Brief Overview of ἐστί (Strong’s G2076: esti)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it allows for a more accurate interpretation of the New Testament texts. The Greek word ἐστί (esti) is particularly significant because it is the third person singular present indicative form of the verb “to be” (εἰμί, eimi). This form is one of the most frequently used verbs in the Greek New Testament and is crucial for understanding statements about existence, identity, and descriptions of God, Jesus, and theological concepts. Grasping the usage of ἐστί is key to interpreting numerous foundational passages in the Bible and understanding ancient Greek philosophy and culture.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐστί (esti) [es-TEE]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning “to be.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present indicative, third person singular).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• He/She/It is: The literal translation, indicating the state of being or existence of a person, place, or thing.
• Exists: Used to signify the presence or existence of someone or something.

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

Further Insights: ἐστί (esti) is a present tense, active voice, indicative mood form of the verb εἰμί. It is used to describe a current state of being or existence and is foundational for constructing declarative statements in both Greek and Biblical literature.

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

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐστί is identified as the third person singular present indicative form of εἰμί, “he/she/it is.” BDAG emphasizes its critical role in Greek syntax for asserting identity, existence, and characteristics. It is foundational for theological statements, especially those that describe God, Jesus, and their nature.

Thayer’s: Lists ἐστί as “he/she/it is,” the third person singular present indicative form of the verb εἰμί. Thayer’s highlights its frequent usage in the New Testament for making declarative statements about divine identity, existence, and theological truths.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Highlights the use of ἐστί in the New Testament to affirm the being or nature of someone or something. Vine’s discusses its role in expressing essential Christian doctrines, such as the deity of Christ and the nature of God.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a comprehensive overview of ἐστί as “he/she/it is,” noting its use in both classical and Biblical Greek. LSJ highlights its foundational role in Greek philosophy, literature, and rhetoric, where it is used to assert states of being, truths, and arguments.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐστί as “he/she/it is,” highlighting its occurrences throughout the New Testament. Strong’s emphasizes its use in key passages to convey important theological truths, such as Jesus’ “I am” statements in the Gospels.

Related Scripture References

• John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was [ἐστί] God.”
• Matthew 16:16: “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are [ἐστί] the Christ, the Son of the living God.'”
• John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am [ἐστί] the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”

These verses illustrate how ἐστί is used to affirm the identity and nature of God, Jesus, and essential theological concepts.

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἐστί (G2076)

In summary, ἐστί (esti) is a Greek verb form meaning “he/she/it is,” specifically in the third person singular present indicative. This form is fundamental in the New Testament and classical Greek literature for asserting identity, existence, and truth. Understanding the usage of ἐστί is essential for interpreting key theological statements, descriptions of God, and expressions of divine nature in the Bible. It is also a foundational element in Greek philosophical and rhetorical traditions, where it is used to construct logical arguments and metaphysical assertions.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the verb form ἐστί (esti) is at the heart of some of the most profound theological declarations in the New Testament? For instance, in John 1:1, when it says “the Word was God,” the use of ἐστί connects the Word (Logos) directly with the divine essence of God. Understanding these small but significant Greek words opens up a deeper appreciation of the text’s theological richness and nuance.