Welcome to Lesson 46 of the Latinum Institute's Koine Greek course. This lesson focuses on the possessive pronoun "their" in Koine Greek, which is expressed through the genitive plural form of the third person pronoun: αὐτῶν (autōn).
For more lessons and the complete course index, please visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
The word αὐτῶν is the genitive plural form of αὐτός, meaning "of them" or "their." In Koine Greek, possession is typically expressed through genitive case forms rather than separate possessive pronouns as in English. This fundamental difference requires careful attention from English-speaking learners.
FAQ Schema: Question: What does αὐτῶν mean in Koine Greek? Answer: αὐτῶν (autōn) means "their" or "of them" in Koine Greek. It is the genitive plural form of the pronoun αὐτός and is used to express possession by multiple people or things.
Educational Schema: Subject: Language Learning - Ancient Greek Level: Intermediate Topic: Possessive Pronouns - Third Person Plural Language: Koine (Hellenistic) Greek Target Audience: English-speaking autodidacts Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Greek alphabet and case system
In this lesson, αὐτῶν will appear in various syntactic positions within sentences drawn from the Koine corpus. You'll encounter it modifying nouns, appearing with articles, and functioning in different semantic contexts - from family relationships to communal possessions. The examples progress from simple constructions to more complex literary usage.
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αὐτῶν is the genitive plural form meaning "their" -
It can refer to masculine, feminine, or neuter plural antecedents -
Position in the sentence can vary, unlike the fixed position of English "their" -
Often appears with the article in attributive position -
Essential for understanding possession in Greek texts
46.1a οἱ the (hoi) μαθηταὶ disciples (ma-thē-tai) ἤκουσαν heard (ē-kou-san) τὴν the (tēn) φωνὴν voice (phō-nēn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.2a ἡ the (hē) μήτηρ mother (mē-tēr) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) προσηύχετο was-praying (pros-ēu-khe-to) ἐν in (en) τῷ the (tō) οἴκῳ house (oi-kō)
46.3a εἶδον saw (ei-don) τὰ the (ta) τέκνα children (tek-na) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἐν in (en) τῇ the (tē) ἀγορᾷ marketplace (a-go-ra)
46.4a τὸ the (to) ὄνομα name (o-no-ma) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἦν was (ēn) γεγραμμένον written (ge-gram-me-non)
46.5a ἐζήτουν were-seeking (e-zē-toun) τὸν the (ton) κύριον lord (ky-ri-on) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) πάντες all (pan-tes)
46.6a πάντα all (pan-ta) τὰ the (ta) ἔργα works (er-ga) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) φανερὰ manifest (pha-ne-ra) ἐγένετο became (e-ge-ne-to)
46.7a ὁ the (ho) θεὸς God (the-os) ἔσωσεν saved (e-sō-sen) τὸν the (ton) λαὸν people (la-on) αὐτοῦ his (au-tou) ἐκ from (ek) τῶν the (tōn) χειρῶν hands (khei-rōn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.8a αἱ the (hai) γυναῖκες women (gy-nai-kes) ἔκλαιον were-weeping (e-klai-on) διὰ because-of (di-a) τὰ the (ta) παιδία children (pai-di-a) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.9a ἦλθεν came (ēl-then) εἰς into (eis) τὴν the (tēn) γῆν land (gēn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ὁ the (ho) προφήτης prophet (pro-phē-tēs)
46.10a τὸ the (to) φῶς light (phōs) ἔλαμψεν shone (e-lamp-sen) ἐν in (en) ταῖς the (tais) καρδίαις hearts (kar-di-ais) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.11a οὐκ not (ouk) ἐπίστευσαν believed (e-pis-teu-san) τοῖς the (tois) λόγοις words (lo-gois) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) οἱ the (hoi) ἄρχοντες rulers (ar-khon-tes)
46.12a ἐν in (en) τῷ the (tō) μέσῳ midst (me-sō) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἔστη stood (es-tē) ὁ the (ho) Ἰησοῦς Jesus (I-ē-sous)
46.13a αἱ the (hai) ἁμαρτίαι sins (ha-mar-ti-ai) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἀφέθησαν were-forgiven (a-phe-thē-san) διὰ through (di-a) τὴν the (tēn) πίστιν faith (pis-tin)
46.14a ἤνοιξεν opened (ē-noi-xen) τοὺς the (tous) ὀφθαλμοὺς eyes (oph-thal-mous) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ὁ the (ho) κύριος Lord (ky-ri-os)
46.15a μετὰ after (me-ta) τὴν the (tēn) ἀνάστασιν resurrection (a-nas-ta-sin) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) εἰσῆλθον entered (ei-sēl-thon) εἰς into (eis) τὴν the (tēn) βασιλείαν kingdom (ba-si-lei-an)
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46.1 οἱ μαθηταὶ ἤκουσαν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτῶν. The disciples heard their voice.
