ἔστω
éstō
G2077
SILEX Entry
Definition
A command or exhortation meaning 'let it be,' 'let [something/someone] be,' or '[it/he/she] must be.' As a second or third person singular present imperative of εἰμί, it functions to express an order, permission, or allowance—that something or someone should exist, be in a particular state, or be regarded in a certain way. Used in commands ('be!'), permissions ('let it be'), or conditional clauses to express obligation or expected states.
Semantic Range
be (as an imperative), let it be, let him/her/it be, must be, should be, command or permission for state or existence, expectation of being or condition
Root / Etymology
From the root εἰμί (to be, to exist). ἔστω is the present imperative, second or third person singular form. Morphologically: imperative mood, present tense, active voice, second (for 'be thou!') or third (for 'let it be!') person singular.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, the imperative forms of εἰμί were rare but found especially in legal, philosophical, or formal/deliberative language, often as ἔστω in the third person ('let it be,' 'let there be'). In the Septuagint, it commonly renders Hebrew יְהִי (yehi, 'let there be'), expressing a decree, permission, or desired state (e.g., Genesis 1:3 'let there be light' = γενηθήτω φῶς, not ἔστω φῶς, but similar force). In the New Testament and other Koine sources, ἔστω can appear in ethical instruction or legal contexts ('let this be the case,' 'this must be'), and occasionally as a command to an individual. Modern English translations often render ἔστω as 'let it be,' 'let him be,' or 'must be,' though the imperative mood is less emphasized in English than Greek. The form does not denote existence in an abstract sense, but prescribes an actual state or condition to be realized. Distinct from the indicative (ἐστιν) and subjunctive (ᾖ) forms, which convey statements or potentiality rather than commands or expectations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
second person singular present imperative of εἰμί; be thou; also , third person of the same; let them be:--be.
Root Family
εἰμ- (eíēn) — to be, to exist
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1498 | εἴην | |
| G1510 | εἰμί | the |
| G1511 | εἶναι | |
| G1526 | εἰσί | |
| G1751 | ἔνειμι | things being within |
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.