first person plural indicative of εἰμί; we are:--are, be, have our being, X have hope, + (the gospel) was (preached unto) us.
Transliteration:esmén
Pronunciation:es-men'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἐσμέν (esmén) `{{G2070}}` is the first person plural present indicative form of the verb εἰμί (eimi) `{{G1510}}`, meaning "to be." Its most direct and fundamental translation is "we are." As a form of the verb "to be," ἐσμέν primarily functions as a copula, linking a subject ("we") to a predicate noun, adjective, or adverbial phrase, thereby expressing existence, state, condition, or identity. It does not denote an action but rather a state of being in the present moment. The broader definition provided, "are, be, have our being, X have hope, + (the gospel) was (preached unto) us," illustrates the various ways this core meaning can be nuanced in English translation to capture the full contextual implication, such as expressing a characteristic ("we are hopeful") or a passive experience ("it was done to us," implying "we are the recipients"). Its simplicity belies its profound capacity to articulate fundamental truths about identity and reality within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐσμέν `{{G2070}}` is a ubiquitous term in the Greek New Testament, reflecting its essential grammatical function. Its occurrences span the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation, consistently defining the collective "we" in various theological and relational contexts.
* **Declarations of Identity and Status**: Frequently, ἐσμέν establishes the spiritual identity or status of believers in Christ. For instance, Paul declares, "For we are God's fellow workers" [[1 Corinthians 3:9]], defining their partnership in divine labor. Similarly, "For we are members of His body" [[1 Corinthians 12:27]] articulates the intimate corporate unity of believers. In Romans, the new status under grace is affirmed: "For we are not under law but under grace" [[Romans 6:14]].
* **Expressions of Condition or State**: The term is used to describe the current spiritual or existential state of individuals or the community. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" [[Ephesians 2:10]] highlights the transformed nature and divine purpose of believers. In the context of spiritual warfare, Paul states, "For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" [[Ephesians 6:12]], defining the true nature of their struggle.
* **Affirmations of Truth and Relationship**: ἐσμέν can serve to assert a theological truth or to clarify a relationship. John powerfully affirms, "For we are of God" [[1 John 4:6]], declaring divine origin and allegiance. The familial relationship with God is underscored in "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" [[Romans 8:17]], where ἐσμέν links their filial status to their inheritance.
* **Contrast and Distinction**: It can also be used to distinguish the "we" (apostles, true believers) from others. Paul asserts, "For we are not like so many, peddling the word of God" [[2 Corinthians 2:17]], setting apart his ministry's integrity.
The precise nuance of ἐσμέν is always determined by the predicate that follows it, making the full phrase essential for understanding its theological weight.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **εἰμί (eimi) `{{G1510}}`**: As the root verb, understanding the broad semantic range of εἰμί—which encompasses existence, identity, and presence—is crucial. ἐσμέν is simply a specific conjugation, applying these concepts to the first-person plural. εἰμί is famously used in divine self-declarations, such as "I AM."
* **Other Conjugations of εἰμί**: The various forms of εἰμί work in concert to describe states of being across different persons and tenses. Examples include ἐγώ εἰμι (egō eimi) `{{G1473}}` `{{G1510}}` ("I am"), ἐστέ (este) `{{G2075}}` ("you [plural] are"), ἐστιν (estin) `{{G2076}}` ("he/she/it is"), and ἦμεν (ēmen) `{{G2258}}` ("we were," imperfect tense). Together, these forms build a comprehensive linguistic framework for expressing being and identity.
* **Ontology and Theological Anthropology**: ἐσμέν directly relates to the philosophical and theological study of being (ontology) and the study of humanity (theological anthropology). It addresses not merely what humans *do*, but profoundly what they *are* in the sight of God and in their redeemed state.
* **Covenantal and Corporate Identity**: In many New Testament passages, ἐσμέν articulates the collective identity of believers within the new covenant. This includes concepts such as being "in Christ," "children of God," "saints," "the body of Christ," and "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession" [[1 Peter 2:9]]. It emphasizes the shared spiritual reality and unity of the Church.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly simple word ἐσμέν `{{G2070}}` carries profound theological significance, particularly in defining the Christian experience and identity.
* **Foundation of Christian Identity**: ἐσμέν is fundamental to understanding who believers *are* in Christ, moving beyond actions to essence. Declarations like "we are children of God" [[1 John 3:2]] are not merely descriptive of behavior but declarative of a new, divinely bestowed ontological reality. This identity is a gift of grace, not an achievement.
* **Basis for Ethical Living**: The New Testament consistently links "who we are" (our being) to "how we ought to live" (our doing). For example, knowing "we are light in the Lord" [[Ephesians 5:8]] serves as the theological foundation for walking as children of light. Our identity in Christ precedes and informs our conduct.
* **Corporate Unity and Ecclesiology**: The frequent use of ἐσμέν to describe the collective "we" of the believing community underscores the theological concept of the Church as a unified body, the body of Christ. It highlights the shared identity, mutual belonging, and common destiny of all believers, emphasizing their interconnectedness and corporate witness.
* **Divine Initiative and Grace**: Many instances of ἐσμέν highlight a status or identity that is entirely given by God, not earned by human effort. "We are His workmanship" [[Ephesians 2:10]] powerfully conveys that our new being is a result of divine creation and grace, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in salvation and transformation. This underscores the gracious nature of redemption.
### Summary
ἐσμέν (G2070), the first-person plural present indicative of εἰμί, means "we are." This seemingly straightforward word is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's articulation of Christian identity and reality. It functions as a critical linguistic tool for declaring the inherent status, condition, and relationships of believers, both individually and as a corporate body. Theologically, ἐσμέν undergirds foundational concepts such as the new creation in Christ, the transformed nature of humanity (theological anthropology), and the unified nature of the Church (ecclesiology). Its consistent usage throughout Scripture emphasizes that our being in Christ is a divinely bestowed reality, a gift of grace that profoundly shapes our understanding of ourselves, our relationship with God, and our calling in the world. Understanding ἐσμέν moves beyond mere grammatical function to unveil the very essence of who "we are" in the light of God's redemptive work.
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