Introduction:

Understanding the Greek verb εἰμί (eimí) is foundational for Biblical studies because it is one of the most common and significant verbs in the New Testament. Translating as “I am,” “to be,” or “exist,” εἰμί is crucial for expressing existence, identity, and being in both simple and complex theological statements. Its use in the New Testament, especially in the declarations of Jesus, highlights its profound importance in Christian theology. Moreover, the verb has deep roots in ancient Greek culture and philosophy, where discussions of existence and being were central themes.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἰμί (eimí) [ay-MEE]
• Etymology: There is no direct root for εἰμί, but it is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root *es-, meaning “to be.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (irregular)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To be
• I am
• Exist

Similar Words:

• ὑπάρχω (hyparchō) [hoo-PAR-khoh]: Meaning “to exist” or “to be present,” this verb emphasizes actual existence or presence in a particular place or situation.
• γίνομαι (gínomai) [GHEE-noh-my]: Translated as “to become,” this verb is often used to describe the process of coming into being or becoming something.
• εἶναι (einai) [AY-nay]: The infinitive form of εἰμί, meaning “to be,” often used in abstract or general statements about existence or identity.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἰμί is an irregular verb in Greek, meaning it does not follow the regular conjugation patterns found in other verbs. Its forms change based on tense, mood, and voice, making it a complex yet essential verb to master.
• Verb Conjugation: Below is a table showing the conjugation of εἰμί in the present indicative tense.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines εἰμί as “to be, exist, be present,” and highlights its use in both ordinary and theological contexts. BDAG notes the importance of εἰμί in key declarations in the New Testament, particularly in the statements made by Jesus, where the verb carries profound theological significance, such as in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I am.”

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes εἰμί as the verb “to be,” used to assert existence or reality. Thayer’s notes that εἰμί is often used in statements that define identity or describe essential qualities of a subject, making it critical for understanding the theological declarations in the New Testament.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes εἰμί as “to be” and highlights its role in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus’ “I am” statements, which connect to Old Testament revelations of God’s identity (e.g., Exodus 3:14). Vine’s also discusses the philosophical implications of εἰμί, as it relates to discussions of existence and being.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon provides a broad definition of εἰμί, covering its use in everyday Greek as well as in philosophical contexts where it denotes existence or being. LSJ notes that εἰμί is one of the most basic yet philosophically rich verbs in the Greek language, used extensively by classical authors to explore concepts of existence, reality, and identity.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰμί as “to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.” It emphasizes the verb’s critical role in many New Testament passages where existence, identity, or reality is being affirmed or questioned. Strong’s highlights the theological weight of the verb in statements of divine identity.

Scripture References:

• John 8:58: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am (εἰμί).'”
• John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am (εἰμί) the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
• Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists (εἰμί) and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἰμί (G1510: eimí)

The Greek verb εἰμί (eimí), meaning “to be” or “I am,” is foundational in understanding both the Greek language and the theological concepts of the New Testament. Its significance lies not only in its frequent use but also in the profound theological statements it conveys, especially in the context of Jesus’ declarations of His identity. εἰμί is also deeply rooted in Greek philosophical thought, where it plays a crucial role in discussions of existence and reality. Understanding this verb is essential for any serious study of the New Testament, as it opens up deeper insights into the nature of being, identity, and existence as expressed in the Scriptures.

Did You Know?

The verb εἰμί (eimí) is central to some of the most profound theological declarations in the Bible. When Jesus says “I am” (εἰμί), He is not only asserting His existence but also identifying Himself with the God of Israel, who revealed Himself to Moses with the words “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This connection between εἰμί and the divine name in the Old Testament highlights the depth of meaning contained in this simple yet powerful Greek verb.