Introduction

Understanding the Greek word εἷς (heis) is essential in biblical studies because it is the primary word for the numeral “one.” This simple yet profound word appears frequently in the New Testament, serving as a critical component in many theological concepts, such as the oneness of God and the unity of believers. Its usage is not limited to mathematics but extends to ideas of unity, uniqueness, and singularity, making it a word of great importance for both scholars and students of the Bible. Moreover, εἷς plays a vital role in understanding the cultural and linguistic context of the ancient Greek world, where the concept of “one” often carried significant philosophical and religious connotations.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἷς (heis) [hace]
• Etymology: The word εἷς is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *sem-, which means “one” or “together.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine singular, nominative); it has different forms depending on gender and case: μία (feminine), ἕν (neuter).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• One, single: The most basic and literal meaning of εἷς is “one,” referring to a single entity or unit.
• First: In some contexts, εἷς can imply primacy or being the first in a series.
• Unity: Beyond the numerical value, εἷς often carries the connotation of unity, particularly in theological contexts, such as the unity of God or the body of Christ.
• Unique: εἷς can also imply uniqueness, emphasizing that there is only one of something.

Similar Words:

• πρῶτος (prōtos) [pro-tos]: Meaning “first,” this word is often used to indicate the first in a series, while εἷς may refer to the concept of “one” in a broader or more abstract sense.
• μόνος (monos) [mo-nos]: Meaning “alone” or “only,” this word is used to emphasize exclusivity, whereas εἷς highlights singularity without the exclusive connotation.
• ἕν (hen) [hen]: The neuter form of εἷς, used for objects or abstract concepts, whereas εἷς is used primarily for masculine subjects.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Gender Forms: εἷς (masculine), μία (feminine), ἕν (neuter).
• Declension: The word follows the third declension pattern with variations based on gender and case.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG highlights εἷς as a foundational word for numerical and theological expressions in the New Testament. It notes the word’s frequent use in contexts emphasizing unity, such as in references to God’s oneness and the unity of the church.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon describes εἷς primarily as a numeral but also explores its use in emphasizing uniqueness and unity. The lexicon points out the word’s role in key doctrinal passages.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the theological significance of εἷς, particularly in its use to describe the oneness of God (e.g., the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4 as quoted in Mark 12:29).

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon focuses on the classical usage of εἷς, describing it as the primary word for “one” in Greek literature, used both literally and metaphorically.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies εἷς as a central term for the numeral “one,” with over 350 occurrences in the New Testament. It is noted for its significance in passages discussing singularity and unity.

Scripture References:

• Mark 12:29: “Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one (εἷς).’”
• Ephesians 4:4-5: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἷς (G1520: heis)

The Greek word εἷς (heis) is integral to understanding the concepts of unity, singularity, and primacy in the New Testament. It not only represents the numeral “one” but also carries deep theological implications, particularly in discussions of the oneness of God and the unity of believers. The word’s frequent usage in the New Testament underscores its importance in both religious and cultural contexts of the ancient world. By understanding εἷς, students of the Bible can gain a deeper appreciation for the unity emphasized in Christian doctrine and the broader philosophical ideas in Greek thought.

Did You Know?

The word εἷς is so central to Greek thought that it even influenced early Christian creeds, where the concept of “one God” was a foundational statement of faith. In the Nicene Creed, for example, the unity of God is emphasized as a key tenet of Christianity, reflecting the importance of εἷς in both Scripture and tradition.