ἴδιος (idios)
idios
one's own/private
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 111 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word idios denotes that which belongs to a specific person or thing: one’s own property, home, or body. In the New Testament it appears 111 times, often marking personal ownership or distinct identity. Jesus uses it when describing his disciples as “his own” in John 1:11, and Paul refers to individual members having “their own” concerns in 1 Corinthians 3:8.
Beyond simple possession, idios carries a sense of particularity or privacy. It contrasts with what is public or shared by others. In Matthew 14:23, Jesus withdraws “apart” (kat’ idian) to pray alone, highlighting a private space separate from the crowd. The word also describes unique characteristics, such as each plant having its “own” body in 1 Corinthians 15:38.
Its root meaning emphasizes distinct belonging rather than general ownership. Translators render it variously as “his own,” “private,” or “proper,” depending on context. This flexibility reflects how the word anchors abstract concepts to specific persons or things, making personal responsibility and identity central to its usage throughout Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word idios reminds us that God knows us by name. It describes what belongs specifically to a person—your own home, your own body, or your own heart. In a world that often demands we blend in with the crowd, this term highlights our unique identity as individuals known intimately by Christ.
Jesus frequently used private moments to connect deeply with his followers. When he withdrew to pray alone or spoke quietly with just Peter, James, and John, he showed that spiritual growth often happens in personal, quiet spaces. This word invites you to find your own place of rest and truth, knowing that your individual journey matters greatly to God.
Ultimately, idios points to a relationship built on specific care. Just as a farmer tends to his own field or a parent speaks privately to a child, God’s love is not generic. It is tailored to you, offering peace and purpose in your daily life without the pressure of public performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 111 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- own19×
- [his] own18×
- [their] own17×
- private7×
- to [their] own5×
- [His] own5×
- [your] own4×
- [their] own.3×
- [her] own3×
- to [your] own2×
- privately2×
- [on their] own2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰδίαν21×
- ἴδιον17×
- ἰδίᾳ12×
- ἰδίοις11×
- ἰδίου10×
- ἰδίων7×
- ἴδια6×
- ἰδίῳ6×
- ἰδίους6×
- ἰδίας6×
- ἰδίαν.3×
- ἰδίαις3×
Key Verses
-
John 1:11
He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.
This verse highlights the tragic rejection Jesus faced from those who were specifically his own by covenant and creation.
-
Matthew 14:23
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.
Here the word describes a private setting where Jesus withdrew to pray, modeling the importance of solitary communion with the Father.
-
Mark 4:34
Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
It shows that while parables were for the crowds, deeper understanding was shared privately with the disciples who followed him closely.
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Luke 6:41
Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Jesus uses this term to draw attention to personal responsibility, urging individuals to examine their own faults before judging others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word idios mean in the Bible?
How is idios different from generic words for 'own'?
Why does Jesus use this word in John 1:11?
Does this word imply isolation?
Every Occurrence (111 verses across 19 books)
Matthew 10 verses
He entered into a boat and crossed over, and came into his own city.
Matthew 14:13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it,…
Matthew 14:23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was…
Matthew 17:1After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by…
Matthew 17:19Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 22:5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;
Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…
Matthew 25:14“For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them.
Matthew 25:15To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his…