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.
The employment of G2071 inherently communicates a strong sense of inevitability and divine decree. Unlike constructions that might express mere possibility or human intention, ésomai often functions as an indicative of a fixed future reality, whether promised by God, prophesied by His spokespersons, or established by the natural outworking of spiritual laws. This certainty is not merely grammatical futurity but carries theological weight, reflecting the unchanging nature of God's word and His sovereign control over time and events. It implicitly connects to the self-revelation of God as "I AM" (from which "I WILL BE" flows), establishing a continuity of divine existence and action across temporal dimensions.
ésomai frequently appears in contexts where a present state or action directly leads to a guaranteed future outcome. This cause-and-effect relationship, often moral or spiritual, underscores the principle of sowing and reaping. For example, the one who purges himself "shall be a vessel unto honour" 2 Timothy 2:21, linking present purity to future utility. Conversely, those who do not endure sound doctrine "shall heap to themselves teachers" 2 Timothy 4:3, illustrating the unavoidable consequences of spiritual choices. This usage highlights ésomai not just as a statement of what will happen, but often as what must happen given certain conditions or divine pronouncements.
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.
Beyond divine pronouncements and eschatological declarations, G2071 is frequently employed in articulating human expectations, questions, and even anxieties concerning future states. For instance, in moments of frustration or weariness, Jesus asks, "how long shall I be with you?" Luke 9:41, Mark 9:19, Matthew 17:17, expressing a longing for a different, yet still future, state. Similarly, disciples inquire, "when shall these things be?" Luke 21:7, Mark 13:4, Matthew 24:3, using ésomai to seek specific details about impending events, demonstrating its role in framing questions about the unknown future.
The word also serves to describe the inevitable consequences or logical outcomes of human actions or conditions. Paul, when discussing speaking in tongues, states, "if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian" 1 Corinthians 14:11, indicating a logical, unavoidable future state based on a present lack of understanding. Similarly, the warning about the rust of gold and silver serving as a witness against the rich, which "shall eat your flesh as it were fire" James 5:3, uses ésomai to emphasize the inescapable judgment stemming from their covetousness. This broadens the scope of ésomai beyond strictly divine or prophetic utterances to encompass the certainty of results flowing from human choices and circumstances.
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.
- G2078 éschatos (last, uttermost): This adjective often describes the ultimate future or end-time events, providing the temporal framework within which many G2071 predictions are set. The "last days" or "last state" are frequently the subject or context for what "shall be."
- G2064 érchomai (to come, go): While denoting movement, érchomai often signifies the arrival or coming into being of events or persons in the future, thus conceptually overlapping with G2071 in describing future occurrences or the presence of a future reality.
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.
- Judgment and Accountability: G2071 is a key indicator of future judgment and the certainty of accountability for actions. It underscores that present deeds, whether righteous or unrighteous, will inevitably lead to specific future consequences. For example, "whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" 1 Corinthians 11:27, and "there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" for the unrighteous Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 13:50, Matthew 22:13, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 25:30, Luke 13:28.
- Transformation and New Identity: The word also speaks to a future transformation, both of individuals and of creation itself, establishing a new state of being. Believers "shall be like him" 1 John 3:2 and "shall be priests of God and of Christ" Revelation 20:6, illustrating a radical change in identity. Similarly, the new heavens and new earth promise a future where "there shall be no more curse" Revelation 22:3, signifying a fundamental transformation of reality.
In sum, G2071 (ésomai) is far more than a simple future tense indicator; it is a linguistic cornerstone for conveying certainty and inevitability within the New Testament. Its 207 occurrences across 170 verses firmly establish its role in articulating what will be with divine authority and unwavering assurance. From God's covenantal declarations such as "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" 2 Corinthians 6:16, to the prophetic certainty of the Spirit's outpouring Acts 2:17, ésomai underpins the very fabric of biblical prophecy and promise.
This word extends its reach to define the future state of believers, promising them presence with Christ in paradise Luke 23:43 and a likeness to Him 1 John 3:2, while simultaneously delineating the stark consequences for those who reject divine truth, such as being "in danger of hell fire" Matthew 5:22 or experiencing "weeping and gnashing of teeth" Matthew 8:12. It highlights a future shaped by both divine decree and the logical outcomes of human choices. The distinction from G1096 gínomai (to become) emphasizes a definitive state rather than merely a process of coming into being, underscoring the finality and settled nature of these future realities.
The theological weight of ésomai is profound, establishing the unbreakable relationship between God and His people, underpinning the hope of a future free from suffering, and declaring the fulfillment of prophetic events. It also frames moral and spiritual commands, linking present obedience to a guaranteed future blessedness or transformation, as seen in the promise that those who purge themselves "shall be a vessel unto honour" 2 Timothy 2:21. Furthermore, ésomai plays a crucial role in prophecies concerning judgment and accountability, making it clear that actions have certain, unavoidable future repercussions 1 Corinthians 11:27, especially in the "last days" (often indicated by G2078 éschatos).
Ultimately, G2071 serves as a powerful linguistic tool that declares with absolute certainty the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, the ultimate destiny of humanity, and the inherent consequences of all choices, providing both assurance for the faithful and solemn warning for the disobedient.
TRV