Brief Overview of ἐστέ (Strong’s G2075: este)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies, as it allows for a more nuanced comprehension of the New Testament’s original texts. The Greek word ἐστέ (este) is particularly significant because it is the second person plural present indicative form of the verb “to be” (εἰμί, eimi). This form is frequently used in the New Testament to address groups, conveying not just existence but also identity, state, or condition. Recognizing the usage and implications of ἐστέ is essential for interpreting passages that speak to communal identity, commands, or descriptions of the believers’ spiritual state in ancient Greek and Biblical contexts.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐστέ (este) [eh-STAY]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb εἰμί (eimi), which means “to be.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present indicative, second person plural).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• You are: The literal translation, indicating the state of being or identity of a group of people.
• You exist: Can also suggest the existence of a group in a particular state or condition.

Similar Words: εἰμί (eimi) [ee-MEE] is the root verb meaning “to be.” While ἐστέ (este) is the specific form for the second person plural (“you are”), εἰμί (eimi) serves as the infinitive form and root from which all other forms are derived. Other related forms include ἐστί (esti) [es-TEE] for third person singular (“he/she/it is”) and εἶ (ei) [ee] for the second person singular (“you are”).

Further Insights: ἐστέ (este) is a present tense, active voice, indicative mood form of the verb εἰμί (eimi). It is used to describe a current state of being or existence and is often employed in addressing groups directly in exhortations, teachings, or declarations.

Here is the full present indicative conjugation of the verb εἰμί:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐστέ is identified as the second person plural form of εἰμί, “you are.” BDAG emphasizes its frequent use in the New Testament to address groups of people, particularly in contexts of instruction, exhortation, and identity formation, such as in the teachings of Jesus and Paul.

Thayer’s: Lists ἐστέ as “you are,” the second person plural present indicative form of the verb εἰμί. Thayer’s notes its grammatical usage in addressing groups, both in a literal sense (“you are physically present”) and a metaphorical sense (“you are in a particular state or role”).

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Highlights the use of ἐστέ in constructing theological and doctrinal statements in the New Testament. Vine’s points out its function in expressing the spiritual identity of believers and their communal responsibilities as part of the body of Christ.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Offers a standard definition of ἐστέ as “you are,” emphasizing its role in both classical and Biblical Greek for direct address. LSJ provides examples from classical literature where similar forms of εἰμί are used to express presence, existence, or qualities of a group.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐστέ as “you are,” pointing out its occurrences in the New Testament. Strong’s highlights its importance in understanding the communal teachings directed towards groups of believers, as seen in the Gospels and Epistles.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:13: “You are [ἐστέ] the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?”
• John 15:3: “You are [ἐστέ] already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are [ἐστέ] the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

These verses illustrate how ἐστέ is used to affirm the identity and condition of believers as a group.

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἐστέ (G2075)

In summary, ἐστέ (este) is a Greek verb form meaning “you are,” specifically in the second person plural present indicative. This form is widely used in the New Testament to address groups, affirming their identity, existence, or state. Understanding the usage of ἐστέ helps in grasping the collective instructions, affirmations, and declarations given to believers in Biblical texts. It also highlights the communal nature of early Christian teachings and the emphasis on group identity and shared spiritual roles.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the verb form ἐστέ (este) is pivotal in many of Jesus’ teachings and the Epistles to describe the identity and status of His followers? For example, when Jesus says, “You are the light of the world,” (Matthew 5:14), He uses ἐστέ to stress the communal role of His disciples as a guiding presence in the world. This highlights the significance of understanding Greek grammar in uncovering the nuances of Biblical texts.