Pronunciation Guide: ho eh-STEEN
Quick Answer: ὅ ἐστιν is a Greek explanatory phrase meaning “which is” or “that is to say,” used to translate, clarify, or interpret Hebrew/Aramaic terms for Greek-speaking audiences in biblical texts.
1. What Does ὅ ἐστιν Mean?
Strong’s G3603: ὅ ἐστιν is an explanatory formula composed of the neuter relative pronoun ὅ (“which”) and the third person singular present indicative of εἰμί (“is”). This phrase serves as a bridge between languages and cultures, typically introducing an interpretation or translation of foreign terms. In biblical contexts, it functions as “which is,” “that is to say,” or “called,” providing crucial clarification for readers who might not understand Hebrew, Aramaic, or cultural references.
Key Insight: This phrase reveals the New Testament writers’ pastoral heart—ensuring every reader could understand God’s truth regardless of their linguistic background.
2. Where Does ὅ ἐστιν Come From?
- Part of Speech: Explanatory phrase/verbal construction
- Root Components: ὅς (relative pronoun, neuter form) + ἐστίν (third person singular present of εἰμί)
- Language Origin: Classical Greek construction adapted for biblical interpretation
- Primary Usage: Predominantly in narrative sections for cultural and linguistic explanation
3. What Is the History of ὅ ἐστιν?
The phrase ὅ ἐστιν emerged from classical Greek literature as a standard explanatory formula, employed by writers like Herodotus and Thucydides to clarify foreign terms or concepts for their audiences. The Septuagint translators adopted this construction when rendering Hebrew concepts into Greek, establishing a precedent for biblical interpretation. Early church fathers like Origen and John Chrysostom recognized this phrase as a hermeneutical tool, understanding its vital role in making Scripture accessible to diverse linguistic communities.
In the broader Hellenistic world, ὅ ἐστιν became the standard method for providing explanatory glosses, whether in historical writings, philosophical treatises, or legal documents. The New Testament writers inherited this established convention and employed it masterfully to bridge the gap between Semitic religious concepts and Greek intellectual understanding.
Historical Summary: From classical Greek explanatory tool to essential biblical interpretation device, ὅ ἐστιν connected cultures and preserved meaning across languages for centuries.
4. How Should ὅ ἐστιν Be Translated?
- Which is – Primary meaning introducing identification or explanation
- That is to say – Formal explanatory introduction
- Called – When introducing names or titles
- Meaning – When providing semantic clarification
- Being interpreted – When translating foreign terms
Translation Tip: Context determines whether to emphasize identification (“which is”), explanation (“that is to say”), or translation (“meaning”).
ὅ ἐστιν Translation Options:
- “Which is” – Most literal rendering preserving the relative pronoun structure
- “That is to say” – Formal explanatory style emphasizing clarification
- “Meaning” – Dynamic equivalent focusing on semantic content
- “Called” – When introducing proper names or titles
- “Being interpreted” – Specifically for translation contexts (often with μεθερμηνευόμενον)
5. How Is ὅ ἐστιν Used in the Bible?
The phrase ὅ ἐστιν appears strategically throughout the New Testament, particularly in Mark’s Gospel, where it serves as a cultural bridge for non-Jewish readers. Mark consistently uses it to translate Aramaic phrases that the Messiah spoke, preserving both the original words and their Greek meanings. This pattern demonstrates the early church’s commitment to linguistic precision while ensuring accessibility.
In the epistles, particularly Hebrews, ὅ ἐστιν functions to explain theological concepts and proper names, such as interpreting “Melchizedek” as “king of righteousness” and “Salem” as “peace.” This usage reveals how New Testament authors employed the phrase not merely for translation but for theological exposition, unpacking the rich meanings embedded in Hebrew names and concepts.
The phrase also appears in explanatory contexts throughout Acts and the Pauline epistles, where it clarifies cultural practices, geographical locations, and religious terminology for predominantly Gentile audiences. This consistent pattern reveals the international scope of the early Christian mission and the writers’ sensitivity to their diverse readership.
Usage Summary: Primarily used in Mark’s Gospel and Hebrews to translate Aramaic/Hebrew terms and explain names, demonstrating pastoral care for cross-cultural understanding.
Cross-Reference Verses:
- “James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (and he gave them the name Boanerges, which is Sons of Thunder)” Mark 3:17
- “But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, “Whatever you might have been benefited by me is Corban” (that is, given to God)’” Mark 7:11
- “And looking up to heaven, He sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ which is, ‘Be opened’” Mark 7:34
- “And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a quadrans” Mark 12:42
- “Being translated ‘king of righteousness,’ and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace” Hebrews 7:2
- “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” Mark 15:34
- “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23
6. What Cultural Context Surrounds ὅ ἐστιν?
The phrase ὅ ἐστιν reflects the remarkable linguistic diversity of the first-century Holy Land, where Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin coexisted. When the Messiah spoke in Aramaic—the common language of Judea and Galilee—the Gospel writers preserved His exact words while providing Greek translations for their broader audience. This practice demonstrates profound respect for both the original utterances and the needs of diverse readers.