46.2 ἡ μήτηρ αὐτῶν προσηύχετο ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ. Their mother was praying in the house.
46.3 εἶδον τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ. They saw their children in the marketplace.
46.4 τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῶν ἦν γεγραμμένον. Their name was written.
46.5 ἐζήτουν τὸν κύριον αὐτῶν πάντες. All were seeking their lord.
46.6 πάντα τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν φανερὰ ἐγένετο. All their works became manifest.
46.7 ὁ θεὸς ἔσωσεν τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν. God saved his people from their hands.
46.8 αἱ γυναῖκες ἔκλαιον διὰ τὰ παιδία αὐτῶν. The women were weeping because of their children.
46.9 ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν ὁ προφήτης. The prophet came into their land.
46.10 τὸ φῶς ἔλαμψεν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν. The light shone in their hearts.
46.11 οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν τοῖς λόγοις αὐτῶν οἱ ἄρχοντες. The rulers did not believe their words.
46.12 ἐν τῷ μέσῳ αὐτῶν ἔστη ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Jesus stood in their midst.
46.13 αἱ ἁμαρτίαι αὐτῶν ἀφέθησαν διὰ τὴν πίστιν. Their sins were forgiven through faith.
46.14 ἤνοιξεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ὁ κύριος. The Lord opened their eyes.
46.15 μετὰ τὴν ἀνάστασιν αὐτῶν εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν. After their resurrection they entered into the kingdom.
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46.1 οἱ μαθηταὶ ἤκουσαν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτῶν.
46.2 ἡ μήτηρ αὐτῶν προσηύχετο ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ.
46.3 εἶδον τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ.
46.4 τὸ ὄνομα αὐτῶν ἦν γεγραμμένον.
46.5 ἐζήτουν τὸν κύριον αὐτῶν πάντες.
46.6 πάντα τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν φανερὰ ἐγένετο.
46.7 ὁ θεὸς ἔσωσεν τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν.
46.8 αἱ γυναῖκες ἔκλαιον διὰ τὰ παιδία αὐτῶν.
46.9 ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν ὁ προφήτης.
46.10 τὸ φῶς ἔλαμψεν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν.
46.11 οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν τοῖς λόγοις αὐτῶν οἱ ἄρχοντες.
46.12 ἐν τῷ μέσῳ αὐτῶν ἔστη ὁ Ἰησοῦς.
46.13 αἱ ἁμαρτίαι αὐτῶν ἀφέθησαν διὰ τὴν πίστιν.
46.14 ἤνοιξεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ὁ κύριος.
46.15 μετὰ τὴν ἀνάστασιν αὐτῶν εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν.
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The Greek word αὐτῶν is the genitive plural form of the pronoun αὐτός, αὐτή, αὐτό. Here are the essential grammar rules:
Basic Formation: -
Masculine/Neuter genitive plural: αὐτῶν -
Feminine genitive plural: αὐτῶν (same form) -
The form is identical for all three genders in the genitive plural
Functions: -
Possessive use: "their" - expressing ownership or relationship -
Partitive use: "of them" - indicating a part of the whole -
Objective genitive: indicating the object of an action -
Subjective genitive: indicating the subject of an action
Word Order: Unlike English, where "their" must precede the noun it modifies, αὐτῶν can appear: -
After the noun (most common): ἡ μήτηρ αὐτῶν "their mother" -
Before the noun with article: τὰ αὐτῶν τέκνα "their children" -
Separated from its noun by other words
Article Usage: When αὐτῶν is attributive (modifying a noun), the noun typically has the article: -
ὁ οἶκος αὐτῶν "their house" -
τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν "their children"
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Gender confusion: Remember that αὐτῶν is the same form for all genders in genitive plural. Students often try to create different forms. -
Word order rigidity: English speakers often place αὐτῶν only immediately after the noun, missing the flexibility of Greek word order. -
Article omission: Forgetting to use the article with the noun when αὐτῶν is attributive. -
Confusing with αὐτοῦ/αὐτῆς: Mixing up singular "his/her" (αὐτοῦ/αὐτῆς) with plural "their" (αὐτῶν). -
Overlooking non-possessive uses: αὐτῶν doesn't always mean "their" - it can mean "of them" in partitive constructions.
