ὁ ὢν καί ὁ ἦν καί ὁ ἐρχόμενος

ho ṑn kaí ho ēn kaí ho erchómenos /ho own kahee ho ane kahee ho er-khom'-en-os/ Ask about this word
Meaninga phrase combining ὁ with the present participle and imperfect of εἰμί and the present participle of ἔρχομαι by means of καί; the one being and the one that was and the one coming, i.e. the Eternal, as a divine epithet of Christ
KJV usagewhich art (is, was), and (which) wast (is, was), and art (is) to come (shalt be).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek phrase ho ṑn kaí ho ēn kaí ho erchómenos, represented by G3801, is a divine epithet for Christ, meaning the one being and the one that was and the one coming, or simply, the Eternal. This title, which appears 15 times across 5 unique verses, is a construction combining participles for "being" G5607, "was" G2258, and "coming" G2064 to articulate a singular, timeless existence.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

This profound title is used exclusively in the book of Revelation to describe the nature of God. It serves as a formal introduction to the source of divine grace and peace, coming from "him which is, and which was, and which is to come" Revelation 1:4. The phrase is also a central part of heavenly worship, as the four beasts continually praise the "Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" Revelation 4:8. It underscores God's absolute authority and eternality, particularly when He takes power and reigns Revelation 11:17 and executes righteous judgment Revelation 16:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the attributes of the one described by G3801:

  • G3841 pantokrátōr (the all-ruling): This term for Almighty is frequently paired with G3801 to emphasize the absolute and universal sovereignty of God as the eternal one Revelation 1:8.
  • G2962 kýrios (Lord): Meaning supreme in authority, this title identifies the one who "is, and was, and is to come" as the ultimate Master and controller, worthy of worship and thanksgiving Revelation 11:17.
  • G1342 díkaios (just): This word, meaning equitable or holy, is used to describe the character of the eternal Lord, connecting his timeless existence to his righteous judgments Revelation 16:5.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3801 is immense, defining the very essence of God's being.

  • Divine Eternality: The phrase encapsulates God's timeless nature, existing across the past, present, and future. This is highlighted when the Lord declares, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending... which is, and which was, and which is to come" Revelation 1:8.
  • Supreme Authority and Worship: The title is invoked in moments of ultimate worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Heavenly beings use this specific name to declare God holy and praise Him as the Lord God Almighty Revelation 4:8.
  • Foundation of Judgment: God's eternal nature is presented as the basis for His perfect righteousness. When the angel of the waters affirms God's justice, he addresses Him as the one "which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus" Revelation 16:5.

Summary

In summary, G3801 is far more than a title; it is a declaration of divine reality. It establishes God's unchanging and eternal existence as the foundation for His identity as the Almighty G3841, His authority as Lord G2962, and His character as righteous G1342. Confined to the visions of Revelation, this phrase consistently points to the God who transcends time and is the ultimate sovereign over all of creation, history, and eternity.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 12 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms.

  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 4×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 3×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Participle Vocative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Vocative
Direct address — naming who is spoken to.
Singular
One.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

5 verses, all in Revelation.

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