### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **éni**, represented by `{{G1762}}`, is a contraction used impersonally to mean "there is in or among". It is a concise term that appears **5 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its primary function is to assert or, more commonly, to negate the existence of something within a specific group, state, or being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1762}}` is instrumental in defining spiritual realities by what is absent. In Galatians, it is used repeatedly to dissolve earthly distinctions, stating "There **is** neither Jew nor Greek, there **is** neither bond nor free, there **is** neither male nor female" [[Galatians 3:28]]. This concept is echoed in [[Colossians 3:11]], where divisions of ethnicity and religious practice are declared non-existent in the new man. The word is also used to describe the perfect and unchanging nature of God in [[James 1:17]], which states that with the Father of lights, "**is** no variableness."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of being and existence:
* `{{G2076}}` **estí** (he (she or it) is): This is the more common third-person singular form of "is." Unlike the impersonal `{{G1762}}`, it directly affirms existence or a state of being, as seen in the declaration of faith that God "is" [[Hebrews 11:6]].
* `{{G2075}}` **esté** (ye are): This is the second-person plural form, "ye are." It is used in the same verse as `{{G1762}}` to shift from the negation of divisions to the affirmation of a new, unified identity: "for ye **are** all one in Christ Jesus" [[Galatians 3:28]].
* `{{G3756}}` **ou** (no or not): This absolute negative particle is used with `{{G1762}}` in every one of its biblical appearances to state that something does **not** exist. For example, it is used to describe faith as the evidence "of things **not** seen" [[Hebrews 11:1]].
* `{{G3761}}` **oudé** (neither, nor, not even): This conjunction is used to extend the negation. It works alongside `{{G1762}}` in [[Galatians 3:28]] to create a list of distinctions that are nullified in Christ: "neither Jew **nor** Greek."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1762}}` is significant despite its infrequent use. It underpins key doctrines of Christian identity and the nature of God.
* **Unity in Christ:** The word is foundational to the concept that in Christ, all worldly social, ethnic, and gender-based hierarchies are rendered spiritually irrelevant. Its use in [[Galatians 3:28]] and [[Colossians 3:11]] removes these barriers, establishing a radical new basis for community.
* **Divine Immutability:** In [[James 1:17]], the use of `{{G1762}}` provides a powerful theological statement about God's unchanging character. By stating there "**is** no variableness" in God, it affirms His absolute stability and trustworthiness.
* **Negation as Affirmation:** The word functions to build a positive theological truth by clearing away negatives. The absence of division affirms a new unity in Christ, and the absence of change in God affirms His perfect nature.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1762}}` is a specialized term for "there is" that, in scripture, is used exclusively in the negative to make profound theological declarations. It functions to erase the lines of human division within the body of Christ and to define the steadfast, unchanging character of God. Through its use, the Bible illustrates that a new spiritual reality in Christ is defined as much by what is absent—division, status, and change—as by what is present.
TRV