εἰσί

Pronunciation Guide: eye-SEE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1526: Εἰσί (eisi) is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Greek verb εἰμί (eimi, “to be”). It expresses existence or state of being in the present tense, most directly translated as “they are” or “there are.” This fundamental verb of existence appears throughout the New Testament to establish current realities, declare truths, and affirm the present state of people, things, or concepts.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb (3rd person plural, present indicative, active voice)
• Root: εἰμί (eimi, “to be” – one of the most foundational verbs in Greek)
• Language origin: Indo-European, with cognates across many ancient languages
• Primary usage: Found in narrative passages, doctrinal statements, and declarative teachings
• Function: States existence or identity in the present moment

Εἰσί Morphology:

• εἰμί (eimi) – I am
• εἶ (ei) – you are (singular)
• ἐστί(ν) (esti(n)) – he/she/it is
• εἰσί(ν) (eisi(n)) – they are
• ἐσμέν (esmen) – we are
• ἐστέ (este) – you are (plural)

Origin & History

The verb εἰμί (eimi), from which εἰσί (eisi) derives, has deep Indo-European roots and is one of the most ancient and fundamental verbs in human language. Its origin traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁es- (“to be, exist”), which gave rise to similar verbs across numerous languages including Latin “esse” and Sanskrit “asti.”

In classical Greek literature, this verb was essential to philosophical discourse. Plato’s dialogues frequently employed forms of εἰμί to explore questions of being and reality, most famously in his “Republic” when discussing the nature of justice and truth. Aristotle similarly relied on this verb in his “Metaphysics” when examining the concept of substance and being. In the Septuagint (LXX), translators used εἰσί to render the Hebrew verb forms of הָיָה (hayah) when expressing existence in plural contexts, establishing crucial theological concepts about God’s people, promises, and commandments.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Present existence or state – affirming that something or someone exists or possesses certain qualities in the present moment
• Identity statement – declaring what something or someone fundamentally is
• Location indicator – expressing where something or someone is situated
• Relational statement – defining how people or things relate to one another
• Possessive function – indicating ownership or belonging (when used with dative constructions)

Εἰσί Translation Options:

• “They are” – The most direct and common translation, used when referring to plural subjects
• “There are” – Used in existential statements about the presence of multiple things
• “These are” / “Those are” – When combined with demonstrative pronouns in presentational contexts
• “Are” – In questions or statements where the subject is implied rather than stated
• “They exist as” – When emphasizing the mode or manner of existence

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, εἰσί appears approximately 135 times, serving as a critical element in establishing theological truths and describing spiritual realities. Its first appearance in Matthew 2:18 forms part of a quotation from Jeremiah, describing the lament over the children of Bethlehem: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they are not [εἰσί].” This poignant usage demonstrates how the verb can express both existence and non-existence (with negation).

Theologically significant uses appear throughout the epistles, where εἰσί often establishes doctrinal foundations about believers’ identity in the Messiah, the nature of spiritual gifts, and the reality of unseen things. In Revelation, the verb frequently describes the eternal truths and realities of God’s kingdom, contrasting what merely appears to be with what truly is in the divine perspective.

• “Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they are not [οὐκ εἰσί].” Matthew 2:18
• “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is [ἐστίν] the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
• “For where two or three are [εἰσί] gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
• “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were [ἦσαν] the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:35-37
• “For they are [εἰσί] not all Israel who are descended from Israel.” Romans 9:6
• “Now there are [εἰσί] varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:4
• “The things that are [εἰσί] seen are transient, but the things that are [εἰσί] unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of “being” carried profound theological weight. The Divine Name revealed to Moses at the burning bush (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, “I AM WHO I AM”) established God’s eternal existence and unchanging nature. When the New Testament authors employed εἰσί, they were working within this rich theological framework that understood “being” as more than mere existence—it implied divine purpose, design, and enduring truth.

