third person singular imperative of εἰμί; let him (or it) be:--let … be.
Transliteration:ḗtō
Pronunciation:ay'-to
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἤτω (ḗtō), Strong's number `{{G2277}}`, is the third person singular imperative form of the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be" or "to exist" (`{{G1510}}`). As an imperative, ἤτω conveys a command, instruction, or a desired state, translating most accurately as "let him/her/it be." Unlike many verbs that carry a rich semantic range within their root meaning, the semantic scope of ἤτω is primarily grammatical and functional. Its core meaning is to bring about or establish a state of being for a third-person singular subject. This can imply permission, a divine decree, or a human directive. The specific nuance of "let it be" is heavily dependent on the surrounding context and the subject to which it refers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἤτω (ḗtō) occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle of James:
* **[[James 5:12]]**: "But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but *let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No,'* so that you may not fall under condemnation." (πρὸ πάντων δέ, ἀδελφοί μου, μὴ ὀμνύετε μήτε τὸν οὐρανὸν μήτε τὴν γῆν μήτε ἄλλον τινὰ ὅρκον· **ἤτω** δὲ ὑμῶν τὸ ναὶ ναί, καὶ τὸ οὒ οὔ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπὸ κρίσιν πέσητε.)
In this singular occurrence, ἤτω is used to issue a direct command or instruction regarding the integrity of speech for believers. The phrase "ἤτω δὲ ὑμῶν τὸ ναὶ ναί, καὶ τὸ οὒ οὔ" literally means "let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No'." Here, ἤτω functions prescriptively, demanding a state of unwavering truthfulness and consistency in one's verbal affirmations and denials. It is not merely a suggestion but an imperative for the Christian's communication, emphasizing that their word should be sufficient in itself, without the need for oaths to validate it. The context highlights a call to absolute sincerity and reliability, contrasting with the practice of swearing oaths, which could imply a lack of inherent trustworthiness in everyday speech.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to ἤτω (ḗtō) is its base verb, εἰμί (eimi) `{{G1510}}`, "to be." Other imperative forms of εἰμί include ἔστω (estō) `{{G2077}}` (also 3rd person singular imperative, often used in a similar sense), and ἔστε (este) `{{G2075}}` (2nd person plural imperative, "be ye"). While grammatically distinct, these forms share the fundamental function of commanding or permitting a state of being.
Theological concepts closely associated with ἤτω, particularly in its context in James, include:
* **Truthfulness and Integrity**: The command for one's "Yes" to be "Yes" and "No" to be "No" directly addresses the virtue of honesty and consistency in speech, reflecting an inner integrity.
* **Simplicity and Sincerity**: The avoidance of oaths promotes a straightforward and unadorned manner of communication, free from duplicity or the need for external validation.
* **Reliability**: A person whose word is always true is reliable, building trust within the community and demonstrating faithfulness.
* **Divine Authority**: Although a human author writes the command, its imperative nature reflects a divine expectation for the conduct of believers.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew verb הָיָה (hayah) `{{H1961}}`, "to be, become," frequently appears in imperative constructions, especially in divine decrees like "Let there be light" ([[Genesis 1:3]], וַיְהִי אוֹר – "and there was light," but often rendered "Let there be light" in English translations, reflecting the imperative force of divine utterance). While ἤτω does not carry the cosmic creative power of the divine "let there be," it shares the grammatical structure of an imperative establishing a state of being.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἤτω (ḗtō) in [[James 5:12]] imbues it with significant theological weight regarding Christian ethics and the nature of discipleship. The command "let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No'" is a foundational principle for Christian conduct.
1. **Reflection of God's Character**: God is truth; His word is always faithful and true. Believers are called to reflect this divine attribute in their own speech. The imperative ἤτω underscores that integrity of speech is not optional but a commanded characteristic of those who bear God's name.
2. **Witness to the World**: The consistent and truthful speech of believers serves as a powerful witness to the world. In a society often characterized by deceit and broken promises, the Christian's unwavering word stands out as a testament to the transformative power of Christ.
3. **Foundation for Community**: Within the Christian community, mutual trust is essential. When each member's word is reliable, it fosters unity, strengthens relationships, and ensures that interactions are built on a solid foundation of truth.
4. **Avoidance of Judgment**: James explicitly states the purpose of this command: "so that you may not fall under condemnation." This highlights the serious spiritual implications of dishonest speech. It implies that a lack of integrity in one's word can lead to divine judgment, underscoring the gravity of the imperative.
5. **Practical Spirituality**: The command in [[James 5:12]] moves beyond abstract theological concepts to practical, everyday spirituality. It demonstrates that faith is not merely about belief but about living out that belief in every aspect of life, including the seemingly mundane act of speaking.
### Summary
The Greek word ἤτω (ḗtō), Strong's number `{{G2277}}`, is the third person singular imperative of the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It translates as "let him/her/it be," functioning as a command or directive to establish a particular state of being. Although it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[James 5:12]], its significance is profound. In this context, ἤτω mandates that believers' speech be utterly truthful and consistent—"let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No.'" This imperative underscores the theological importance of integrity, sincerity, and reliability in Christian communication, reflecting God's own truthfulness and serving as a vital aspect of a faithful witness and a safeguard against divine judgment.
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