The verbs ἐστίν (estin) and ἦν (ēn) are forms of the Greek verb εἰμί, meaning “to be.” These forms are crucial in understanding the structure and meaning of many New Testament passages. While ἐστίν is the present tense, ἦν is the imperfect tense, each serving distinct functions in narrative and theological contexts.
1. The Present Tense: ἐστίν
The word ἐστίν (estin) is the third person singular form of εἰμί in the present indicative, meaning “he is,” “she is,” or “it is.” It indicates a current state of being.
Examples of ἐστίν in the New Testament
1. John 1:1
Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ Λόγος, καὶ ὁ Λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος.
Translation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
2. Matthew 16:16
Σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος.
Translation: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Analysis: Here, ἐστίν emphasizes the present, eternal nature of Jesus as the Christ.
2. The Imperfect Tense: ἦν
The word ἦν (ēn) is the third person singular form of εἰμί in the imperfect indicative, meaning “he was,” “she was,” or “it was.” It describes an ongoing state or action in the past.
Examples of ἦν in the New Testament
1. John 1:1
Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ Λόγος…
Translation: “In the beginning was the Word…”
Analysis: The use of ἦν here points to the eternal preexistence of the Word (Jesus) before creation.
2. Mark 1:6
Καὶ ἦν ὁ Ἰωάννης ἐνδεδυμένος τρίχας καμήλου…
Translation: “And John was clothed with camel’s hair…”
Analysis: ἦν is used to set the historical scene, describing John the Baptist’s attire in a past context.
3. Key Differences Between ἐστίν and ἦν
– Time Frame:
– ἐστίν refers to the present.
– ἦν refers to an ongoing action or state in the past.
– Theological Implications:
– ἐστίν often highlights the current reality of Christ’s nature and work.
– ἦν underscores the timeless or historical nature of God’s actions and character.
Example Comparison
1. John 8:58
Πρὶν Ἀβραὰμ γενέσθαι, ἐγώ εἰμι.
Translation: “Before Abraham was, I am.”
Here, ἐστίν emphasizes Jesus’ eternal, divine existence in contrast to the temporal existence of Abraham. A similar use of ἦν would not convey the same theological weight of timelessness.
4. Practical Exercises
Translate the following sentences, paying close attention to the use of ἐστίν or ἦν:
1. Ὁ Θεὸς φῶς ἐστίν.
2. Ὁ μαθητὴς ἦν παρὰ τῇ θαλάσσῃ.
3. Ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστίν ἐντὸς ὑμῶν.
4. Ὁ Παῦλος ἦν ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ.
Takeaways
Understanding the nuances of ἐστίν and ἦν is essential for grasping the theological and historical messages in the New Testament. By mastering these forms, you will gain deeper insights into the text and its meaning. Keep practicing by identifying these verbs in different passages and reflecting on their usage.
