has a distinguished history in Greek literature, appearing frequently in classical authors where it often introduces important speeches or points to significant events. Homer uses it in the Iliad and Odyssey to direct attention to crucial moments in the narrative. In classical rhetoric, ὅδε served as a literary device to create suspense and focus the audience’s attention on what was about to be revealed.

In the Septuagint, ὅδε translates various Hebrew demonstrative expressions, particularly when the text wants to emphasize immediacy or significance. The translators chose ὅδε when they needed to convey not just identification but also emphasis and anticipation. Early church fathers like John Chrysostom noted that when Scripture uses ὅδε, it signals that something particularly important is being highlighted for the reader’s attention.

The word carries literary weight beyond simple demonstration – it creates a spotlight effect, drawing readers into the immediacy of the moment and preparing them for something significant.

Historical Summary: ὅδε evolved from classical Greek literature as an emphatic demonstrative, serving in biblical texts to create anticipation and highlight significance.

How Should ὅδε Be Translated?

• This/This one – Basic demonstrative function pointing to someone or something specific
• The following – When introducing a statement or list that comes next
• Such a one – Emphasizing the character or nature of the person/thing referenced
• Here is/Behold – When used to present or reveal something important
• Now this – Emphasizing present reality or immediate relevance

Translation Tip: Context determines whether ὅδε points backward to something mentioned or forward to something about to be revealed.

ὅδε Translation Options:

• “This” – Most literal rendering, maintaining the demonstrative force while being accessible to modern readers
• “This particular one” – Captures the specificity and emphasis inherent in the word
• “The one I’m about to mention” – Useful when ὅδε introduces new information
• “Here is” – Effective when the word presents someone or something dramatically
• “Such a person” – Appropriate when character qualities are being emphasized, though this requires careful attention to context to avoid over-interpretation

How Is ὅδε Used in the Bible?

Throughout the New Testament, ὅδε appears strategically in moments of revelation, introduction, or emphasis. The word functions as a literary spotlight, directing attention to significant people, teachings, or events. In narrative contexts, it often introduces key characters or pivotal moments. In teaching passages, it highlights important truths or applications that follow.

The Septuagint employs ὅδε in similar ways, often when God is about to reveal something significant or when the text wants to emphasize the immediacy and importance of what is being communicated. The word creates a sense of “pay attention now” that alerts readers to the weight of what follows.

Unlike the more common demonstrative pronouns, ὅδε appears selectively, making each occurrence significant. Its usage pattern suggests careful literary intent, with authors choosing it specifically when they want to create emphasis, anticipation, or focus.

Usage Summary: ὅδε appears strategically in Scripture to create emphasis and anticipation, often introducing significant people, teachings, or revelations that demand attention.

Cross-Reference Verses with ὅδε:

• “And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Messiah’s feet and heard His word.” Luke 10:39 – ἥδε introduces Mary as a significant character
• “But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus the Messiah the Nazarene—walk!'” Acts 3:6 – τοῦτο (related form) emphasizes the specific gift being offered
• “Now this ὅδε I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” 1 Corinthians 15:50 – introduces crucial theological truth
• “And ὅδε is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you” 1 John 1:5 – presents foundational truth
• “Behold, ἰδοὺ I tell you a mystery; we will not sleep, but we will all be changed” 1 Corinthians 15:51 – reveals hidden truth

What Cultural Context Surrounds ὅδε?

In ancient Mediterranean culture, demonstrative words carried significant social and rhetorical weight. When a teacher or authority figure used ὅδε, it commanded immediate attention from the audience. The word functioned like a verbal gesture, as if the speaker were physically pointing to draw everyone’s focus to what was being highlighted. This was particularly important in oral cultures where maintaining audience attention was crucial for effective communication.

In Jewish teaching traditions, rabbis would use similar demonstrative expressions to signal when they were about to share something particularly important or when they wanted their students to remember a specific point. The use of ὅδε in the Gospels often reflects this teaching methodology, where the Messiah or the apostles are directing attention to crucial spiritual truths that require careful consideration and remembrance.

