εἰμί G2468
I am, you are (present indicative of εἰμί in various persons); simple assertion of being
Present indicative forms of the verb 'to be' across persons and dialects. The range includes Aeolic ἔμμι, Doric and Epic variations, standard Attic forms, and Ionic alternates. These forms state simple existence, predication, identity, and location—the backbone of Greek predication. In biblical texts they bear theological weight in Jesus' 'I am' statements, divine self-revelation, apostolic claims, and identity declarations. Every dialect variation reflects regional linguistic history, but the core semantic function remains constant: asserting what is, who someone is, or where something exists. Foundation of all Greek discourse.
Senses
BDB / Lexicon Reference
εἰμί (sum), Aeolic dialect ἔμμι Refs 7th c.BC+; Cretan dialect ἠμί Refs; 2nd pers. singular εἶ, Epic dialect and Ionic dialect εἰς Refs 8th c.BC+, Epic dialect and Doric dialect ἐσσί Refs 8th c.BC+; 3rd.pers. singular ἐστί, Doric dialect ἐντί Refs 3rd c.BC+; 3rd.pers. dual ἐστόν Refs 5th c.BC+; 1st pers. plural ἐσμέν, Epic dialect and Ionic dialect εἰμέν (also in Refs 5th c.BC+, Doric dialect…