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Identify the antecedent (who "they" are) -
Determine if the meaning is possessive or partitive -
Check if the possessed noun needs an article -
Place αὐτῶν after the noun (most natural position) -
Ensure agreement with plural antecedent
English "their": -
Fixed position (before noun) -
No case/gender distinction -
Always possessive
Greek αὐτῶν: -
Flexible position -
Genitive case form -
Can be possessive, partitive, or objective/subjective genitive
Declension of αὐτός (3rd person pronoun) - Genitive Plural: -
Masculine: αὐτῶν -
Feminine: αὐτῶν -
Neuter: αὐτῶν
Related forms for comparison: -
Genitive Singular: αὐτοῦ (m/n), αὐτῆς (f) -
Nominative Plural: αὐτοί (m), αὐταί (f), αὐτά (n) -
Accusative Plural: αὐτούς (m), αὐτάς (f), αὐτά (n) -
Dative Plural: αὐτοῖς (m/n), αὐταῖς (f)
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For English speakers learning Koine Greek, understanding the cultural implications of αὐτῶν provides crucial context for accurate translation and interpretation. In the Hellenistic world, collective identity and communal ownership were far more prominent than in modern Western society.
The use of αὐτῶν often reflects group dynamics in ancient Mediterranean culture. Family units, religious communities, and civic groups functioned as collective entities. When we read "their house" (ὁ οἶκος αὐτῶν), it often refers to an extended family dwelling rather than a nuclear family home. Similarly, "their possessions" might indicate communal property rather than individual ownership.
In religious contexts, particularly in early Christian texts, αὐτῶν frequently appears in discussions of communal worship and shared faith. The phrase "their synagogue" (ἡ συναγωγὴ αὐτῶν) or "their hearts" (αἱ καρδίαι αὐτῶν) often carries implications of collective spiritual identity that English speakers might miss.
The flexibility of Greek word order with αὐτῶν also reflects rhetorical emphasis. Placing αὐτῶν at the beginning or end of a clause could emphasize ownership or relationship in ways that English "their" cannot replicate. Ancient authors used this flexibility for literary effect, creating emphasis through word placement.
Archaeological evidence from papyri shows αὐτῶν frequently in legal documents, contracts, and letters. These documents reveal how possession and ownership were conceived differently than in modern English-speaking contexts. Joint ownership, family property rights, and communal responsibilities all appear in constructions with αὐτῶν.
For the autodidact, recognizing these cultural dimensions helps avoid overly individualistic translations. When translating αὐτῶν, consider whether collective, communal, or familial relationships are implied rather than assuming modern Western notions of individual possession.
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From the Gospel of John 10:4-5:
καὶ and (kai) ὅταν when (ho-tan) τὰ the (ta) ἴδια own (i-di-a) πάντα all (pan-ta) πρόβατα sheep (pro-ba-ta) ἐκβάλῃ he-puts-out (ek-ba-lē) ἔμπροσθεν before (em-pros-then) αὐτῶν them (au-tōn) πορεύεται he-goes (po-reu-e-tai) καὶ and (kai) τὰ the (ta) πρόβατα sheep (pro-ba-ta) αὐτῷ him (au-tō) ἀκολουθεῖ follow (a-ko-lou-thei) ὅτι because (ho-ti) οἴδασιν they-know (oi-da-sin) τὴν the (tēn) φωνὴν voice (phō-nēn) αὐτοῦ his (au-tou) ἀλλοτρίῳ stranger (al-lo-tri-ō) δὲ but (de) οὐ not (ou) μὴ certainly (mē) ἀκολουθήσουσιν they-will-follow (a-ko-lou-thē-sou-sin) ἀλλὰ but (al-la) φεύξονται they-will-flee (pheu-xon-tai) ἀπ' from (ap') αὐτοῦ him (au-tou) ὅτι because (ho-ti) οὐκ not (ouk) οἴδασιν they-know (oi-da-sin) τῶν the (tōn) ἀλλοτρίων strangers (al-lo-tri-ōn) τὴν the (tēn) φωνήν voice (phō-nēn)
καὶ ὅταν τὰ ἴδια πάντα ἐκβάλῃ, ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν πορεύεται, καὶ τὰ πρόβατα αὐτῷ ἀκολουθεῖ, ὅτι οἴδασιν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ· ἀλλοτρίῳ δὲ οὐ μὴ ἀκολουθήσουσιν ἀλλὰ φεύξονται ἀπ' αὐτοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ οἴδασιν τῶν ἀλλοτρίων τὴν φωνήν.
