Original Word: εἰσίν
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eisi
Pronunciation: ay-see
Phonetic Spelling: (i-see')
KJV: agree, are, be, dure, X is, were
Word Origin: [third person plural present indicative of G1510 (εἰμί - am)]

1. they are

agree, are, be, were.

3d person plural present indicative of eimi; they are -- agree, are, be, dure, X is, were.

see GREEK eimi

Word Origin
third pers. pl. pres. ind. of eimi, q.v.

Form and Function

εἰσίν is the present-tense, third-person plural form of the verb “to be.” It simply affirms existence, identity, or belonging (“they are,” “there are”). Though Strong’s indexing does not attach individual verse listings to 1526, the form permeates the New Testament narrative, epistles, and Revelation, underscoring both doctrinal truth and practical instruction.

Key Theological Motifs

1. Present Identity of God’s People
• Matthew 13:38 “the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom” highlights the current, not merely future, status of believers.
• Romans 8:14 “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” The verb grounds adoption in the believer’s ongoing experience of the Spirit.
• Galatians 3:7 “those who have faith are sons of Abraham,” rooting justification by faith in Scripture’s redemptive continuity.

2. Revelation of Spiritual Realities
• Ephesians 6:12 “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers... that are over this present darkness.” The verb unmasks unseen hostile powers.
• Luke 20:36 “they are like angels and are sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection,” shedding light on post-resurrection existence.

3. Moral and Ethical Descriptions
• Philippians 3:19 describes false teachers: “their god is their belly... their minds are set on earthly things.” εἰσίν exposes inward reality behind outward profession.
• 1 John 5:19 “the whole world is under the power of the evil one,” contrasting the community that “is of God” (1 John 4:6).

4. Christological Testimony
• John 5:39 “These are the Scriptures that testify about Me,” locating Christ at the heart of the written Word.
• Colossians 2:17 “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body is of Christ,” distinguishing substance from symbol.

5. Ecclesial Diversity and Unity
• 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 (third-person forms in surrounding clauses) show variety of ministries that “are” energized by the same God.
• Revelation 2–3 repeatedly: “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is,” “These are the words of…”—the verb introduces the risen Lord’s assessment of each assembly.

Historical Considerations

The Septuagint frequently uses εἰσίν to translate the Hebrew hayah, establishing a linguistic bridge from Old Testament covenant declarations (“I am”) to New Testament affirmations (“we are” / “they are”). Early Christian writers followed this usage, preserving the apostolic emphasis on present possession of salvation rather than mere aspiration.

Ministry Significance

• Preaching: εἰσίν invites proclamation of present gospel realities— believers are forgiven, sanctified, seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).
• Counseling: Identity statements using εἰσίν ground assurance and combat false guilt (“you are Christ’s,” 1 Corinthians 3:23).
• Discipleship: By pointing to what saints already are, pastors can motivate what they should become (Colossians 3:3 ff.).

Devotional Reflection

Every instance of εἰσίν reminds the reader that Scripture speaks into the “now.” Whether unveiling the majesty of Christ, the privilege of adoption, or the dangers of unbelief, the Spirit employs this simple verb to anchor eternal truth in the present moment.

εισιν εἰσιν εἰσίν eisin eisínInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts