The meaning of “ἦν”
Understanding ēn reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
imperfect of εἰμί + agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were. - I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
ἦν
imperfect of εἰμί + agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were. - I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 22:8 | “Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.” Word: ἦν (ēn) | |
| Acts 11:21 | “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” Word: ἦν (ēn) | |
| Galatians 3:21 | “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” Word: ἦν (ēn) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:4 | “For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.” Word: ἦν (ēn) | |
| James 5:17 | “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” Word: ἦν (ēn) |