And when he puts out all his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will certainly not follow a stranger, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.
καὶ ὅταν τὰ ἴδια πάντα ἐκβάλῃ, ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν πορεύεται, καὶ τὰ πρόβατα αὐτῷ ἀκολουθεῖ, ὅτι οἴδασιν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ· ἀλλοτρίῳ δὲ οὐ μὴ ἀκολουθήσουσιν ἀλλὰ φεύξονται ἀπ' αὐτοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ οἴδασιν τῶν ἀλλοτρίων τὴν φωνήν.
This passage from John's Gospel uses αὐτῶν in a particularly significant way. The phrase ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν ("before them") shows the shepherd's position relative to his flock. The genitive αὐτῶν here indicates not possession but relationship - the sheep for whom the shepherd is responsible.
The passage contrasts different possessive relationships: τὰ ἴδια (his own), αὐτοῦ (his), and τῶν ἀλλοτρίων (of strangers). This creates a literary pattern exploring belonging and recognition. The shepherd's own sheep recognize his voice, while they reject the voice of strangers.
For English speakers, note how Greek uses the genitive case (αὐτῶν, αὐτοῦ, τῶν ἀλλοτρίων) where English might use possessive pronouns or prepositional phrases. The word order ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν places the spatial relationship before the pronoun, opposite to English "before them."
This metaphorical language about shepherding would have resonated deeply with the original audience, where shepherding was a common occupation and a frequent metaphor for leadership in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. The use of αὐτῶν emphasizes the collective nature of the flock while maintaining their individual capacity to recognize and respond.
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46.16a Παῦλος Paul (Pau-los) ἀπόστολος apostle (a-pos-to-los) Ἰησοῦ of-Jesus (I-ē-sou) Χριστοῦ Christ (Khris-tou) πᾶσιν to-all (pa-sin) τοῖς the (tois) ἁγίοις saints (ha-gi-ois) γράφει writes (gra-phei) περὶ concerning (pe-ri) τῆς the (tēs) πίστεως faith (pis-te-ōs) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.17a εὐχαριστῶ I-thank (eu-kha-ris-tō) τῷ the (tō) θεῷ God (the-ō) μου my (mou) πάντοτε always (pan-to-te) μνείαν mention (mnei-an) ὑμῶν of-you (hy-mōn) ποιούμενος making (poi-ou-me-nos) ἐπὶ upon (e-pi) τῶν the (tōn) προσευχῶν prayers (pros-eu-khōn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.18a ἀσπάζονται greet (as-pa-zon-tai) ὑμᾶς you (hy-mas) οἱ the (hoi) ἀδελφοὶ brothers (a-del-phoi) πάντες all (pan-tes) καὶ and (kai) αἱ the (hai) ἐκκλησίαι churches (ek-klē-si-ai) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.19a ἡ the (hē) χάρις grace (kha-ris) τοῦ of-the (tou) κυρίου Lord (ky-ri-ou) ἡμῶν our (hē-mōn) μετὰ with (me-ta) τοῦ the (tou) πνεύματος spirit (pneu-ma-tos) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἀμήν amen (a-mēn)
46.20a γινώσκετε know (gi-nōs-ke-te) τὴν the (tēn) εἴσοδον entrance (ei-so-don) ἡμῶν our (hē-mōn) πρὸς to (pros) ὑμᾶς you (hy-mas) καὶ and (kai) τὴν the (tēn) ὑποδοχὴν reception (hy-po-do-khēn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.21a μνημονεύομεν we-remember (mnē-mo-neu-o-men) ἀδιαλείπτως unceasingly (a-di-a-leip-tōs) τοῦ the (tou) ἔργου work (er-gou) τῆς of-the (tēs) πίστεως faith (pis-te-ōs) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.22a οἱ the (hoi) λόγοι words (lo-goi) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἦσαν were (ē-san) πλήρεις full (plē-reis) σοφίας of-wisdom (so-phi-as) καὶ and (kai) χάριτος grace (kha-ri-tos)