In ancient Jewish culture, names carried deep theological significance, often revealing character or divine purpose. When New Testament writers used ὅ ἐστιν to explain names like “Melchizedek” or “Salem,” they were unlocking layers of meaning that Hebrew speakers would immediately recognize but Greek readers might miss. This explanatory technique preserved the richness of Hebrew wordplay and theological symbolism within the Greek text.
Cultural Context: This phrase bridges the multilingual world of ancient the Holy Land, preserving both the sacred original languages and ensuring accessibility for all believers.
7. What Does ὅ ἐστιν Teach Us About God?
The consistent use of ὅ ἐστιν throughout Scripture reveals God’s heart for universal understanding and accessibility. The fact that Gospel writers took time to translate and explain demonstrates that יהוה (Yahweh) desires all people—regardless of linguistic or cultural background—to comprehend His truth fully. This reflects the divine character of patience, clarity, and inclusive love.
Furthermore, the careful preservation of original Aramaic words alongside their Greek translations shows God’s respect for the cultural context of His revelation while ensuring its universal applicability. The Messiah’s words in His native tongue remain sacred, yet their meanings become accessible to all nations, fulfilling the promise that “all peoples will be blessed.”
The theological precision evident in explanations like Melchizedek meaning “king of righteousness” reveals how God embeds profound truth even in names and titles. Every detail of Scripture serves His redemptive purpose, and ὅ ἐστιν becomes a tool for unveiling these hidden treasures.
Theological Core: This phrase reveals God’s desire for all people to understand His truth, demonstrating His inclusive love and careful revelation.
8. How Can I Apply ὅ ἐστιν to My Life?
When we encounter ὅ ἐστιν in Scripture, we should pause and recognize that the Holy Spirit is providing special insight—these moments mark particularly important revelations that transcend language barriers. Like the Gospel writers, we should prioritize clarity and accessibility when sharing God’s truth with others, ensuring that cultural or linguistic differences never become barriers to understanding the Gospel.
The phrase also reminds us to value both the original forms of God’s revelation and their contemporary applications. Just as the Messiah’s Aramaic words were preserved while being translated, we should honor Scripture’s historical context while making its truths relevant for today’s world. When we encounter unfamiliar terms or concepts in our Bible study, we can approach them with the same explanatory spirit that ὅ ἐστιν represents.
Self-Examination Questions: Do I seek to understand the deeper meanings behind biblical terms and names? How can I better explain God’s truth to others across cultural and linguistic barriers? Am I patient with those who need additional explanation to understand spiritual concepts?
9. What Words Are Similar to ὅ ἐστιν?
- τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν (tout estin) – “This is” – More direct identification focusing on immediate context, used for straightforward explanations rather than translations – See G3778
- ὅ λέγεται (ho legetai) – “Which is called/said” – Emphasizes verbal designation or common usage rather than essential meaning – See G3004
- μεθερμηνευόμενον (methermēneuomenon) – “Being translated/interpreted” – Specifically indicates linguistic translation process, often paired with ὅ ἐστιν – See G3177
- ὅ σημαίνει (ho sēmainei) – “Which signifies/means” – Focuses on symbolic or deeper significance rather than simple identification – See G4591
- τουτέστι (toutesti) – “That is” – Contracted form used for quick clarification, more colloquial than ὅ ἐστιν – See G5123
10. Did You Know?
- What does ὅ ἐστιν mean in modern Greek? Modern Greek retains this construction with similar meaning, though it’s now more formal and literary, primarily used in academic or explanatory contexts rather than everyday speech.
- How did classical authors use ὅ ἐστιν? Herodotus frequently employed this phrase when explaining foreign customs to Greek readers, establishing the pattern of cultural interpretation that New Testament writers would later adopt for spiritual concepts.
- What’s the difference between ὅ ἐστιν and τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν? While both provide explanation, ὅ ἐστιν typically introduces translations or interpretations of existing terms, whereas τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν directly identifies or defines concepts.
- Why does Mark use ὅ ἐστιν more than other Gospel writers? Mark’s Gospel, likely written for Roman audiences, required more cultural and linguistic explanation than Matthew’s Hebrew-focused account or Luke’s sophisticated Greek presentation.
- How does ὅ ἐστιν relate to biblical hermeneutics? This phrase represents inspired interpretation within Scripture itself, providing a model for how we should explain biblical concepts—with accuracy, clarity, and cultural sensitivity.
- What pattern emerges from biblical usage of ὅ ἐστιν? The phrase consistently appears at moments of cross-cultural communication, highlighting the universal scope of the Gospel message and God’s desire for all nations to understand His truth.
11. Remember This
ὅ ἐστιν stands as Scripture’s own footnote system—the Holy Spirit’s way of ensuring that no language barrier, cultural difference, or unfamiliar term could prevent any seeking heart from understanding God’s perfect revelation of truth and love.
