G2071
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies because it uncovers the deeper meanings and contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word ἔσομαι (esomai) is particularly significant as it is the future tense form of the verb “to be” (εἰμί, eimi), meaning “I will be.” This word is frequently used in the New Testament to express future states or actions, reflecting both theological promises and existential conditions. Its usage is critical in understanding the nature of prophecy, divine assurance, and future states in the New Testament and Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἔσομαι (esomai) [EH-so-my]
- Etymology: Derived from the root verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning “to be.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; first-person singular future middle indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- I will be: Expresses a future state of being.
- Will exist: Indicates a future condition or presence.
Similar Words: εἰμί (eimi) [ee-MEE] is the present tense form of the verb “to be” in Greek, meaning “I am.” While εἰμί denotes a current state of being, ἔσομαι (esomai) is specifically future-oriented, describing what will be rather than what is.
Further Insights: ἔσομαι (esomai) is an irregular verb form, part of the Greek verb “to be” (εἰμί). Unlike regular verbs, it does not follow typical conjugation patterns. Below is a table showing some of the principal parts of the verb εἰμί, including its future tense form, ἔσομαι:
| Tense | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Present | εἰμί | I am |
| Future | ἔσομαι | I will be |
| Imperfect | ἤμην | I was |
| Aorist | None | – |
| Perfect | None | – |
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἔσομαι is defined as the first-person singular future middle indicative of εἰμί, “to be.” BDAG highlights its use in the New Testament to express future states or realities, often in contexts of prophecy, divine declarations, or future promises.
Thayer’s: Notes that ἔσομαι is the future form of εἰμί and is used to indicate future existence or states. Thayer’s emphasizes its importance in eschatological contexts, where it is employed to articulate what believers will become or what will happen in the future.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἔσομαι as meaning “I will be” and discusses its theological implications in the New Testament, particularly in the contexts of Christ’s promises and future revelations.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἔσομαι as the future indicative of “to be,” frequently appearing in Greek literature to denote future certainty, expectation, or promise. It is often used in philosophical discussions about what will come to pass.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔσομαι as “I will be,” the first-person singular future indicative of εἰμί. Strong’s highlights its appearances in prophecies, affirmations of faith, and divine assurances throughout the New Testament.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 5:48: “Therefore you shall be [ἔσεσθε] perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
- John 16:22: “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.”
- Romans 9:26: “And it shall be [ἔσται] in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “There will be (ἔσομαι) a time when all will know your deeds.” |
| Plato | Republic | “And what will be (ἔσομαι) the result of justice, if not the peace of the city?” |
| Aristotle | Metaphysics | “What will be (ἔσομαι) the final cause of all being?” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus | Book of Exodus | “And I will be (ἔσομαι) with you; and this shall be the sign to you, that I have sent you.” |
| Isaiah | Book of Isaiah | “In that day, the Lord will be (ἔσομαι) a crown of glory.” |
| Jeremiah | Book of Jeremiah | “And I will be (ἔσομαι) their God, and they shall be My people.” |
Summary of ἔσομαι (G2071)
In summary, ἔσομαι (esomai) is the Greek verb meaning “I will be,” representing the future tense of the verb “to be” (εἰμί). It is a key term in the New Testament for articulating future states, divine promises, and prophetic assurances. The word is also prominent in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, indicating a future state of being or existence. Understanding ἔσομαι is crucial for interpreting eschatological passages, theological promises, and philosophical discussions about the nature of future events and existence.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Greek verb ἔσομαι (esomai) is foundational in Biblical texts for expressing future promises and prophecies? In the New Testament, it is often used to declare future blessings, divine presence, or existential realities, making it a central term in the articulation of Christian hope and eschatology.