Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it helps reveal the nuances of the original texts. The Greek word ἐσμέν (esmen) is particularly significant as it is a verb form that translates to “we are.” This word appears frequently in the New Testament, and its usage is fundamental for understanding statements about identity, relationship, and existence in both theological and cultural contexts. Recognizing the function and implications of ἐσμέν in Biblical Greek aids in interpreting passages that discuss the nature of being, communal identity, and theological assertions.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐσμέν (esmen) [es-MEN]
- Etymology: Derived from the verb εἰμί (eimi), which means “to be.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; first-person plural present indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- We are: Indicates a state of being for a group or collective.
- Exist: Refers to the state of existing or being present.
Similar Words: εἰμί (eimi) [ee-MEE] is the base form of the verb “to be” in Greek and means “I am.” While εἰμί is the first-person singular form, ἐσμέν (esmen) is the first-person plural form, meaning “we are.” This distinction is crucial for understanding the difference between individual and collective statements in Greek texts.
Further Insights: ἐσμέν (esmen) is an irregular verb form as part of the Greek verb “to be.” This verb does not follow typical patterns and must be memorized separately. Below is the full conjugation of the verb εἰμί (to be) in the present indicative:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | εἰμί | ἐσμέν |
| 2nd | εἶ | ἐστέ |
| 3rd | ἐστί(ν) | εἰσί(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐσμέν is listed as the first-person plural present indicative of the verb εἰμί, “to be.” BDAG emphasizes its frequent use in the New Testament to assert identity, belonging, or a state of existence, especially in theological declarations such as “we are children of God.”
Thayer’s: Describes ἐσμέν as “we are,” highlighting its grammatical use as the first-person plural of εἰμί. Thayer’s provides examples from the New Testament where the verb is used to establish communal identity or collective action.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἐσμέν as meaning “we are” and its theological implications in the New Testament. Vine’s highlights its use in contexts where authors make collective affirmations about faith, identity, or divine relationship.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἐσμέν as the first-person plural form of the verb “to be,” used extensively in Greek literature to denote collective existence or identity, often with philosophical or rhetorical undertones.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐσμέν as “we are,” the first-person plural present indicative of εἰμί. Strong’s notes its occurrence in various New Testament passages that emphasize community, unity, and the shared identity of believers.
Related Scripture References
- Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are [ἐσμέν] children of God.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:9: “For we are [ἐσμέν] God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
- Galatians 3:26: “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus; for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ, because you are [ἐσμέν] all one in Christ Jesus.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Apology | “We are (ἐσμέν) all citizens of this city, responsible for its well-being.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “We are (ἐσμέν) men of peace, not seeking war but wisdom.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “In all things, we are (ἐσμέν) driven by our desire for the good.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Book of Genesis | “And he said, ‘We are (ἐσμέν) truly brothers, children of one man; we are honest men, not spies.’” |
| Exodus | Book of Exodus | “And they said to Moses, ‘We are (ἐσμέν) ready to obey all that the LORD commands.’” |
| Psalms | Book of Psalms | “We are (ἐσμέν) His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” |
Summary of ἐσμέν (G2070)
In summary, ἐσμέν (esmen) is a Greek verb meaning “we are.” It is the first-person plural present indicative form of the verb εἰμί, “to be.” This word appears frequently in the New Testament to denote collective identity, unity, and existence, particularly in theological contexts that emphasize the community of believers. The term also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, reflecting its broad use in ancient Greek to convey a shared state of being or identity. Understanding ἐσμέν deepens our comprehension of Biblical and philosophical texts that discuss the nature of existence, belonging, and communal life.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Greek verb ἐσμέν (esmen), meaning “we are,” is foundational in Biblical Greek for expressing collective identity? In the New Testament, it is often used to emphasize the unity of believers as “one body in Christ,” reflecting early Christian teachings on community and togetherness.
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