The dative form of the first-person plural pronoun, functioning as indirect object ('he gave to us') or expressing relationship and interest ('it happened to us,' 'it is for us'). New Testament writers frequently employ this form in describing divine action toward the believing community: grace given to us, Spirit poured out on us, promises made to us. Paul's letters resound with dative constructions marking God's disposition toward his people. The case also appears after certain prepositions. Like other oblique pronoun forms, it derives from a different root than the nominative.