### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **esté**, represented by `{{G2075}}`, is the second person plural present indicative of the verb "to be," meaning **ye are**. It appears 92 times across 88 unique verses. While a simple verb of being, it is used throughout the New Testament to make profound declarations about the identity, spiritual state, and relationship of believers to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2075}}` is used to establish the new identity of believers in Christ. It defines them not by what they do, but by who they **are** because of God's work. Paul uses it to declare that believers **are** the temple of God, where His Spirit dwells [[1 Corinthians 3:16]]. Jesus uses it to give his followers their purpose, stating "Ye **are** the salt of the earth" [[Matthew 5:13]] and "Ye **are** the light of the world" [[Matthew 5:14]]. The term is also used to clarify spiritual lineage, contrasting those who **are** of God [[1 John 4:4]] with those who **are** of their father, the devil [[John 8:44]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related forms of the verb "to be" provide a fuller context for the meaning of `{{G2075}}`:
* `{{G2070}}` **esmén** (we are): As the first-person plural form, it is often used in parallel with `esté`. For instance, Paul states, "we **are** labourers together with God: ye **are** God's husbandry" [[1 Corinthians 3:9]], defining both his and the believers' roles.
* `{{G2071}}` **ésomai** (will be): This future tense form contrasts the present reality with a future promise. God declares that "ye **are** the temple of the living God" and promises, "I **will be** their God, and they shall **be** my people" [[2 Corinthians 6:16]].
* `{{G2076}}` **estí** (he (she or it) is): The third-person singular form is often used to establish a foundational truth upon which a declaration using `esté` is based. In [[1 John 4:4]], the assurance "Ye **are** of God" is grounded in the fact that "greater **is** he that is in you."
* `{{G2258}}` **ēn** (was): This imperfect tense, indicating a past state, is used to show a contrast with the believer's current identity. Jesus tells his disciples, "If ye **were** of the world... but... ye **are** not of the world" [[John 15:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2075}}` is immense, as it anchors core Christian doctrines in the present reality of the believer.
* **A New Identity:** The word is used to affirm a complete change in identity. Believers **are** no longer strangers, but "fellowcitizens with the saints" [[Ephesians 2:19]], and **are** "all one in Christ Jesus" [[Galatians 3:28]].
* **Positional Truth:** It declares a spiritual state that is already accomplished. Believers **are** saved by grace through faith [[Ephesians 2:8]], **are** complete in him [[Colossians 2:10]], and **are** not under the law but under grace [[Romans 6:14]].
* **Spiritual Sonship:** The term confirms the believer's relationship to God. Because "ye **are** sons," God has sent the Spirit of His Son into their hearts [[Galatians 4:6]]. This sonship makes them "heirs according to the promise" [[Galatians 3:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2075}}` is far more than a simple grammatical component. It is a word of divine declaration, used to affirm the believer's new reality in Christ. From being the "temple of God" to the "light of the world," `esté` consistently defines believers by their God-given identity, their relational standing as children of God, and their unshakeable position of being saved by grace.
TRV