One Throne, One Identity: A Pronominal and Syntactic Analysis of Epexegetical ??? in New Testament Monotheism

Authors

  • Yoce Daniel Matthews Institut Agama Kristen Negeri Toraja

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55324/ijoms.v5i5.1266

Keywords:

Epexegetical Kai, Mark 12:29, Revelation 22:3-4, Oneness of God, Greek Syntax

Abstract

Debates on New Testament monotheism often center on the function of the conjunction kai (???) within sequences of divine titles, particularly whether it separates two persons or reinforces a single identity. Objective: This study aims to analyze the function of the conjunction kai (???) in Koine Greek syntax as an epexegetical (explanatory) device that affirms the personal oneness of God in the New Testament. The primary focus of this research lies in Mark 12:29 and Revelation 22:3–4, where the structure of divine titles is frequently debated within the framework of personal plurality. Employing a qualitative approach through grammatical-historical exegesis and descriptive syntactic analysis, this study demonstrates that kai in these passages does not function as a connector of two distinct entities but rather as an epexegetical marker indicating a single identity (i.e., “that is” or “even”). A key finding in Revelation 22:3–4 reveals that the consistent use of singular pronouns referring to “God and the Lamb” linguistically necessitates an epexegetical interpretation of kai. The study concludes that New Testament authors maintained a strict and absolute monotheism consistent with Malachi 3:6, in which Jesus Christ is identified as the personal manifestation of the one and only God.

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Published

2026-02-28

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 5 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Multidisciplinary Science

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Yoce Daniel Matthews

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