3427. moi
Lexical Summary
moi: me, to me, for me

Original Word: μοι
Part of Speech: Pronoun
Transliteration: moi
Pronunciation: moy
Phonetic Spelling: (moy)
KJV: I, me, mine, my
Word Origin: [the simpler form of G1698 (ἐμοί - to me)]

1. to me

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
I, me, mine, my.

The simpler form of emoi; to me -- I, me, mine, my.

see GREEK emoi

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a simpler form of emoi, see egó.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 3427, μοι, is the dative singular of the first-person pronoun, conveying the idea “to me,” “for me,” or “with reference to me.” Although this particular Strong’s number has no stand-alone listings in the Greek New Testament databases, the form itself permeates Scripture under other index numbers and spelling variations. It functions as a subtle yet powerful indicator of personal relationship—whether God addressing His people, Christ calling disciples, or an apostle testifying to grace.

Relational Emphasis in Divine Speech

1. Covenant Ownership

When the Lord speaks of His covenant people or prerogatives, the dative pronoun underscores exclusivity: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35; echoed in Romans 12:19). The possessive nuance asserts that justice, worship, and redemption belong to Him alone.

2. Invitation and Assurance

“Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3) captures the personal nearness God offers. The dative highlights that prayer is directed not to an impersonal force but to the living God who hears and responds.

Human Response in Worship and Petition

1. Davidic Psalms

Expressions such as “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4) employ the dative to frame humble dependence—divine instruction sought “for me.”
2. Individual Lament and Trust

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness” (Psalm 4:1). The form intensifies the urgency of personal need before God.

Christological Significance

1. Gospel Invitations

Jesus’ words “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) present μοι as the focal point of grace; rest is found only in direct approach to Him.
2. Personal Revelation

After His resurrection Christ says, “Touch Me and see” (Luke 24:39), encouraging tangible faith. The dative makes the encounter immediate and experiential.

Pauline Theology and Testimony

1. Salvation Applied

“He loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). The apostle’s use of the dative draws the universal work of the cross into personal experience.
2. Mission and Calling

“This grace was given to me to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). The dative frames ministry as a divinely granted stewardship.

Pastoral and Devotional Applications

1. Prayer Life

The prevalence of μοι invites believers to approach God with confidence that He deals with them personally (Hebrews 4:16).
2. Assurance of Identity

Passages such as Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ,” encourage each follower to internalize the gospel.
3. Preaching and Teaching

Emphasizing the dative in proclamation reminds hearers that scriptural truths are meant to be personally appropriated, not merely observed.

Historical Notes

• Septuagint Usage: μοι frequently translates Hebrew לִי, reinforcing the covenant dialogue between Yahweh and Israel.
• Patristic Reflection: Early church fathers highlighted μοι in texts like John 20:28 (“My Lord and my God!”) to defend the deity of Christ and the believer’s direct confession.

Summary

Though catalogued without discrete New Testament occurrences under Strong’s 3427, μοι saturates the biblical narrative, threading personal address, intimate prayer, and individual responsibility through every major section of Scripture. It quietly but persistently proclaims that the God of the Bible engages real people, calls them by name, and grants grace tailored “to me.”

Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
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