εἰμί Overview
Lexical meaning: “I am” — the basic verb of existence and identity.
Function in sentences:
-
Linking verb (copula): joins subject with predicate
nominative or predicate adjective.
Example: ὁ θεὸς φῶς ἐστιν = “God is light.” - Predicate adjective/noun use: μακάριοι εἰσιν = “They are blessed.”
Unlike most Greek verbs, εἰμί is irregular:
- It has different endings than regular thematic verbs.
- Must be memorized separately.
Basic εἰμί Paradigms
Present Indicative
| Person | Form | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st sg. | εἰμί | I am |
| 2nd sg. | εἶ | you are |
| 3rd sg. | ἐστί(ν) | he/she/it is |
| 1st pl. | ἐσμέν | we are |
| 2nd pl. | ἐστέ | y'all are |
| 3rd pl. | εἰσί(ν) | they are |
Imperfect Indicative
| Person | Form | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st sg. | ἦν | I was |
| 2nd sg. | ἦς | you were |
| 3rd sg. | ἦν | he/she/it was |
| 1st pl. | ἦμεν | we were |
| 2nd pl. | ἦτε | y'all were |
| 3rd pl. | ἦσαν | they were |
Future Indicative
| Person | Form | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st sg. | ἔσομαι | I will be |
| 2nd sg. | ἔσῃ | you will be |
| 3rd sg. | ἔσται | he/she/it will be |
| 1st pl. | ἐσόμεθα | we will be |
| 2nd pl. | ἔσεσθε | y'all will be |
| 3rd pl. | ἔσονται | they will be |