Cultural Context: ὅδε functioned like a verbal spotlight in ancient oral culture, commanding attention and signaling the importance of what followed.

What Does ὅδε Teach Us About God?

The use of ὅδε in Scripture reveals God’s desire to communicate clearly and emphatically with His people. When the biblical authors employ this word, they mirror God’s own communication style – direct, purposeful, and designed to capture attention. Just as ὅδε creates focus and anticipation, God Himself draws our attention to the things that matter most for our spiritual growth and understanding.

The word also reflects God’s concern for clarity in revelation. Rather than leaving important truths hidden or ambiguous, He uses literary devices like ὅδε to ensure that significant spiritual realities are highlighted and emphasized. This demonstrates His love and patience with human understanding, providing clear signals when something requires our special attention and careful consideration.

Theological Core: ὅδε reflects God’s clear, emphatic communication style, ensuring important truths receive the attention and focus they deserve.

How Can I Apply ὅδε to My Life?

When you encounter ὅδε in Scripture, treat it as a divine highlighter marking something that deserves your careful attention and reflection. These moments in the text are opportunities to slow down, consider deeply, and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the significance of what’s being emphasized. Just as the original readers would have perked up when hearing this word, we should approach these passages with heightened awareness and expectation.

In your own communication and teaching, consider how you might follow the biblical example of using emphasis and focus to help others understand important truths. The strategic use of ὅδε in Scripture reminds us that effective communication often requires drawing attention to what matters most, helping others see and understand the significance of crucial spiritual realities.

Self-Examination Questions: When God highlights something in Scripture, am I giving it the focused attention it deserves? How can I better recognize and respond to the spiritual truths that God emphasizes in His Word?

What Words Are Similar to ὅδε?

• οὗτος (houtos) – “this” or “these”; more common but less emphatic than ὅδε, used for general demonstration without the heightened focus See G3778
• ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) – “that” or “those”; points to something more distant in time, space, or thought, contrasting with the immediacy of ὅδε See G1565
• αὐτός (autos) – “he,” “she,” “it,” or “same”; provides emphasis but without the demonstrative pointing function of ὅδε See G846
• ἴδε (ide) – “behold” or “see”; an imperative that commands attention, often used with demonstratives like ὅδε for maximum impact See G2396
• τοιοῦτος (toioutos) – “such” or “of such a kind”; emphasizes quality or character rather than simple identification like ὅδε See G5108

Did You Know?

• What does ὅδε mean in modern Greek? While modern Greek has evolved significantly, ὅδε’s demonstrative function continues in contemporary expressions, though it’s now considered archaic and primarily appears in formal or literary contexts.
• How did Plato use ὅδε? Plato frequently employed ὅδε in his dialogues to introduce important philosophical concepts, particularly when Socrates was about to present a crucial argument or revelation, showing its classical function as an attention-focusing device.
• What’s the difference between ὅδε and οὗτος? While both mean “this,” ὅδε carries greater emphasis and often points forward to what follows, while οὗτος can point backward or forward and is more neutral in tone.
• Why does the Bible use ὅδε only in specific contexts? The selective use of ὅδε rather than the more common οὗτος indicates intentional literary strategy, with biblical authors choosing it specifically when they wanted to create emphasis and anticipation for important revelations.
• How does ὅδε relate to biblical revelation? The word serves as a literary device that mirrors God’s own communication pattern – drawing attention to significant truths and ensuring they receive proper focus and consideration.
• What makes ὅδε particularly powerful in Greek rhetoric? Its combination of demonstration (pointing) with emphasis (the -δε particle) created a verbal spotlight effect that commanded immediate attention, making it ideal for introducing crucial information or significant persons.

Remember This

ὅδε is Scripture’s divine highlighter, marking moments when God wants us to pay special attention – not just to notice, but to anticipate something significant that will transform our understanding and deepen our faith.