### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ésomai**, represented by `{{G2071}}`, is the future tense of the verb "to be." It appears **207 times** in **170 unique verses**, establishing its role in conveying future certainties, promises, and states of being. Its definitions include **will be**, **shall be**, **shall come to pass**, and **live long**, signifying a definitive future reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2071}}` is used to communicate divine promises and future events with authority. It is central to God's covenantal declarations, such as "I **will be** their God, and they **shall be** my people" ([[2 Corinthians 6:16]], [[Hebrews 8:10]]). It also conveys prophetic certainty, as in the last days God's spirit **shall come to pass** [[Acts 2:17]]. The word is used to describe both the future state of believers, who **shalt...be** with Jesus in paradise [[Luke 23:43]], and the consequences of actions, where some **shall be** in danger of hell fire [[Matthew 5:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of being across different tenses:
* `{{G2076}}` **estí** (is): The third-person present indicative form of "to be." It often appears in contrast to the future promise of `{{G2071}}`, as in the command to be perfect as your Father in heaven **is** perfect [[Matthew 5:48]].
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai** (to become, come into being): This word describes a process of coming into being or happening. It is used alongside `{{G2071}}` to describe the state of a doer of the work who is not a forgetful hearer [[James 1:25]].
* `{{G2075}}` **esté** (ye are): The second-person plural present form. It defines the current state of believers as "the temple of the living God," which serves as the foundation for the future promise that God **will be** their God [[2 Corinthians 6:16]].
* `{{G2258}}` **ēn** (was): The imperfect tense, indicating a past state of being. It is used to draw a parallel, as Jonas **was** in the belly of the whale, so **shall** the Son of man be in the heart of the earth [[Matthew 12:40]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2071}}` is tied to its function as a word of divine promise and eschatological certainty.
* **Divine Relationship:** It establishes the future, unbreakable relationship between God and His people. God promises, "I **will be** his God, and he **shall be** my son" [[Revelation 21:7]] and "I **will be** to him a Father, and he **shall be** to me a Son" [[Hebrews 1:5]].
* **Future Hope:** The word underpins the hope of believers, assuring them of a future without suffering, where there **shall be** no more death, sorrow, or pain [[Revelation 21:4]], and where they **shall be** like Christ [[1 John 3:2]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** `{{G2071}}` is used to declare future events with divine authority, from the coming of false teachers [[2 Peter 2:1]] to the signs that **shall be** in the sun, moon, and stars [[Luke 21:25]].
* **Moral and Spiritual Commands:** It is used in imperatives that command a future state of being, such as "**Be** ye therefore perfect" [[Matthew 5:48]], linking present action to a future reality.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2071}}` is more than a simple grammatical future. It is a vehicle for conveying some of the most profound truths in scripture, from God's covenantal promises to the ultimate destiny of humanity. It functions as a word of assurance, declaring with certainty what **will be**, and serves as a cornerstone for biblical hope, prophecy, and divine relationship.
TRV