Introduction: The Language of Possession
Jesus says:
γινώσκω τὰ ἐμὰ καὶ γινώσκομαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἐμῶν
“I know the things that are mine, and I am known by those who are mine.”
In both clauses, the possessive adjective ἐμός (“mine”) appears in distinct grammatical forms:
– τὰ ἐμὰ – accusative neuter plural
– τῶν ἐμῶν – genitive masculine (or mixed gender) plural
Though similar in form, each plays a unique role in its clause—and reveals something profound about belonging to Christ.
γινώσκω τὰ ἐμὰ καὶ γινώσκομαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἐμῶν
Morphological Breakdown
- τὰ ἐμὰ {ta emá} –
Form: neuter plural accusative (article + possessive adjective);
From: ἐμός, ἐμή, ἐμόν – 1st person singular possessive adjective;
Translation: “the things (or ones) that are mine”;
Function: Direct object of γινώσκω (“I know”);
Notes: Though grammatically neuter, context clearly implies people, not objects—Christ’s sheep. - τῶν ἐμῶν {tōn emṓn} –
Form: genitive plural masculine/feminine;
From: ἐμός, ἐμή, ἐμόν;
Translation: “of mine,” or “my own”;
Function: Agent of the passive verb γινώσκομαι (used with ὑπό + genitive);
Notes: Refers to the same group—Jesus’ people—from the other side of the relational dynamic.
Syntactical Function
– τὰ ἐμὰ is the accusative object of the active verb γινώσκω:
> “I know the things/people that are mine.”
– τῶν ἐμῶν is the genitive agent of the passive verb γινώσκομαι, introduced by ὑπό:
> “I am known by those who are mine.”
The repetition of ἐμός in both parts of the sentence creates a reciprocal possessive bond. Jesus is not only in relationship with His followers—He calls them His own and affirms that they call Him theirs.
Lexical and Theological Significance
The adjective ἐμός is stronger and more personal than the possessive pronoun μου (“my”):
– μου is enclitic and neutral: “my house,” “my hand”
– ἐμός is emphatic and relational: “my people,” “my own beloved”
Examples of ἐμός in theological contexts:
– John 17:10 – “All mine are yours, and yours are mine”
– John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice…”
So τὰ ἐμὰ and τῶν ἐμῶν are not merely grammatical—they’re covenantal.
Literary Symmetry
This verse shows perfect reciprocal symmetry:
– Subject: Jesus
– Verb (active): γινώσκω
– Object: τὰ ἐμὰ
– Subject: Jesus
– Verb (passive): γινώσκομαι
– Agent: ὑπὸ τῶν ἐμῶν
This grammatical balance reinforces the mutuality of the relationship:
Jesus knows His sheep.
His sheep know Him.
And both sides belong to one another.
They Are Mine
Jesus doesn’t say:
– “I know them”
– or “I know the believers”
He says:
“I know the things that are mine” — τὰ ἐμὰ
“And I am known by my own” — τῶν ἐμῶν
In these two phrases lies the heart of discipleship:
to belong to Christ
and to know Him—
as He knows you.
