second person imperative present of εἰμί; be thou:--+ agree, be, X give thyself wholly to.
Transliteration:ísthi
Pronunciation:is'-thee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἴσθι (ísthi, `{{G2468}}`) is the second person singular present active imperative form of the verb εἰμί (eimi, `{{G1510}}`), which means "to be." As an imperative, ἴσθι directly commands or exhorts the hearer to "be" or "exist" in a particular state, condition, or identity. Its core meaning is thus "be thou." The nuances provided in the base definition—"agree" and "give thyself wholly to"—suggest a deeper semantic range that extends beyond mere existence to embrace a state of intentional alignment, commitment, or dedication. This implies that "being" in a certain way often necessitates an internal disposition of agreement or a complete self-giving to the commanded state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While ἴσθι (G2468) is the grammatically correct 2nd person singular present imperative of εἰμί (to be), it is notably absent from the extant Greek New Testament corpus. This does not diminish its semantic potential or the theological significance of the imperative "be!" in Scripture, but rather highlights that the New Testament authors typically employed other forms or constructions to convey such commands.
The concept of "be thou" is frequently expressed in the New Testament through other imperative forms of εἰμί or γίνομαι (ginomai, `{{G1096}}`, "to become"), especially in the plural. For instance, the command to "be" in a specific way is powerfully conveyed by the 2nd person plural imperative ἔστε (este) from εἰμί. Examples include:
* "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." [[Matthew 5:48]] (using ἔσεσθε, a future indicative functioning as an imperative).
* "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." [[Matthew 10:16]] (using γίνεσθε, imperative of γίνομαι).
* "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." [[Ephesians 4:32]] (using γίνεσθε).
* "Be ye holy; for I am holy." [[1 Peter 1:16]] (using γίνεσθε).
These occurrences demonstrate that while ἴσθι itself is not found, the New Testament profoundly emphasizes the imperative for believers to embody specific characteristics and states of being that reflect God's nature and will. The command to "be" is not merely about action, but about identity and transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is εἰμί (eimi, `{{G1510}}`), the root verb "to be," from which ἴσθι is derived. This fundamental verb underpins all concepts of existence, identity, and state. Closely related is γίνομαι (ginomai, `{{G1096}}`), meaning "to become," which often carries a similar imperative force, urging a change of state or a process of transformation. While εἰμί emphasizes a static state of being, γίνομαι highlights the dynamic process of becoming.
Other forms of εἰμί that carry an imperative force, especially in the plural, include ἔστε (este, 2nd person plural present imperative, "be ye"). The concept of "being" is also interwoven with various virtues and spiritual qualities that believers are commanded to embody, such as holiness, love, mercy, humility, and peace. These are not merely actions to perform but states of character to cultivate and embody.
### Theological Significance
The imperative "be!" whether expressed through ἴσθι or its more common NT counterparts, carries profound theological significance. It underscores that Christian discipleship is not solely about *doing* certain things, but fundamentally about *being* a particular kind of person. This call to "be" reflects several key theological truths:
1. **Divine Mandate for Existence and Identity:** God's initial command, "Let there be light" ([[Genesis 1:3]], using the Hebrew יְהִי, y'hi, from `{{H1961}}` "to be/become"), establishes the divine prerogative to bring things into existence and to define their nature. Similarly, the imperative "be!" for believers is a call to exist in a manner consistent with their new creation in Christ.
2. **Conformity to Christ:** The command to "be" is often a call to embody the character and nature of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ. Believers are called to "be holy as I am holy" ([[1 Peter 1:16]]), to "be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" ([[Luke 6:36]]), and to "be perfect" ([[Matthew 5:48]]). This signifies a deep, internal transformation that aligns one's very being with the divine.
3. **Ethical Imperative and Spiritual Formation:** The "be!" imperative moves beyond outward actions to address the inner disposition and character. It calls for a fundamental shift in identity that then naturally produces righteous actions. It is a command for ongoing spiritual formation, urging believers to continually grow into the likeness of Christ.
4. **Holistic Commitment:** The Strong's suggested nuances of "agree" and "give thyself wholly to" for ἴσθι highlight that true "being" in a spiritual sense involves a complete dedication of one's entire self—mind, will, and emotions—to God's purposes. It is a call to a life of integrated obedience and devotion.
### Summary
ἴσθι (ísthi, `{{G2468}}`) is the 2nd person singular present imperative of εἰμί (to be), meaning "be thou." Although this specific form is not attested in the New Testament, its underlying concept—the direct command to "be"—is central to biblical theology and Christian discipleship. The New Testament frequently employs other imperative forms, particularly the plural ἔστε from εἰμί and γίνεσθε from γίνομαι, to urge believers to embody specific characteristics and states of being. This imperative underscores that faith is not merely about actions, but about a transformed identity and a holistic commitment to God's will. The call to "be" righteous, holy, loving, and merciful reflects a profound theological truth: believers are commanded to exist in a manner that mirrors the character of God, signifying a continuous process of spiritual formation and conformity to Christ.
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