ἐσμέν
esmén
G2070
SILEX Entry
Definition
First person plural present indicative active of 'to be'; we are, expressing existence or state of being for the speaker and a group. In the New Testament and contemporary Koine Greek, ἐσμέν functions primarily as the verb of existence, predication, or identity, often linking the subject 'we' to a predicate nominative or describing the state or qualities of a group that includes the speaker.
Semantic Range
we are, we exist, we have identity, we are present, we are characterized by (when followed by a predicate nominative or adjective)
Root / Etymology
From the root εἰμ-, which underlies the verb εἰμί ('to be'). ἐσμέν is the first person plural present indicative active form. Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₁es- ('to be').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, as well as in the Septuagint and New Testament texts, ἐσμέν is consistently employed to express group existence, identification, or status. Unlike most verbs, εἰμί is irregular in its forms, reflecting the ancient Indo-European heritage. The verb itself carries little semantic content concerning action, instead serving as a grammatical linchpin for identity, descriptions, or existence. Contexts may include existential statements ('we are'), statements of membership or identity ('we are disciples'), or appositional descriptions ('we are of the household of faith'). English translations, such as 'are, be, exist,' generally capture the meaning, but phrases like 'have our being' or 'the gospel was preached unto us' involve interpretive renderings in translation rather than direct lexical meaning. In Koine Greek, this verbal form is ubiquitous and foundational, used in both narrative, didactic, and theological expressions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
first person plural indicative of εἰμί; we are:--are, be, have our being, X have hope, + (the gospel) was (preached unto) us.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.