Brief Overview of εἰσί (Strong’s G1526: eisi)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because the New Testament was originally written in Greek. Grasping the nuances of these words can greatly enhance one’s comprehension of the text. The Greek word εἰσί (eisi) is particularly significant because it is a fundamental verb meaning “they are.” As a third person plural form of the verb “to be,” εἰσί appears frequently in the New Testament, often serving as a connector that defines existence or state of being. Its role is critical in both New Testament interpretation and in understanding the linguistic structure of ancient Greek.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: εἰσί (eisi) [ay-see]
• Etymology: From the root verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning “to be.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (third person plural, present indicative active).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• They Are: The most direct translation of εἰσί is “they are,” indicating the existence or state of multiple subjects.
• Existence: In broader contexts, εἰσί can imply the state of being or existence of the subjects in question.

Similar Words:

• εἰμί (eimi) [ay-mee]: The singular form of “to be,” meaning “I am.” While εἰμί refers to a singular subject, εἰσί extends this to multiple subjects.
• ἐστί (esti) [es-tee]: Another form of the verb “to be,” specifically the third person singular, meaning “he/she/it is.”

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Verb Conjugation: As a third person plural form, εἰσί is used when the subject is plural. It is the present indicative active form, which is the most common tense and mood for indicating ongoing or general actions or states.
• Connection to εἰμί: The word εἰσί directly relates to εἰμί, the first person singular of “to be.” This connection highlights the importance of understanding how Greek verbs conjugate to reflect the number and person of the subject.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG describes εἰσί as a basic yet essential part of speech in Greek, crucial for constructing sentences and expressing states of being. Its frequent occurrence in the New Testament emphasizes its importance in understanding both narrative and theological points.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon notes that εἰσί is used primarily to indicate existence or presence and is often found in the New Testament in phrases where the subject’s existence is being emphasized or affirmed.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary highlights the grammatical importance of εἰσί, noting that while it is a simple verb, it carries significant weight in theological contexts, particularly in affirming the existence of divine or spiritual entities.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ expands on the historical usage of εἰσί in classical Greek literature, where it served a similar function in both philosophical and everyday contexts, underlining the word’s versatility and importance across different genres.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰσί under G1526 and identifies its key role in various New Testament verses, focusing on its function to affirm the existence or state of being of the subjects.

Scripture References:

• John 10:34: “Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I have said you are gods”?'”
• Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
• Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἰσί (G1526: eisi)

The Greek verb εἰσί (eisi) is a fundamental term in the New Testament, playing a crucial role in expressing the existence or state of multiple subjects. As the third person plural form of the verb “to be,” εἰσί appears frequently across the New Testament, underscoring its importance in both grammatical and theological contexts. Understanding εἰσί is essential for interpreting the New Testament accurately, as it helps to clarify who or what is being discussed and in what state or condition they exist. This word is not just a simple verb but a cornerstone of Greek sentence structure, crucial for conveying the core messages of the biblical texts.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek philosophy, the concept of “being” (expressed through forms of the verb “to be,” like εἰσί) was central to discussions about existence, reality, and the nature of the universe. Plato and Aristotle, among others, extensively explored what it means “to be,” influencing both ancient and modern thought.