The Greek verb λέγω (legō) is one of the most commonly used verbs in the New Testament, meaning “I say” or “I am saying.” It is highly versatile, appearing in various contexts such as direct speech, teachings, and narratives. In this lesson, we will explore λέγω and its plural form λέγομεν (“we say”) through examples from the Greek New Testament.
Present Active Indicative of Λέγω
The present active indicative forms of λέγω are as follows:
- 1st person singular: λέγω (I say)
- 2nd person singular: λέγεις (you say)
- 3rd person singular: λέγει (he/she/it says)
- 1st person plural: λέγομεν (we say)
- 2nd person plural: λέγετε (you all say)
- 3rd person plural: λέγουσι(ν) (they say)
Examples of Λέγω in the New Testament
1. Matthew 5:18 (λέγω – “I say”)
ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν
Translation: “For truly, I say to you.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the truth and authority of His words. The verb λέγω introduces a solemn declaration.
2. John 8:12 (λέγω – “I say”)
Ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου· ὁ ἀκολουθῶν μοι οὐ μὴ περιπατήσῃ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, ἀλλὰ ἕξει τὸ φῶς τῆς ζωῆς.
Translation: “I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Here, λέγω is implied as Jesus speaks directly to His audience, asserting His identity and mission.
3. Romans 3:9 (λέγομεν – “we say”)
Τί οὖν; προεχόμεθα; οὐ πάντως· προῃτιασάμεθα γὰρ Ἰουδαίους τε καὶ Ἕλληνας πάντας ὑφ’ ἁμαρτίαν εἶναι.
Translation: “What then? Are we better? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin.”
Paul uses λέγομεν to frame his argument about the universality of sin.
4. 1 John 1:6 (λέγομεν – “we say”)
ἐὰν εἴπωμεν ὅτι κοινωνίαν ἔχομεν μετ’ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν τῷ σκότει περιπατῶμεν, ψευδόμεθα καὶ οὐ ποιοῦμεν τὴν ἀλήθειαν·
Translation: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
Here, λέγομεν is used hypothetically to highlight inconsistencies between words and actions.
Key Points of Usage
- Introducing Direct Speech: λέγω frequently introduces direct quotations in the New Testament, as seen in Jesus’ teachings:
λέγω ὑμῖν
(“I say to you”).
- Establishing Authority: The phrase ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν (“truly, I say to you”) often precedes important teachings.
- Theological Assertions: λέγομεν is commonly used by Paul and other writers to present theological truths or rhetorical questions.
Practice Sentences
Λέγω ὑμῖν, ὅτι μείζων ἐστίν ὁ ἐν ὑμῖν ἢ ὁ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ.
Translation: “I say to you, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Λέγομεν ὅτι ἡ πίστις ἐκ τοῦ νόμου ἐστιν;
Translation: “Do we say that faith comes from the law?”
Essential Greek Verb
The verb λέγω is an essential tool in New Testament Greek, serving as a bridge between the speaker and the audience. Understanding its forms and contexts not only enriches your grasp of Greek grammar but also deepens your comprehension of the text’s meaning. By studying examples like those above, you can appreciate the theological and rhetorical nuances of this powerful verb.
