Greek demonstrative pronouns like οὗτος and ἐκεῖνος do more than point—they shape the flow and focus of discourse. οὗτος signals immediacy, drawing attention to what’s present or just mentioned, while ἐκεῖνος shifts the gaze outward, toward what’s distant in space, time, or thought. Their forms vary by case, gender, and number, and they function both attributively (“this man”) and substantively (“this one”). In biblical texts, these pronouns often carry theological weight: John’s “οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ” centers the incarnate Christ, while Paul’s contrast between ταῦτα and ἐκεῖνα in Philippians 3 marks a movement from earthly struggle to heavenly hope. Tracking these shifts reveals not just grammar, but the rhythm of revelation.
The Function of Demonstratives
Demonstrative pronouns in Greek serve to “point out” or specify a person, object, or idea in speech or text. They not only identify but also signal nearness or distance in space, time, or discourse. The two main demonstratives in Koine Greek are οὗτος (“this, the one near or just mentioned”) and ἐκεῖνος (“that, the one more distant or referred to earlier”). Both appear frequently in the New Testament and carry rhetorical and theological weight.
οὗτος: The Near Demonstrative
οὗτος typically refers to something present, near, or immediate in thought or context. It often highlights what is right before the speaker or freshly mentioned in the narrative.
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular Nominative | οὗτος | αὕτη | τοῦτο |
| Singular Genitive | τούτου | ταύτης | τούτου |
| Singular Dative | τούτῳ | ταύτῃ | τούτῳ |
| Singular Accusative | τοῦτον | ταύτην | τοῦτο |
| Plural Nominative | οὗτοι | αὗται | ταῦτα |
| Plural Genitive | τούτων | τούτων | τούτων |
| Plural Dative | τούτοις | ταύταις | τούτοις |
| Plural Accusative | τούτους | ταύτας | ταῦτα |
ἐκεῖνος: The Distant Demonstrative
ἐκεῖνος refers to what is farther away in space, time, or thought. It often signals a shift to something less immediate or points to something beyond the present situation.
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular Nominative | ἐκεῖνος | ἐκείνη | ἐκεῖνο |
| Singular Genitive | ἐκείνου | ἐκείνης | ἐκείνου |
| Singular Dative | ἐκείνῳ | ἐκείνῃ | ἐκείνῳ |
| Singular Accusative | ἐκεῖνον | ἐκείνην | ἐκεῖνο |
| Plural Nominative | ἐκεῖνοι | ἐκεῖναι | ἐκεῖνα |
| Plural Genitive | ἐκείνων | ἐκείνων | ἐκείνων |
| Plural Dative | ἐκείνοις | ἐκείναις | ἐκείνοις |
| Plural Accusative | ἐκεῖνους | ἐκείνας | ἐκεῖνα |
Attributive and Substantive Uses
Demonstratives may stand attributively, modifying a noun, or substantively, taking the place of a noun. Examples:
- οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος – “this man” (attributive)
- οὗτος – “this one” (substantive)
- ἐκεῖνος ὁ ἀνήρ – “that man” (attributive)
- ἐκεῖνος – “that one” (substantive)
It is worth noting that demonstratives incorporate an article-like force within their forms. This explains why their usage in attributive position feels article-like without requiring a separate article before the noun in many constructions.
Biblical Examples and Theological Significance
In John 1:34, John the Baptist proclaims: οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ — “This is the Son of God.” The demonstrative draws immediate attention to the present person. Conversely, Paul in Philippians 3 contrasts ταῦτα (“these things,” referring to present achievements or struggles) with ἐκεῖνα (“those things,” pointing toward the future resurrection and heavenly citizenship). The shift between these pronouns signals movement from present reality to eschatological hope.
Practical Observations
Students should carefully observe how authors use demonstratives. A switch from οὗτος to ἐκεῖνος is rarely casual; it often marks a transition from immediacy to distance, or from the human level of discourse to a divine or ultimate perspective. Recognizing these nuances deepens both grammatical competence and exegetical sensitivity.
