Original Word: τούτους
Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun
Transliteration: toutous
Pronunciation: too'-toos
Phonetic Spelling: (too'-tooce)
KJV: such, them, these, this
Word Origin: [accusative case plural masculine of G3778 (οὗτος - this)]

1. these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

this; he, she, it

Accusative case plural masculine of houtos; these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition) -- such, them, these, this.

see GREEK houtos

Word Origin
acc. pl. masc. of houtos,, q.v.

Grammatical and Syntactical Role

The form τούτους functions as the accusative masculine plural of the demonstrative pronoun that identifies specific persons (never things) who are in the speaker’s immediate view or thought. It marks them out from all others, sharpening focus and providing narrative precision. Because it stands in the accusative, it is normally the object of verbs such as “call,” “send,” “receive,” or “separate,” and it often works in tandem with articles or participles to build an emphatic picture of a certain company of men.

Usage across Scripture

Although this precise inflected form is not attested in the Greek New Testament, its cognate forms (e.g., τούτοις, τούτων) appear regularly, revealing a unified pattern of demonstrative emphasis that stretches from the Septuagint through apostolic writings. Key Septuagint examples illustrate the typical force of τούτους:

• Daniel 3:13 – “So they brought these men before the king.”
• Numbers 1:4 – “With you shall be a man from each tribe, each one head of his father’s house; and with you shall be these.”
• Nehemiah 6:14 – “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works.”

Each occurrence signals a deliberate designation of a group whose identity and actions matter to the unfolding redemptive story.

Demonstrative Precision in Redemptive Narratives

1. Identification of the Remnant. Prophets frequently use the demonstrative to distinguish a faithful cluster from an unfaithful majority (Isaiah 8:18; Malachi 3:17 in principle).
2. Delegation of Mission. In Acts, although employing related forms, the Spirit singles out selected messengers: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). The demonstrative delineates clear boundaries of responsibility for ministry.
3. Witness to Resurrection Life. Jesus points to His followers as the firstfruits of the new creation: “Behold, I and the children God has given Me” (Hebrews 2:13, echoing Isaiah 8:18). The demonstrative form underscores tangible evidence of divine promise fulfilled in identifiable people.

Historical Context and Linguistic Stability

Koine papyri confirm that τούτους was the everyday way Greeks indicated “these men” when directing attention to a known company in transactions, letters, and legal documents. Scripture mirrors contemporary usage, yet imbues it with theological depth, portraying an active and personal God who calls, empowers, judges, and blesses visible communities.

Theological Insight

1. Covenant Particularity. Salvation history advances through real individuals and groups—never abstractions. The demonstrative therefore reinforces the covenantal principle that God’s dealings are always both corporate and personal.
2. Holiness and Separation. “Come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:17). While τούτους is not used in that verse, the same demonstrative concept manifests the divine call to distinguish the righteous from the unrighteous (see also Revelation 18:4).
3. Assurance of Divine Ownership. By marking certain people as “these,” Scripture communicates God’s intimate knowledge and ownership of His own (John 10:14).

Ministry Applications

• Discipleship. Pastors are reminded to invest intentionally in “these” entrusted to their care (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Church Discipline. When sin must be confronted, clarity about “these” who persist in error ensures biblical accountability (Titus 3:10–11).
• Missional Focus. Missionaries prayerfully identify “these” in whom the Lord is already at work (Acts 16:9–10).

Practical Teaching Keys

1. Highlight demonstratives when reading Scripture aloud; they cue the congregation to look closely at the persons God is addressing or appointing.
2. Cross-reference Old Testament and New Testament passages to show continuity in the way God singles out people for His purposes.
3. Use demonstrative emphasis in application: “Who are the ‘these’ God is calling you to love, mentor, or reach today?”

Summary

τούτους may appear to be a small grammatical form, yet it conveys a large theological truth: God’s redemptive activity centers on real, identifiable people. By observing how Scripture uses demonstratives, believers gain a sharper awareness of divine intentionality, are encouraged to see themselves as part of “these” whom Christ has redeemed, and are motivated to engage the specific people God places before them in daily ministry.

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