Strong’s G5607: From εἰμί (eimi), ὤν is the present participle meaning “being, existing.” Used of continuous, active existence and eternal presence, particularly significant in describing God’s nature and current reality. Essential in theological discourse about divine attributes and present truth.

U – Unveiling the Word

The participle ὤν carries profound theological weight in Biblical Greek, expressing continuous, present existence and reality. As the present active participle of εἰμί (to be), it denotes ongoing state or condition. Its significance shines brightest in theological contexts, particularly in describing God’s eternal nature and self-existence. The word appears in crucial passages about the Messiah’s deity and pre-existence, emphasizing His eternal nature. Early church fathers extensively used ὤν in discussions about divine nature, drawing from its rich connotations of true, genuine existence. Today, it remains vital in understanding God’s immediate presence and active involvement in believers’ lives.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὤν, ōn, /ˈoːn/
• Detailed pronunciation: oh-n (with a long ‘o’ sound)
• Part of Speech: Participle (Present Active Participle)

Etymology:

• Root: εἰμί (eimi) – to be, exist
• Participial ending: -ων (-ōn) – indicates continuous action
• Function: Expresses ongoing state or condition in present time

D – Defining Meanings

• Existing, being
• Being present
• Currently having existence
• Real, actual

For compound words: Not applicable as ὤν is not compound

Translation Options:

• “being” – captures the continuous nature of existence
• “who is” – useful in relative clauses describing current state
• “existing” – emphasizes actual presence and reality

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπάρχω (hyparchō) /hoo-PAR-khō/ – to exist really, be present, be at one’s disposal See G5225
• γίνομαι (ginomai) /GI-no-mai/ – to become, come into existence See G1096
• μένω (menō) /ME-nō/ – to remain, abide See G3306

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Participle Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular
• Case: Nominative

The present participle ὤν regularly declines like an adjective:

• Masculine: ὤν, ὄντος, ὄντι, ὄντα
• Feminine: οὖσα, οὔσης, οὔσῃ, οὖσαν
• Neuter: ὄν, ὄντος, ὄντι, ὄν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical tradition consistently emphasizes ὤν’s fundamental role in expressing existence and presence. BDAG highlights its use in theological contexts, particularly in divine self-declarations. Thayer’s emphasizes its function in expressing actual existence versus mere appearance. LSJ traces its classical usage in philosophical discourse about being and reality. Vine’s notes its particular significance in expressing God’s eternal nature. Moulton and Milligan document its use in Koine Greek to express actual presence and current reality. This word’s rich semantic range encompasses both simple existence and profound theological truth about divine nature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And Joseph her husband, [being] [ὤν] righteous and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:19

Additional References:
John 1:18, John 3:13, John 8:58, Romans 1:7, Revelation 1:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The participle ὤν stands as a cornerstone in Biblical Greek, expressing not just existence but true, genuine reality. Its profound theological significance emerges in descriptions of God’s nature and the Messiah’s deity. The word bridges the gap between abstract philosophical concepts and concrete reality, showing how God’s eternal nature intersects with our temporal existence. This reveals the good news that the eternal God is not distant but present and active in our lives, continuously being our helper and savior.

D – Did You Know?

• The word ὤν appears in the Septuagint translation of God’s name revelation to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM”
• Ancient Greek philosophers used ὤν extensively in discussions about the nature of reality and being
• The word influenced early Christian theological development regarding the nature of the Messiah

Strong’s G5607: Present active participle of εἰμί, expressing continuous existence or presence. Essential in theological contexts about divine nature and current reality. Demonstrates both philosophical depth in discussions of being and practical application in describing present circumstances.

Part of speech: Present Active Participle

Tags: being, existence, present participle, deity, reality, presence, eternal nature, divine attributes, God’s nature, theological terms​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​