46.23a διὰ through (di-a) τῶν the (tōn) δεήσεων supplications (de-ē-se-ōn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἐρρύσθημεν we-were-delivered (er-rys-thē-men) ἐκ from (ek) κινδύνου danger (kin-dy-nou)
46.24a τὸ the (to) εὐαγγέλιον gospel (eu-an-ge-li-on) ἐκηρύχθη was-proclaimed (e-kē-rykh-thē) ἐν in (en) πάσῃ all (pa-sē) τῇ the (tē) χώρᾳ region (khō-ra) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.25a ἐπιστέλλω I-write (e-pi-stel-lō) ὑμῖν to-you (hy-min) περὶ concerning (pe-ri) τῆς the (tēs) ἀγάπης love (a-ga-pēs) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) πρὸς toward (pros) ἀλλήλους one-another (al-lē-lous)
46.26a αἱ the (hai) συναγωγαὶ synagogues (sy-na-gō-gai) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἐδέξαντο received (e-de-xan-to) ἡμᾶς us (hē-mas) μετὰ with (me-ta) εἰρήνης peace (ei-rē-nēs)
46.27a πέμψον send (pem-pson) τὴν the (tēn) ἐπιστολὴν letter (e-pi-sto-lēn) ταύτην this (tau-tēn) πρὸς to (pros) τοὺς the (tous) πρεσβυτέρους elders (pres-by-te-rous) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.28a ἡ the (hē) μαρτυρία testimony (mar-ty-ri-a) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ἀληθὴς true (a-lē-thēs) ἐστίν is (es-tin) καὶ and (kai) πιστή faithful (pis-tē)
46.29a χαίρομεν we-rejoice (khai-ro-men) ἐπὶ at (e-pi) τῇ the (tē) προκοπῇ progress (pro-ko-pē) τοῦ of-the (tou) εὐαγγελίου gospel (eu-an-ge-li-ou) ἐν among (en) αὐτοῖς them (au-tois) καὶ and (kai) τῇ the (tē) αὐξήσει growth (au-xē-sei) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn)
46.30a γράφω I-write (gra-phō) ταῦτα these-things (tau-ta) ἵνα that (hi-na) γνῶτε you-may-know (gnō-te) τὴν the (tēn) σπουδὴν earnestness (spou-dēn) αὐτῶν their (au-tōn) ὑπὲρ on-behalf-of (hy-per) ὑμῶν you (hy-mōn)
46.16 Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις γράφει περὶ τῆς πίστεως αὐτῶν. Paul, apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to all the saints concerning their faith.
46.17 εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου πάντοτε μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιούμενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν αὐτῶν. I thank my God always, making mention of you in their prayers.
46.18 ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες καὶ αἱ ἐκκλησίαι αὐτῶν. All the brothers greet you, and their churches.
46.19 ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτῶν, ἀμήν. The grace of our Lord be with their spirit, amen.
46.20 γινώσκετε τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν ὑποδοχὴν αὐτῶν. You know our entrance to you and their reception.
46.21 μνημονεύομεν ἀδιαλείπτως τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως αὐτῶν. We remember unceasingly the work of their faith.
46.22 οἱ λόγοι αὐτῶν ἦσαν πλήρεις σοφίας καὶ χάριτος. Their words were full of wisdom and grace.
46.23 διὰ τῶν δεήσεων αὐτῶν ἐρρύσθημεν ἐκ κινδύνου. Through their supplications we were delivered from danger.
46.24 τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἐκηρύχθη ἐν πάσῃ τῇ χώρᾳ αὐτῶν. The gospel was proclaimed in all their region.
46.25 ἐπιστέλλω ὑμῖν περὶ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτῶν πρὸς ἀλλήλους. I write to you concerning their love toward one another.
