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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for anyone studying the Bible, as they offer rich insights into the original meaning of the Scriptures. The phrase ὅ ἐστιν (ho estin) is a key example of a simple yet important Greek construction frequently used in the New Testament. Literally meaning “which is” or “that is,” this phrase often serves as a clarifying or explanatory tool, bridging concepts or offering additional explanation for a preceding term. Its significance lies in its ability to provide nuance and clarification, allowing the biblical writers to explain meanings or present interpretations of words, events, or titles. Understanding this phrase contributes to a deeper appreciation of biblical exegesis and the careful crafting of ancient Greek expressions used in theological discourse.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὅ ἐστιν (ho estin), pronounced ho es-teen.

Etymology: The phrase ho estin is composed of two simple but essential Greek words. ὅ (ho) is the neuter relative pronoun, meaning “which” or “that.” ἐστιν (estin) is the third person singular of the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning “to be.” Together, the phrase serves as a relative clause that translates to “which is” or “that is.”

Part of Speech: This phrase is composed of a relative pronoun (ὅ) and a verb (ἐστιν). The pronoun functions in its neuter form, and the verb is in the indicative present, third person singular.

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Defining Meanings

1. Which Is / That Is: In most occurrences, ho estin functions to introduce an explanation or further clarification of a preceding word or phrase. This usage is common in biblical literature where a term is defined or explained in a more detailed manner.

2. Serving as an Appositional Phrase: Sometimes, ho estin is used in appositional phrases where a noun or concept is followed by an explanatory statement that further defines or refines its meaning.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ὅς ἐστιν (hos estin) [pronunciation: hos es-teen]: While similar to ho estin, this construction uses the masculine form of the relative pronoun (ὅς), often when it refers to a masculine subject. Its function is much like ho estin but used in gender-specific contexts.

2. ἥ ἐστιν (he estin) [pronunciation: hey es-teen]: This is the feminine counterpart to ho estin, used when referring to a feminine subject.

3. ὅτι (hoti) [pronunciation: ho-tee]: This conjunction also introduces explanations or clarifications, but instead of functioning as a relative clause, it is used as a causal or declarative statement, meaning “because” or “that.”

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this phrase, we focus on the two individual components:

• ὅ (ho): This is the neuter nominative singular form of the relative pronoun, used to indicate something general or neutral.

• ἐστιν (estin): The verb eimi is conjugated here in the third person singular present indicative, meaning “he/she/it is.”

Because ho estin functions as a relative clause, it does not follow the usual morphological rules for declension as a single word but as a phrase linking ideas.

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

The phrase ho estin appears in several major Greek lexicons and is consistently interpreted as a relative phrase used to explain or clarify preceding terms. This usage appears frequently in both biblical and classical contexts, especially when the author wishes to define or elaborate on a noun or concept. In the New Testament, it is often used by Paul and other writers to provide explanations or theological interpretations, linking terms with their broader meanings. In classical Greek, ho estin has a similar function, clarifying definitions or linking a subject with its description.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Colossians 1:15 – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation (ὅ ἐστιν).” Here, ho estin clarifies Christ’s identity as the firstborn.

2. Romans 9:8 – “That is (ὅ ἐστιν), it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.”

3. Philippians 3:19 – “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things (ὅ ἐστιν).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Republic “Justice, which is (ὅ ἐστιν) the virtue of the soul, must be understood in its true form.”

Aristotle Metaphysics “Being, which is (ὅ ἐστιν) both substance and existence, must be comprehended through reason.”

Septuagint Genesis 2:9 “The tree of life, which is (ὅ ἐστιν) in the middle of the garden, was also there.”

Noteworthy Summary

The phrase ὅ ἐστιν (ho estin) is a simple yet significant Greek construction frequently encountered in the New Testament. It plays an important role in linking concepts and providing explanations or clarifications, contributing to both theological depth and interpretive clarity. In biblical and classical contexts, ho estin is used to further define terms or introduce explanations, functioning as a key grammatical tool that aids in understanding complex ideas. Its role in the New Testament enhances our comprehension of doctrinal teachings, as seen in Colossians, Romans, and Philippians, where it connects critical theological concepts with their broader meanings.

Did You Know?

1. The phrase ho estin is one of the most common explanatory constructions in the New Testament, making it an essential tool for understanding biblical Greek.

2. Ho estin appears frequently in the writings of early Church Fathers as they sought to explain and clarify key theological ideas.

3. In classical Greek, ho estin was widely used in philosophical discussions to define abstract concepts, such as truth, virtue, and being.