Brief Overview of εἶναι (Strong’s G1511: eínai)

Introduction:

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the verb εἶναι (eínai) is fundamental, as it is the infinitive form of the verb “to be.” This word is integral to expressing existence, identity, and states of being, making it a cornerstone of Greek grammar and essential for interpreting New Testament texts. εἶναι appears in many theological and philosophical contexts, reflecting the rich interplay between language, thought, and culture in the ancient world. Its role in key biblical passages underscores its importance in both theological exegesis and understanding ancient Greek thought.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἶναι (eínai) [AY-nai]
• Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *es-, meaning “to be.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (infinitive)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To be
• To exist
• To happen or occur

Similar Words:

• ὑπάρχειν (hyparchein) [hoo-PAR-khayn]: Meaning “to exist” or “to be present,” this verb emphasizes actual existence in a specific place or situation.
• γίγνεσθαι (gígnesthai) [GHEEG-nes-thai]: Often translated as “to become” or “to come into being,” this verb focuses on the process of becoming or transitioning into a state of being.
• εἰμί (eimí) [ay-MEE]: The finite form of the verb “to be,” used to express existence or being in the present indicative mood.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἶναι is the present active infinitive of εἰμί, and as an infinitive, it is not bound by person or number. Instead, it expresses the action or state of being in a general or abstract sense.
• Usage in Sentences: εἶναι is used in various constructions, including complementary infinitives, indirect statements, and expressions of purpose or result.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines εἶναι as “to be, exist,” emphasizing its use in expressions of existence or identity. The lexicon notes that εἶναι is crucial for understanding the theological and philosophical underpinnings of many New Testament passages, particularly where the nature of being and existence is discussed.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights εἶναι as the infinitive form of εἰμί, explaining that it is used to denote the state of being or existence in a general sense. Thayer’s also points out its frequent use in phrases where the existence or occurrence of something is being asserted or questioned.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes εἶναι as the verb “to be,” noting its importance in theological contexts, especially in the New Testament. Vine’s discusses how εἶναι is used in key doctrinal statements to affirm the existence and identity of God, Jesus, and other theological entities.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἶναι back to classical Greek, where it was used broadly in both philosophical and everyday contexts to express existence, being, or occurrence. LSJ notes its fundamental role in Greek thought, particularly in discussions of ontology and metaphysics.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἶναι as “to be, to exist,” highlighting its role as the infinitive form of εἰμί. Strong’s emphasizes its importance in forming compound verbs and phrases that express various aspects of existence and being in the New Testament.

Scripture References:

• John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was (εἶναι) in the beginning with God.”
• Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
• Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἶναι (G1511: eínai)

The Greek verb εἶναι (eínai), meaning “to be” or “to exist,” is fundamental in understanding both the Greek language and the theological concepts of the New Testament. As the infinitive form of εἰμί, εἶναι is crucial in expressing states of being, existence, and identity in a general or abstract sense. Its use spans both everyday language and profound philosophical discussions, making it a key term in Biblical exegesis and Greek philosophy alike. Understanding εἶναι opens up deeper insights into the nature of being, identity, and existence as expressed in the Scriptures and classical literature.

Did You Know?

The verb εἶναι (eínai) is central to philosophical discussions in ancient Greek thought, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle. In these contexts, εἶναι was used to explore concepts of existence, reality, and the nature of being, laying the groundwork for Western philosophy’s ongoing exploration of ontology. This philosophical depth is echoed in the New Testament, where εἶναι is often used in theological contexts to affirm the existence and identity of God and Christ, connecting everyday language with profound spiritual truths.