Accusative Case
The Accusative Case is the case of the direct object.
What is the Accusative Case?
The Accusative Case is the case of the direct object. It identifies what or whom receives the action of the verb, answering "what?" or "whom?" It is also used for extent (how far, how long), the object of certain prepositions, and in some constructions as the subject of an infinitive. The accusative is the most straightforward case, directly connecting the verb to its object.
Why This Matters for Bible Study
The accusative case identifies what God acts upon and what believers are called to pursue. In John 3:16, "God so loved the world (ton kosmon)" uses the accusative to show that the entire world is the object of God's love. In Philippians 3:14, Paul presses toward "the goal (ton skopon)" in the accusative, marking it as the object of his pursuit. In 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight (ton kalon agona)," the accusative identifies what Paul accomplished. Understanding the accusative reveals the targets and objects of both divine and human action in Scripture.
Famous Verses Using the Accusative Case
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son."
The accusative "ton kosmon" (the world) is the direct object of God's love. The entire world, not just a select group, is the recipient of God's love. The accusative makes the scope of divine love unmistakably clear and universal.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
The accusative "ton kalon agona" (the good fight) identifies the object of Paul's lifelong struggle. The accusative case marks the fight, the course, and the faith as the things Paul acted upon and accomplished throughout his ministry.
"He gave his only begotten Son."
The accusative "ton huion ton monogene" (the only-begotten Son) marks the Son as the direct object of God's giving. The accusative makes explicit what God gave: His unique, one-of-a-kind Son. This is the most costly gift ever described in Scripture.
How It Compares to Related Forms
| Form | Aspect / Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | Subject: who acts | "God" (theos) loves |
| Genitive | Possession/source | "of God" (theou) |
| Dative | Indirect object/means | "to God" (theo) |
| Accusative | Direct object: receives action | "the world" (ton kosmon) is loved |
Apply What You Have Learned
Put your knowledge of the Accusative Case into practice with these resources.