εἰσί

eisí

G1526

SILEX Entry

Definition

Third person plural present indicative active of 'to be'; they exist, they are present, they continue to exist. Used to assert the existence or presence of persons or things, to state a general fact, or to identify the subject with a state or quality. Can also be used idiomatically for 'it is possible' (implied subject), particularly in classical usage, but in Koine and the New Testament context, primarily functions as 'they are.'

Semantic Range

they are, they exist, they continue (existential), are present, identification of a subject or group

Root / Etymology

From the Greek verb εἰμί (to be), which derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁es- ('to be'). This form, εἰσι, is the standard third person plural present indicative active conjugation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In both classical and later Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, εἰσί functions as the regular third person plural form of the verb 'to be.' Its use is primarily grammatical, indicating the existence, presence, or ongoing state of multiple subjects. In certain constructions, especially in reported speech or identification formulas, it expresses identity (e.g., 'they are the disciples'). Notably, Greek often omits the verb 'to be' in the present indicative (especially in copular sentences), but when included, εἰσί adds emphasis or clarifies plurality. Standard English translations render this simply as 'they are' or as the auxiliary 'are' in composed tenses. The word itself is not used for idiomatic or specialized senses beyond its basic function. Septuagint and New Testament usage remain consistent.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

3rd person plural present indicative of εἰμί; they are:--agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.

Word Forms

0 distinct forms

No word forms found for this Strong's number.

Occurrences in Scripture

0 occurrences

No occurrences found.