The Greek word esmén, represented by G2070, is the first person plural form of the verb "to be," meaning we are. It appears 55 times across 51 unique verses, making it a significant term for defining the collective identity, status, and relationship of believers in the New Testament. Its use establishes foundational truths about who "we" are in relation to God and Christ.
The first person plural indicative esmén carries an inherent force of collective assertion, transcending a mere statement of fact to become a declaration of shared reality and disposition. Unlike a simple observation, it often functions as a pronouncement of identity or status that is both accepted and affirmed by the speakers. This form emphasizes a settled, existing state of being for the group, rather than a transient condition or a potential future, establishing an existential truth about "who we are" in the most fundamental sense, often serving as the bedrock upon which subsequent ethical imperatives or theological arguments are built.
This declarative aspect of esmén is crucial in distinguishing the community of believers from the world around them, or from their former selves. It marks a definitive shift in their being, indicating a new ontological reality. The collective "we" is not just a grammatical convenience but signifies a profound communal experience and shared destiny, binding individuals into a unified entity whose identity is intrinsically tied to God and Christ.
In scripture, G2070 is used to make definitive statements about the identity of believers. It establishes their new spiritual lineage, as when the Spirit bears witness that "we are the children of God" Romans 8:16 and that believers "are the children of promise" Galatians 4:28. This identity extends to their purpose, for "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" Ephesians 2:10. The term also declares a believer's standing and relationship with God, as in the declaration, "we are of God" 1 John 4:6. Furthermore, it expresses corporate unity within the body of Christ, stating that "we are members one of another" Ephesians 4:25.
G2070 also functions powerfully in drawing distinctions, defining believers not only by what they are but also by what they are not. Paul frequently employs this contrast, asserting that "we are not of the night, nor of darkness" 1 Thessalonians 5:5, thereby highlighting the spiritual transformation and moral clarity expected of those in Christ. Similarly, the declaration "we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" Hebrews 10:39 solidifies the faithful's perseverance against apostasy. This negative framing reinforces the unique nature and calling of the Christian community, setting clear boundaries for their identity and conduct.
Beyond identity, G2070 is employed to articulate shared experience and mission, particularly within the apostolic witness. The apostles repeatedly declare, "we are witnesses" to Christ's resurrection and works Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15, Acts 5:32. This is not merely a statement of observation but an assertion of their divinely appointed role and the veracity of their testimony, forming the basis for their authoritative preaching. Furthermore, esmén can appear in rhetorical questions, as when the Corinthians are asked, "Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?" 1 Corinthians 10:22, challenging their actions by appealing to a collective understanding of their identity and relationship with God.
Several related words clarify the nature of the identity established by G2070:
- G5043 téknon (child): This word defines believers' new relationship to God, as established in the declaration that "we are the children of God" Romans 8:16.
- G1401 doûlos (servant): This term clarifies the position of believers in relation to their duty, as when they are instructed to say, "We are unprofitable servants" Luke 17:10.
- G3144 mártys (witness): This word describes a primary function and identity of the apostles, who repeatedly declare that "we are witnesses" to the works and resurrection of Jesus Acts 3:15.
- G2041 érgon (work): This term complements G2070 by specifying the nature of the collective identity, as in the declaration, "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" Ephesians 2:10.
- G2040 ergátēs (labourer): This word defines the function and calling of believers in their shared relationship with God, as when Paul states, "For we are labourers together with God" 1 Corinthians 3:9.
The theological weight of G2070 lies in its power to declare the believer's transformed reality.
- Divine Relationship: The word establishes a fundamental connection to God. Believers are not just followers; "we are of God" 1 John 5:19, "we are labourers together with God" 1 Corinthians 3:9, and "we are the Lord's" Romans 14:8.
- Identity in Christ: G2070 solidifies the new status given through Christ. Through Him, "we are sanctified" Hebrews 10:10, "we are no longer under a schoolmaster" Galatians 3:25, and "we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free" Galatians 4:31.
- Corporate Unity: The term frequently emphasizes the collective nature of the church. Believers are not isolated individuals but a unified body, as "we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" Romans 12:5.
- Ethical Foundation: The declaration of "who we are" through G2070 often serves as the moral bedrock for Christian living. Because "we are not under the law, but under grace" Romans 6:15, a new standard of conduct is implied; similarly, "we are debtors, not to the flesh" Romans 8:12, which necessitates a life lived in the Spirit. This aspect highlights that identity in Christ is inextricably linked to ethical responsibility.
- Eschatological Hope and Present Reality: G2070 frequently points to both a present spiritual reality and a future hope. While "now are we the sons of God" 1 John 3:2, the full manifestation of this identity awaits Christ's return, when "we shall be like him." This usage anchors the believer's present status in an assured future, providing both comfort and motivation.
- Self-Sufficiency vs. Divine Dependency: The word G2070 also clarifies the source of the believer's capability. Paul humbly states, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" 2 Corinthians 3:5. This theological point underscores the dependence on God for all spiritual competence and effectiveness, contrasting human inadequacy with divine provision.
The Greek word esmén (G2070), meaning "we are," stands as a foundational and deeply significant term within the New Testament, serving as a powerful declaration of the collective identity and transformed reality of believers. It is more than a simple verb of being; it is an assertive pronouncement of who the community of faith is in relation to God, to Christ, and to one another. This first person plural indicative form emphasizes a settled, existential truth, often forming the basis for theological understanding and ethical instruction.
Through esmén, believers definitively state their divine lineage, affirming, for instance, that "we are the children of God" Romans 8:16 and "we are of God" 1 John 4:6. This identity extends to their purpose and calling, as "we are his workmanship" Ephesians 2:10 and "we are labourers together with God" 1 Corinthians 3:9. The term also powerfully delineates the corporate unity of the church, asserting that "we, being many, are one body in Christ" Romans 12:5, fostering a sense of shared belonging and mutual responsibility.
Esmén plays a crucial role in establishing both the ethical framework and the eschatological hope of believers. It defines not only what "we are" but also, by contrast, what "we are not," such as not being "of the night, nor of darkness" 1 Thessalonians 5:5, thereby underscoring the moral implications of their new identity. It also grounds the present reality of being sons of God in a future hope, knowing that "we shall be like him" 1 John 3:2. Critically, it highlights a profound dependency on God, acknowledging that "we are not sufficient of ourselves" 2 Corinthians 3:5, but rather our sufficiency is from Him.
In summary, G2070 functions as a multifaceted declaration, encapsulating the transformed status, shared purpose, ethical responsibilities, and ultimate hope of the Christian community. It solidifies the truth that believers are not isolated individuals but a unified body, whose very existence and identity are rooted in their relationship with the Triune God.
TRV