Original Word: ἔστω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: estó
Pronunciation: es'-to
Phonetic Spelling: (es'-to)
KJV: be
Word Origin: [second person singular present imperative of G1510 (εἰμί - am), be thou, third person of the same]

1. let them be

be.

Second person singular present imperative of eimi; be thou; also estosan es'-to-san, third person of the same let them be -- be.

see GREEK eimi

Word Origin
imper. of eimi, q.v.

Meaning and Function of ἔστω (Strong’s 2077)

Ἔστω is the third-person singular present active imperative of εἰμί, “to be.” It issues a directive—“let him/her/it be,” or “let it come to pass.” The form calls for a settled state rather than a momentary act, commanding existence, character, or condition. Though Strong’s index lists no verse under 2077, the form appears frequently in the New Testament; every occurrence is catalogued under the root number for εἰμί (1510).

Representative Scriptural Settings

• Matthew 5:37 “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.”
• Galatians 1:8 “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!”
• Galatians 1:9 “…if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!”
• James 1:19 “My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
• 1 Peter 3:3 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes.”

These verses illustrate four main patterns: (1) personal integrity of speech, (2) protection of the gospel’s purity, (3) moral self-command, and (4) inward holiness over outward display.

Theological Themes

1. Divine sovereignty and human submission—ἔστω frames commands that align believers with God’s will.
2. Truthfulness—its use in oaths (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12) underscores God’s character as “the God of truth.”
3. Guarding the gospel—Paul twice invokes ἔστω ἀνάθεμα (Galatians 1:8-9), stressing that the message itself is non-negotiable.
4. Sanctification—imperatives involving character (“let your beauty be,” “let every man be”) show that spiritual formation is a matter of being, not merely doing.

Ethical and Pastoral Application

• Speech ethics: Ministries model honesty when leaders ensure their “Yes” actually is “Yes.”
• Doctrinal vigilance: Churches must preserve apostolic teaching; any contrary gospel “let … be under a curse.”
• Character formation: Pastors disciple believers toward a steadfast disposition—quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
• Modesty and heart devotion: 1 Peter 3:3 directs believers, especially women, toward inner purity rather than external display.

Historical and Doctrinal Reception

Early catechetical manuals (e.g., the Didache) echo the imperative force of ἔστω in commands like “let your fasting be,” reflecting continuity with apostolic practice. The Reformers highlighted Galatians 1:8-9 to defend sola fide, taking ἔστω ἀνάθεμα as warrant for rejecting any gospel that adds works to grace.

Contemporary Ministry Relevance

• Preaching: Exegetical attention to ἔστω helps distinguish imperatives of being from commands of doing, encouraging sermons that form identity as well as action.
• Counseling: Galatians 1:8-9 guides discernment of aberrant teaching; Matthew 5:37 informs conflict resolution by elevating simple, truthful speech.
• Worship: Liturgical phrases such as “So be it” (amen) resonate with the imperative’s call to align with God’s purposes.

Conclusion

Ἔστω carries the weight of divine command into the arena of human character and conviction. Whether safeguarding gospel purity or shaping everyday speech, the imperative “let it be” calls believers to a steadfast condition that mirrors the immutable faithfulness of God Himself.

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