Brief Overview of εἶπον (Strong’s G2036: eipon)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words such as εἶπον (eipon) is crucial for accurately interpreting the New Testament. εἶπον is a highly significant word, frequently appearing in the original Greek text of the Bible. It is commonly used to convey speech or direct discourse, making it a pivotal word for understanding dialogue, narration, and the conveyance of divine messages in the New Testament. Beyond its biblical application, εἶπον offers insights into ancient Greek culture, where the art of rhetoric and the spoken word was held in high esteem.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εἶπον (eipon) [EE-pon]
• Etymology: From the root word λέγω (legō), meaning “to say” or “to speak.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; aorist active indicative, 1st person singular form. Irregular in conjugation as part of the aorist tense system.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• I said: Used primarily in the aorist tense to denote a past action of speaking or stating something.

Similar Words: λέγω (legō) [LE-go], which means “I say” or “I speak.” While λέγω is the present tense form of the verb “to say,” εἶπον is its aorist form, often used to indicate a simple past action without focusing on the process. Other related words include φημί (phēmi) [FAY-mee], which also means “I say” or “I declare,” but with a more declarative nuance. Each of these words has its own context and connotation in Greek grammar.

Further Insights: εἶπον is an aorist form of λέγω, which is not derived directly from the present stem but is an irregular form that functions as the aorist for several verbs that mean “to say” or “to speak.” The use of εἶπον often emphasizes the occurrence of speech as a completed action rather than the ongoing act of speaking.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
εἶπον is identified as the aorist form of λέγω, used extensively in the New Testament to denote spoken words or statements, often in narrative and discourse contexts. It is crucial for understanding both direct and indirect speech.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Explains εἶπον as an aorist active indicative form that often appears in narratives to convey what was said by a speaker, emphasizing the completion of the speech act.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that εἶπον is a commonly used verb in the New Testament, indicating that it functions as a simple past tense form, narrating what has been said without any implication of duration or repeated action.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Provides examples of εἶπον in classical Greek texts, showing its function as the aorist form of “to speak” or “to say,” and elaborating on its usage across various literary genres, from history to drama.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Lists εἶπον as the past tense form for several Greek words relating to speech, highlighting its prevalence in the New Testament and its importance in conveying direct quotations and commands.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 4:4: “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” [εἶπον]
• John 3:3: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'” [εἶπον]
• Luke 6:46: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” [εἶπον]
• Revelation 3:17: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” [εἶπον]

Classical Usage

Summary of εἶπον (G2036: eipon)

The Greek word εἶπον (eipon), meaning “I said,” is a key verb in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, functioning as an aorist form to denote completed speech acts. Its prevalence in the New Testament underscores its importance for conveying direct discourse, divine declarations, and narrative elements. Understanding εἶπον helps to grasp the nuances of Biblical texts where speech plays a critical role in conveying God’s messages, the teachings of Jesus, and the actions of the apostles.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εἶπον is often considered one of the most irregular forms in ancient Greek, serving as the past tense form for several verbs of speaking, such as λέγω (legō)? Its usage spans a variety of genres, from epic poetry and historical accounts to dramatic works, illustrating its fundamental role in ancient Greek language and literature.