### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hēmeîs**, represented by `{{G2249}}`, is the emphatic first-person plural pronoun, meaning **we**. It appears 126 times across 121 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is specifically emphatic, drawing attention to the collective identity, action, or state of the group being described, setting it apart from others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical texts, `{{G2249}}` is used to establish a clear distinction between believers and the world, as well as to define their shared identity in Christ. It is used to describe a former state of sin, as in [[Titus 3:3]], where Paul writes, "For **we ourselves** also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived." This is contrasted with the new identity believers possess through God's mercy [[Titus 3:5]]. The term also defines a collective responsibility and mutual love, as stated in [[1 John 3:16]]: "**we** ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." Furthermore, it is used to make unified declarations of faith, such as in [[John 6:69]]: "**we** believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide grammatical context for the collective identity expressed by **hēmeîs**:
* `{{G1473}}` **egṓ** (I, me): This is the first-person singular pronoun from which `{{G2249}}` is derived. It expresses the individual identity that is then joined into the collective "we," as seen when Jesus speaks of himself [[John 17:11]].
* `{{G2257}}` **hēmōn** (of us, our): This is the genitive plural form, indicating possession or origin. It is often used alongside `{{G2249}}` to describe something belonging to the collective, such as "our sins" [[1 John 4:10]].
* `{{G2254}}` **hēmîn** (to us, for us): This is the dative plural form, indicating the recipient of an action or benefit. It highlights God's actions toward the collective, as in [[1 Corinthians 2:12]], where God has "freely given to **us**" certain things.
* `{{G2070}}` **esmén** (we are): This is the verb "to be" in the first-person plural. It often works with `{{G2249}}` to declare a state of being, such as in [[Philippians 3:3]], "**we** are the circumcision."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2249}}` is significant, as it solidifies the corporate nature of the church and salvation.
* **Shared Identity and Unity:** The term establishes a unified body of believers who are one in purpose and identity. This is powerfully stated by Jesus in his prayer: "that they may be one, as **we** are" [[John 17:11]].
* **Corporate Transformation:** `{{G2249}}` is used to articulate the shared transformation from death to life. Believers are "buried with him by baptism into death" so that "**we** also should walk in newness of life" [[Romans 6:4]]. This collective change is further described as being "changed into the same image from glory to glory" [[2 Corinthians 3:18]].
* **Collective Mission:** The word emphasizes the shared apostolic mission to proclaim the gospel. The apostles declare, "**we** preach Christ crucified" [[1 Corinthians 1:23]] and "**we** cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" [[Acts 4:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2249}}` is more than a simple pronoun; it is a powerful declaration of the collective identity of believers. It serves to distinguish the people of God from the world, define their shared experience of sin and redemption, and express their unified mission. Through the emphatic use of "**we**," scripture underscores that faith is not merely an individual experience but a corporate reality shared by all who are in Christ.
TRV