Original Word: εἶναι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: einai
Pronunciation: AY-nai
Phonetic Spelling: (i'-nahee)
Definition: to be, to exist
Meaning: am, was, come, is, there is, to be, was

Word Origin: Infinitive form of the verb εἰμί (eimi), which means "to be."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is הָיָה (hayah), Strong's Hebrew #1961, which also means "to be" or "to exist."

Usage: The Greek verb "einai" is the infinitive form of "eimi," which is the fundamental verb for "to be" in Greek. It is used to express existence, identity, or a state of being. In the New Testament, "einai" often appears in contexts that discuss the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, and the state of believers in Christ.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "being" was central to philosophical discussions, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle. The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, used the Greek language to convey profound theological truths about God's nature and human existence. The verb "einai" is crucial in these discussions, as it relates to the essence and attributes of God, the divinity of Christ, and the spiritual state of believers.

Word Origin
pres. inf. of eimi, q.v.

am, was, come, is, there is, to be, was.

Present infinitive from eimi; to exist -- am, was. Come, is, X lust after, X please well, there is, to be, was.

see GREEK eimi

ειναι ἐιναι ιν einaiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts