εἶ
eî
G1488
SILEX Entry
Definition
Second person singular present indicative active of 'to be'; 'you are.' In direct discourse, it affirms the existence, identity, status, or condition of the addressed individual. Semantic range includes use as a simple predicate or as the linking verb describing the subject's state or nature. Frequently used in definitions, descriptions, or dialogues to indicate what someone is, possesses, or represents.
Semantic Range
you are (existence), you are (identity), you are (state/condition), you belong, you exist, copula linking subject and predicate
Root / Etymology
Formed from the root stem ἐσ- of the verb εἰμί ('to be'), with a thematic vowel and personal ending marking second person singular (present indicative active). Cognate with other Indo-European forms of the verb 'to be' (cf. Sanskrit asi, Latin es, English 'art'/'are').
Historical & Contextual Notes
εἶ is the second person singular present indicative active of the verb εἰμί ('to be'), functioning as a fundamental copula in Greek. Used both in narrative and direct address, in varied contexts—from classical through Koine Greek—always directly addressing a single individual ('you are'). While later English translations of the New Testament render it as 'art' (archaic) or simply 'are,' the Greek form itself is unambiguous. The form is attested from the earliest Greek literature (Homer onward) and remains standard in all periods of the language. In contrast to forms like ἐστί(ν) (third person), εἶ never serves as an impersonal verb; it always addresses a specific hearer. No significant shift or expansion in meaning is evident from classical through Roman-era Greek. In some Hellenistic and early Christian texts, εἶ can feature in formulaic expressions of identity or confession ('σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ' – 'you are the son of God'). Distinct from the subjunctive or optative forms, which have different moods and functions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
second person singular present of εἰμί; thou art:--art, be.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.