Particularly in Hellenistic Jewish contexts where the Septuagint was in use, forms of εἰμί became central to articulating theological concepts that bridged Hebrew and Greek thought. For instance, when Yeshua (Jesus) declared “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), He was making a claim to divinity that Jewish listeners would immediately recognize as an echo of the Divine Name from Exodus 3:14. The plural form εἰσί similarly carries this theological weight when used to describe spiritual realities, the status of God’s people, or divine truths.

Theological Significance

The verb εἰσί carries profound theological significance in establishing the present reality of God’s truth and promises. Unlike human declarations that may waver or falter, when Scripture states that certain things “are” (εἰσί), it affirms their absolute certainty in God’s economy. This distinction between mere appearance and divine reality runs throughout biblical revelation—what seems true from a human perspective may not align with what “is” from God’s eternal viewpoint.

In Paul’s writings particularly, εἰσί serves to establish the believer’s new identity in the Messiah. When he declares that we “are” new creations or that we “are” God’s children, he isn’t expressing aspiration or potential but present reality. This usage reveals a fundamental truth about God’s character—His declarations establish reality. What He says “is” truly is, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and His faithfulness to His word. Just as God spoke creation into being with “let there be” (γενηθήτω in the LXX), His ongoing declarations through Scripture of what “is” (εἰσί) continue to shape and define spiritual reality for believers.

Personal Application

Understanding εἰσί invites us to embrace the present realities God has established rather than merely hoping for future possibilities. When Scripture declares that we “are” loved, forgiven, adopted, and empowered, these aren’t distant aspirations but current truths we can live from today. This perspective transforms our approach to spiritual growth—we’re not striving to become something we aren’t yet, but rather learning to live out who we already “are” in the Messiah.

In your daily walk with God, practice reading Scripture with an eye for these declarations of what “is” true about you, your relationship with God, and the spiritual realities around you. When facing doubt or discouragement, remind yourself of these established truths: you “are” loved (1 John 4:10), you “are” forgiven (Ephesians 1:7), you “are” a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Living from these present realities rather than toward distant hopes transforms our faith from striving to resting in what God has already declared to be true.

Related Words

• ὑπάρχω (hyparchō, “to exist, be present”) – Emphasizes actual existence or subsistence, often with a sense of possession or ownership, while εἰσί simply states existence without additional connotations. See G5225
• γίνομαι (ginomai, “to become, come into being”) – Focuses on the process of coming into existence or changing state, whereas εἰσί describes established present existence. See G1096
• μένω (menō, “to remain, abide”) – Emphasizes continuance in a state or condition, while εἰσί simply asserts the present reality without necessarily implying duration. See G3306
• καθίστημι (kathistēmi, “to set down, appoint, establish”) – Focuses on the establishment or appointment to a position, whereas εἰσί describes the resulting state of being. See G2525
• ζάω (zaō, “to live”) – Specifically denotes living or being alive, a more specific type of existence than the general state of being expressed by εἰσί. See G2198

Did you Know?

• Did you know that εἰσί appears in one of the most profound theological statements in Romans where Paul distinguishes between physical and spiritual Israel? In Romans 9:6, he writes “Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel,” using εἰσί to establish a present spiritual reality that transcends physical ancestry. This distinction was revolutionary in first-century Jewish thought and remains central to understanding the relationship between the Church and Israel today.
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses εἰσί (though now typically είναι in demotic Greek) in almost the same way as biblical Greek? While many aspects of language have evolved dramatically over two millennia, this fundamental verb of existence remains remarkably stable, testifying to the enduring nature of certain core linguistic structures. When visiting Greece today, you might hear conversations using this same verbal concept that expressed divine truths in Scripture.
• Did you know that in rabbinic interpretation tradition, statements of “being” were often viewed as more authoritative than statements of “becoming” or “doing”? This reflects the Jewish understanding that God’s statements about what “is” establish unalterable truths about reality. When rabbis interpreted Torah passages with forms of “to be,” they typically understood these as foundational principles rather than contextual teachings. This interpretive approach helps us understand why New Testament authors placed such significance on statements using εἰσί.

Remember This

Εἰσί doesn’t merely describe what appears to be but establishes what truly is in God’s economy—the present realities we can anchor our faith in even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.