The meaning of “εἰμί”
Understanding eimí reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb am, have been, X it is I,...
εἰμί
the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb am, have been, X it is I, was. - I exist (used only when emphatic)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 20:15 | “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?” Word: εἰμί (eimí) | |
| Luke 18:11 | “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” Word: εἰμί (eimí) | |
| Acts 22:3 | “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.” Word: εἰμί (eimí) | |
| 1 Corinthians 12:15 | “If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?” Word: εἰμί (eimí) | |
| Philippians 4:11 | “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Word: εἰμί (eimí) |