Original Word: εἴην
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eién
Pronunciation: ay-EN
Phonetic Spelling: (i'-ane)
Definition: might be, would be
Meaning: should be, was, were

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

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is יִהְיֶה (yihyeh), which is a form of the verb "to be" in Hebrew, used to express future or potential states of being.

Usage: The Greek verb εἴην is a form of the verb εἰμί, used primarily in the optative mood. The optative mood expresses a wish or potentiality, often translated into English as "might be" or "would be." It is less common in the New Testament, as the optative mood is more prevalent in classical Greek. In the New Testament, it is used to express a desire or wish, often in prayers or blessings.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek, the optative mood was used to express wishes, potential actions, or hypothetical situations. By the time of the New Testament, the use of the optative had diminished, with the subjunctive mood often taking its place. However, its presence in the New Testament reflects the influence of classical Greek and the desire to convey nuanced expressions of hope or possibility.

Word Origin
optative (like English subjunctive) pres. of eimi, q.v.

should be, was, were.

Optative (i.e. English subjunctive) present of eimi (including the other person); might (could, would, or should) be -- mean, + perish, should be, was, were.

see GREEK eimi

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts