5123. toutesti

Lexical Summary

toutesti: that is, that is to say, which means

Original Word: τοῦτ' ἔστιν
Part of Speech: Phrase (idiomatic expression)
Transliteration: toutesti
Pronunciation: too'-tes-tee
Phonetic Spelling: (toot-es'-tee)
KJV: that is (to say)
Word Origin: [contraction for G5124 (τοῦτο - This) and G2076 (ἐστί - is)]

1. that is

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

that is to say.

Contraction for touto and esti; that is -- that is (to say).

see GREEK esti

see GREEK touto

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
variant reading, comb. of touto and esti, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5123: τουτεστι

τουτεστι (cf. Winers Grammar, p. 45; Buttmann, 11 (10)) for τουτ' ἐστι, and this for τοῦτο ἐστι, see εἰμί, II. 3. τράγος, τράγου, ὁ, from Homer down, a he-goat: plural, Hebrews 9:12f, 19; Hebrews 10:4.

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Grammatical Function

τοῦτ’ ἔστιν (“this is,” “that is to say”) is an explanatory formula used in Koine Greek to introduce a clarification, translation, or identification. It functions appositionally, equating what precedes with what follows and thus serves as an interpretive bridge. Although no New Testament verse is tagged with Strong’s 5123, the underlying construction (τοῦτο/τοῦτ’ ἐστίν) permeates Scripture in slightly different spellings.

Equivalent Forms in Canonical Texts

1. Identification of a symbolic act or object
• Exodus 12:11: “It is the LORD’s Passover” (LXX: τοῦτό ἐστιν πάσχα Κυρίου).
• Matthew 26:26: “This is My body.”
2. Translation of Hebrew or Aramaic words
• Mark 15:34: “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”—“which means, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’”
• John 1:38: “Rabbi” (which means Teacher).
3. Prophetic fulfillment
• Acts 2:16: “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.”
4. Clarification of figurative language
• Revelation 17:9: “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains.”

Purpose in Divine Revelation

1. Linguistic Bridge: Inspired writers translate Semitic expressions for a Hellenistic audience, preserving the authenticity of Jesus’ words while ensuring comprehension (e.g., “Golgotha”—John 19:17).
2. Doctrinal Precision: When Jesus says, “This is My blood of the covenant” (Matthew 26:28), the construction anchors the covenantal significance of His sacrifice.
3. Canonical Cohesion: The phrase often links Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment, reinforcing the unity of Scripture (Acts 2:16; Exodus 12:11 with Luke 22:15).
4. Pedagogical Clarity: By equating a sign with its meaning, the biblical authors model sound hermeneutics, guiding readers to interpret symbols, parables, and typology correctly.

Historical Usage Beyond the New Testament

The Septuagint frequently uses the formula to define ritual items (Leviticus 16:34), covenant terms (Genesis 17:10), and juridical pronouncements (Deuteronomy 19:4). Early patristic writers continued the pattern, demonstrating its accepted role in theological explanation.

Theological and Ministry Significance

• Sacramental Teaching: The words of institution employ τοῦτο ἐστιν to convey real covenant realities, shaping Eucharistic theology and liturgical practice.
• Expository Preaching: When proclaimers of the Word encounter difficult terms or typological references, the biblical model of immediate explanation authorizes clear, faithful exposition.
• Apologetics: Demonstrations of fulfilled prophecy introduced by “this is” furnish evidence for the reliability of Scripture and the messianic identity of Jesus Christ.
• Discipleship: The phrase exemplifies how believers ought to connect doctrine with everyday symbols—turning abstract truth into tangible understanding.

Practical Applications

1. Translate and define unfamiliar terms for modern hearers, following the biblical example.
2. Highlight prophetic fulfillments to strengthen confidence in God’s sovereign plan.
3. Use the construction in teaching to underscore the difference between sign and reality (“Baptism: this is an appeal to God for a clear conscience”—1 Peter 3:21).

Related Words for Further Study

ὅ ἐστιν – another explanatory formula, especially after proper names (Mark 3:17).

μεθερμηνεύω – “to translate,” often paired with ὅ ἐστιν (John 1:38).

Summary

Although Strong’s 5123 itself is unattested in the New Testament, its form and function are embedded throughout Scripture. As a linguistic tool it clarifies, translates, and identifies; as a theological device it roots doctrine in concrete terms; and in ministry it provides a model for clear, faithful communication of God’s truth.

Forms and Transliterations

τουτ'

Englishman's Concordance

τοσοῦτο — 1 Occ.
τοσούτῳ — 3 Occ.
τοσούτων — 1 Occ.
τοσοῦτοι — 1 Occ.
τοσοῦτον — 4 Occ.
τοσοῦτος — 1 Occ.
τοσούτου — 2 Occ.
τοσούτους — 1 Occ.
Τότε — 161 Occ.
τοὐναντίον — 3 Occ.
τράγων — 4 Occ.
τράπεζα — 2 Occ.
τραπέζαις — 1 Occ.
τράπεζαν — 2 Occ.
τραπέζας — 3 Occ.
τραπέζης — 7 Occ.
τραπεζίταις — 1 Occ.
τραύματα — 1 Occ.
τετραυματισμένους — 1 Occ.
τραυματίσαντες — 1 Occ.