ἐκεῖνος

that, that one there, yonder

Definition

ἐκεῖνος is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that one' or 'that person/thing there.' It is used to point to someone or something that is relatively distant, either in physical space, time, or in a narrative. For example, it can refer to a person previously mentioned, as in Matthew 3:1 where 'ἐκεῖνος' points back to John the Baptist. It often carries a sense of emphasis or contrast, distinguishing one subject from another, such as contrasting the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27. In some contexts, especially in John's Gospel (e.g., John 1:18, 5:11), it can have a solemn, almost technical sense, pointing emphatically to Jesus or God.

Biblical Usage

ἐκεῖνος is used frequently throughout the New Testament, appearing in all four Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation. It is common in narrative and discourse to refer back to a previously mentioned person or thing, creating continuity. In the Synoptic Gospels, it often appears in parables and teachings for contrast (e.g., Matthew 7:22, 25, 27). A distinctive pattern is its emphatic use in John's writings to refer to Jesus, the Father, or the Holy Spirit, underscoring their identity and authority (John 14:26, 1 John 3:3, 5). It also appears in logical or explanatory clauses, as in 'for that one' (ἐκεῖνος γάρ).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (G1537, 'out of') and an archaic demonstrative element related to the root *eno- or *eno-s. This composition suggests a sense of 'that one from there' or 'that one out of that place,' emphasizing distance or distinction. It is the masculine singular form of a full paradigm (ἐκεῖνος, ἐκεῖνη, ἐκεῖνο). Cognates include the adverb ἐκεῖ ('there'), reinforcing its locative sense of pointing to something removed from the speaker.

Semantic Range

ἐκεῖνος is theologically significant because its emphatic, pointing function is often used to direct attention to key divine persons and actions. In John's Gospel and Epistles, it frequently and solemnly refers to Jesus (e.g., John 1:18, 'the only God, who is at the Father's side—he [ἐκεῖνος] has made him known') and the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, 'the Helper, the Holy Spirit... he [ἐκεῖνος] will teach you'). This usage underscores the distinct personhood and agency within the Trinity. Understanding this emphatic 'that one' enriches reading by highlighting moments of crucial identification and contrast in biblical revelation.

In the ancient Greek world, the three-way distinction between the demonstratives οὗτος ('this'), ἐκεῖνος ('that'), and (ὁ)δε ('this here') was more precise than in modern English. ἐκεῖνος specifically pointed to what was distant from both the speaker and the listener, or what was previously mentioned and now psychologically 'remote' in the discussion. This linguistic precision allowed biblical authors to carefully manage narrative focus and theological emphasis, distinguishing, for instance, Jesus from other figures in a context.

οὗτος (houtos, G3778) — points to what is near or present ('this'), often in contrast to ἐκεῖνος. αὐτός (autos, G846) — can function as a simple third-person pronoun ('he, she, it') or an intensive ('himself'), lacking the demonstrative 'pointing' force of ἐκεῖνος. ἐκεῖ (ekeí, G1563) — the adverb 'there,' sharing the same root and locative idea.

Word Details

Scripture References