### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ísthi**, represented by `{{G2468}}`, is a direct command as the second person imperative form of the verb "to be." It carries the essential meaning **be thou**. This term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. While rare, its usage is significant, translating into commands such as **agree**, **be**, and **give thyself wholly to**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2468}}` is used to issue direct and transformative commands from a position of authority. It is used to command a change in relationship, urging a person to **agree** with an adversary to avoid judgment [[Matthew 5:25]]. An angel uses it to command Joseph to find safety in a specific location, saying "**be thou** there" in Egypt until Herod's threat has passed [[Matthew 2:13]]. Jesus uses it to confer a new state of being, such as granting authority to a faithful servant (**have thou authority** over ten cities) [[Luke 19:17]] and restoring a woman to health by saying "**be** whole of thy plague" [[Mark 5:34]]. It also conveys a call to total dedication, as when believers are told to **give thyself** wholly to spiritual disciplines [[1 Timothy 4:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the state or action being commanded by `{{G2468}}`:
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority): This is the state conferred upon the good servant. The command "be thou" is an instruction to wield **authority** and delegated influence [[Luke 19:17]].
* `{{G5199}}` **hygiḗs** (healthy): In [[Mark 5:34]], the command is to be whole, which is described by this word meaning **healthy**, or well in body.
* `{{G5343}}` **pheúgō** (to run away): The instruction to **flee** into Egypt is immediately followed by the command to "**be thou** there," contrasting a command of movement with a command of stillness and position [[Matthew 2:13]].
* `{{G2132}}` **eunoéō** (to be well-minded, i.e. reconcile): This word is used with `{{G2468}}` in [[Matthew 5:25]] to form the compound command to **agree** with an adversary.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2468}}` lies in its nature as a direct, authoritative command that alters a person's state or responsibility.
* **A Command to Be, Not Just Do:** `{{G2468}}` goes beyond simple action. It commands a state of being, whether it is to **be** whole [[Mark 5:34]], to **be** a person with authority [[Luke 19:17]], or to **be** dedicated [[1 Timothy 4:15]].
* **Divine Instruction and Authority:** The commands are issued by Jesus, an angel of the Lord, or through apostolic instruction. For instance, an angel commands Joseph to "**be thou** there" to protect the young child [[Matthew 2:13]], and the lord in the parable grants authority to the faithful servant [[Luke 19:17]].
* **Consequential Action:** Following the command has critical results. To **agree** with an adversary prevents being delivered to the judge [[Matthew 5:25]], and to **be** faithful results in being granted authority [[Luke 19:17]]. The command to "**be** whole" brings an end to suffering [[Mark 5:34]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2468}}` is a potent but infrequent imperative that means **be thou**. Its five appearances in scripture are all direct commands that establish a new reality for the recipient. It is used to confer healing, grant authority, ensure safety, demand reconciliation, and call for complete dedication. Through **ísthi**, a simple command to "be" becomes a powerful vehicle for divine will, capable of changing a person's condition, role, and relationship in an instant.
TRV