The Greek word εἰσί (eisí), represented by G1526, is the 3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί, meaning they are. It appears 166 times across 146 unique verses. This fundamental verb of being is essential for statements of identity, existence, and condition concerning multiple subjects.
G1526 often functions to assert intrinsic qualities or states of a collective subject, moving beyond simple existence to define the nature of the group. For instance, in Romans 9:4, it identifies "Israelites" by their unique covenantal privileges, stating "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption." This highlights a divinely conferred identity, not merely a demographic fact. Similarly, when describing the corrupt, Jude declares "These are murmurers, complainers." Jude 1:16, not just that they exist, but that their very character is defined by these traits.
The verb also plays a crucial role in posing rhetorical questions that challenge or confirm understanding. Paul frequently employs it this way to compel his audience to acknowledge a self-evident truth, as seen in his defense "Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I" 2 Corinthians 11:22. While the KJV uses "am I" for the singular, the Greek is G1526 for "Are they." (plural) in the initial questions. This use of G1526 in questions underscores a collective status or shared characteristic, inviting the listener to affirm or deny a group's identity or condition, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 10:18 asking, "Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?"
In scripture, G1526 is used to establish definitive truths and identities. It defines believers as "the sons of God" when led by the Spirit Romans 8:14 and describes those emerging from persecution as "they which came out of great tribulation" Revelation 7:14. The term also explains symbolic imagery, such as in Revelation, where the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches Revelation 1:20, and the golden vials full of odours are the prayers of saints Revelation 5:8. Furthermore, it states conditions, such as "the days are evil" Ephesians 5:16 or declares that God's commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3.
G1526 is frequently employed to delineate the characteristics and actions of those who oppose divine truth or mislead others. For example, Jesus warns against false prophets, stating "inwardly they are ravening wolves" Matthew 7:15, emphasizing their destructive nature despite outward appearances. Paul similarly describes those who propagate false doctrines as "unruly and vain talkers and deceivers" Titus 1:10, highlighting their inherent tendency towards disorder and falsehood. This usage underscores a definitive, often negative, assessment of a group's spiritual state or motive, also seen in the description of those who "creep into houses" as "of this sort are they" 2 Timothy 3:6.
The verb also serves to quantify and qualify spiritual realities, often in contrast to worldly perceptions. In John's Gospel, Jesus clarifies the spiritual nature of his disciples, stating "they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" John 17:14, reiterated in John 17:16. This reiterates a fundamental separation and distinct identity for a group. Moreover, the apostle Paul uses G1526 to describe the diverse aspects of spiritual gifts within the church, noting "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit" 1 Corinthians 12:4, and "And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord" 1 Corinthians 12:5, and "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all" 1 Corinthians 12:6, affirming unity within variety.
As a form of the primary verb "to be," G1526 is part of a family of related words that express existence:
- G1510 eimí (I exist): The root verb in the first-person singular, "I am." It is used emphatically, as when Christ states where two or three are gathered, "there am I in the midst of them" Matthew 18:20.
- G2076 estí (he/she/it is): The third-person singular form, used for singular subjects. For example, in the parable of the tares, the harvest is the end of the world Matthew 13:39.
- G1488 eî (thou art): The second-person singular form, used in direct address. It appears in the declaration of worship, "Thou art worthy, O Lord" Revelation 4:11.
- G2258 ēn (was/were): The imperfect form, indicating a past state of being. It is used to describe the apostles after they were seen with Jesus, noting "they had been with Jesus" Acts 4:13.
- G1498 eíēn (optative present of εἰμί): This form expresses a wish or possibility, "might be" or "may be," demonstrating a contingent state of being rather than a direct declaration. It relates to G1526 by sharing the same verbal root but shifts the mode from indicative certainty to a desired or potential reality for a group.
- G1511 eînai (present infinitive): The infinitive form of "to be," meaning "to be" or "being." It indicates the state of being as a concept or potential, often dependent on another verb, contrasting with G1526's direct assertion of "they are." It represents the underlying concept of existence that G1526 actualizes in the plural present.
The theological weight of G1526 lies in its function to declare what is true from a divine perspective.
- Spiritual Identity: The word is critical for defining the nature of believers. Those led by the Spirit are the sons of God Romans 8:14. In contrast, those who follow worldly lusts are "murmurers" and "complainers" Jude 1:16.
- Divine Reality: It reveals spiritual truths that are not apparent to the physical eye. Angels are ministering spirits Hebrews 1:14, and the governing authorities are ordained of God Romans 13:1.
- Symbolic Interpretation: G1526 serves as a key to understanding biblical symbolism. The seven eyes of the Lamb are the seven Spirits of God Revelation 5:6, the tares are the children of the wicked one Matthew 13:38, and the reapers are the angels Matthew 13:39.
- Divine Unity and Plurality: G1526 helps articulate complex theological concepts like the unity within plurality, particularly in the Godhead. For example, in the profound declaration, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one" 1 John 5:7, G1526 expresses both the distinct persons and their essential oneness. This also extends to believers, where "he that planteth and he that watereth are one" 1 Corinthians 3:8, signifying a shared purpose and identity in Christ.
- Eschatological States and Judgment: The word often describes the definitive status of individuals or groups in the context of final judgment or eternal destiny. Revelation declares, "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" Revelation 19:9, defining their blessed state. Conversely, it identifies those destined for judgment, such as "For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty" Revelation 16:14, unequivocally stating their nature and purpose.
G1526 (eisí), the 3rd person plural present indicative of G1510 (eimí), is a fundamental Greek verb meaning "they are." It serves as a declarative powerhouse throughout the New Testament, establishing definitive truths concerning identity, existence, and condition for multiple subjects. Far from a mere statement of being, G1526 often carries significant theological weight, articulating what is true from a divine perspective.
This verb is crucial for defining spiritual identities, whether of believers as "sons of God" Romans 8:14 or of false teachers as "ravening wolves" Matthew 7:15. It reveals divine realities, such as angels being "ministering spirits" Hebrews 1:14 or governing authorities being "ordained of God" Romans 13:1. G1526 also functions as a key to symbolic interpretation, explaining that the seven stars "are the angels of the seven churches" Revelation 1:20 or that the golden vials "are the prayers of saints" Revelation 5:8. Its usage extends to rhetorical questions, challenging or confirming collective understanding, as when Paul asks, "Are they Hebrews? so am I" 2 Corinthians 11:22.
Beyond these functions, G1526 frequently delineates the inherent characteristics and spiritual states of groups, highlighting collective nature rather than just individual existence. It underscores the profound theological concept of unity within plurality, particularly in the divine realm where "these three are one" 1 John 5:7, and among believers who "are one" in their service 1 Corinthians 3:8. Furthermore, it powerfully articulates eschatological states and judgments, identifying those who "are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" Revelation 19:9 and those who "are the spirits of devils" Revelation 16:14, thereby defining their ultimate destiny and nature.
In essence, G1526 is an indispensable linguistic tool that not only describes what is but also defines who or what groups truly are in the eyes of God, in their spiritual state, and in their ultimate purpose. It is a cornerstone for building theological understanding and discerning the multifaceted truths presented in the New Testament.
TRV