### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **eî**, represented by `{{G1488}}`, is the second person singular present form of the verb "to be," meaning **thou art** or **be**. It appears 92 times across 89 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its common use in direct address. This word is not merely grammatical; it is used to make definitive statements of identity, status, and divine nature, often at pivotal moments of revelation and confession.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1488}}` is central to key declarations about Christ's identity. At his baptism, a voice from heaven proclaims, "Thou **art** my beloved Son" [[Luke 3:22]]. This divine affirmation is echoed in confessions from his followers, such as Peter's declaration, "Thou **art** the Christ, the Son of the living God" [[Matthew 16:16]]. The word is also used to establish foundational roles, as when Jesus tells Simon, "thou **art** Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church" [[Matthew 16:18]]. Furthermore, it is used to define a believer's new status in God's family: "thou **art** no more a servant, but a son" [[Galatians 4:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of being and identity:
* `{{G1510}}` **eimí** (I am): As the first-person counterpart to "thou art," this word signifies emphatic existence (**I exist**). It is foundational to Jesus's "I am" statements, such as "I **am** the way, the truth, and the life" [[John 14:6]].
* `{{G5207}}` **huiós** (son): This word for a **"son"** is frequently paired with `{{G1488}}` to define Jesus's unique relationship to God, as in the declaration, "Thou art the **Son** of God" [[Matthew 14:33]].
* `{{G4771}}` **sý** (thou): The personal pronoun for **thou**, which `{{G1488}}` directly modifies. The two words work together to form direct statements of identity, such as "**Thou** art Peter" [[Matthew 16:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1488}}` is significant and seen in several recurring themes:
* **Divine Confession:** The word is central to confessions of Jesus's divinity, made by disciples [[Matthew 16:16]], Nathanael [[John 1:49]], and even unclean spirits who recognize his authority [[Mark 3:11]].
* **Divine Affirmation:** `{{G1488}}` is used by God the Father to affirm the Sonship of Jesus, declaring "Thou **art** my Son" [[Hebrews 1:5]]. This statement establishes Christ's supreme identity over all creation, including angels [[Hebrews 1:5]].
* **Believer's New Status:** The term transitions from describing Christ to defining the believer's identity. In Christ, a person is told "thou **art** no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God" [[Galatians 4:7]].
* **Declarations of Condition:** The word establishes a person's spiritual or moral state, whether for blessing, "Blessed **art thou**, Simon" [[Matthew 16:17]], or for rebuke, "thou **art** wretched, and miserable, and poor" [[Revelation 3:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1488}}` is far more than a simple verb of being. It is a word of profound declaration, used to reveal, affirm, and confer identity. From the heavenly proclamation of Christ's sonship to the transformation of a believer from a servant to a son, **eî** serves as a cornerstone of biblical confession. It demonstrates how a simple "thou art" can carry the weight of divine truth and redemptive reality.
TRV