46.26 αἱ συναγωγαὶ αὐτῶν ἐδέξαντο ἡμᾶς μετὰ εἰρήνης. Their synagogues received us with peace.
46.27 πέμψον τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ταύτην πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους αὐτῶν. Send this letter to their elders.
46.28 ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτῶν ἀληθὴς ἐστὶν καὶ πιστή. Their testimony is true and faithful.
46.29 χαίρομεν ἐπὶ τῇ προκοπῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ τῇ αὐξήσει αὐτῶν. We rejoice at the progress of the gospel among them and their growth.
46.30 γράφω ταῦτα ἵνα γνῶτε τὴν σπουδὴν αὐτῶν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν. I write these things that you may know their earnestness on your behalf.
46.16 Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις γράφει περὶ τῆς πίστεως αὐτῶν.
46.17 εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου πάντοτε μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιούμενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν αὐτῶν.
46.18 ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες καὶ αἱ ἐκκλησίαι αὐτῶν.
46.19 ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτῶν, ἀμήν.
46.20 γινώσκετε τὴν εἴσοδον ἡμῶν πρὸς ὑμᾶς καὶ τὴν ὑποδοχὴν αὐτῶν.
46.21 μνημονεύομεν ἀδιαλείπτως τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως αὐτῶν.
46.22 οἱ λόγοι αὐτῶν ἦσαν πλήρεις σοφίας καὶ χάριτος.
46.23 διὰ τῶν δεήσεων αὐτῶν ἐρρύσθημεν ἐκ κινδύνου.
46.24 τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἐκηρύχθη ἐν πάσῃ τῇ χώρᾳ αὐτῶν.
46.25 ἐπιστέλλω ὑμῖν περὶ τῆς ἀγάπης αὐτῶν πρὸς ἀλλήλους.
46.26 αἱ συναγωγαὶ αὐτῶν ἐδέξαντο ἡμᾶς μετὰ εἰρήνης.
46.27 πέμψον τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ταύτην πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους αὐτῶν.
46.28 ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτῶν ἀληθὴς ἐστὶν καὶ πιστή.
46.29 χαίρομεν ἐπὶ τῇ προκοπῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ τῇ αὐξήσει αὐτῶν.
46.30 γράφω ταῦτα ἵνα γνῶτε τὴν σπουδὴν αὐτῶν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν.
The epistolary genre in Koine Greek shows distinctive uses of αὐτῶν that English speakers should note:
Opening and Closing Formulas: Letters often reference "their" in connection with communities. The phrase αἱ ἐκκλησίαι αὐτῶν ("their churches") indicates the congregations associated with the letter's senders or recipients. This communal reference differs from modern individual correspondence.
Prayer Reports: The phrase ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν αὐτῶν ("in their prayers") appears frequently in epistolary prayer reports. Note how Greek uses the genitive (αὐτῶν) where English might use a prepositional phrase.
Community References: Epistolary literature frequently uses αὐτῶν to refer to groups: their faith (ἡ πίστις αὐτῶν), their love (ἡ ἀγάπη αὐτῶν), their testimony (ἡ μαρτυρία αὐτῶν). These collective references reflect the communal nature of early Christian correspondence.
Benedictions: The phrase μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτῶν ("with their spirit") in benedictions treats the community as having a collective spirit, a concept foreign to individualistic English speakers.
Travel Narratives: Letters often include travel reports using αὐτῶν to indicate regions, synagogues, or homes: ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ αὐτῶν ("in their region"), αἱ συναγωγαὶ αὐτῶν ("their synagogues").
Grammatical Patterns in Letters: -
αὐτῶν frequently appears with abstract nouns (faith, love, testimony) -
Often combined with prepositions (διὰ + genitive, ἐπὶ + genitive) -
Used in reported speech and indirect discourse -
Appears in formulaic expressions unique to letter writing
Common Epistolary Constructions: -
μνείαν αὐτῶν ποιούμενος "making mention of them" -
διὰ τῶν δεήσεων αὐτῶν "through their supplications" -
ἡ σπουδὴ αὐτῶν "their earnestness" -
τὸ ἔργον τῆς πίστεως αὐτῶν "the work of their faith"
These patterns help English speakers recognize and properly translate αὐτῶν in epistolary contexts.
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