Lexical Summary émén: We were Original Word: ἦμεν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance I wasA prolonged form of thriambeuo; I was -- be, was. (Sometimes unexpressed). see GREEK thriambeuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originimperf. of eimi, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2252: ἤ μήν ῾ρεφ᾿ἤ μήν ῾ρεφ᾿, see ἤ. Topical Lexicon Collective Self-Description in the New Testamentἦμεν (“we were”) is the Spirit-guided writers’ chosen form when they speak in the first-person plural about the past. Whether Luke’s historical “we-sections” or Paul’s doctrinal reminders, the word gathers believers into a single testimony: “This is what we once were, but God has acted.” Luke’s Historical “We” Luke begins using ἦμεν when he joins Paul’s party (Acts 16:10). From that point the term punctuates the travel diary: Each occurrence roots the Gospel mission in time and space, underscoring that the resurrection message advanced through real journeys, weather, and lodging. The imperfect tense conveys continuing action—“we were staying…we were spending time”—displaying missionary perseverance. By recording it in the first person, Luke testifies as an eyewitness, strengthening the historical trustworthiness of Acts. Pauline Reminders of the Old Life Paul employs ἦμεν to lead congregations back to their former condition apart from Christ: “So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.” “…and were by nature children of wrath.” “For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all kinds of passions and pleasures.” Here the verb is coupled with words such as “enslaved,” “children,” “foolish,” “wrath.” The imperfect tense indicates a settled way of life, not a passing lapse. By using “we,” Paul refuses to stand above his readers; apostle and audience alike once shared the same lost estate, magnifying the grace that saved them both (Ephesians 2:4-5). Doctrinal Significance 1. Total Depravity Acknowledged ἦμεν anchors statements of former sinfulness in reality. Scripture’s testimony about humanity’s condition is not abstract theology but corporate memory. 2. Union in Grace Because all believers can say “we were,” none may boast in present standing (Ephesians 2:8-9). The term therefore undergirds the unity of Jew and Gentile in the body of Christ. 3. Sanctification Motivation Recalling “what we were” fuels holy living. Paul moves from ἦμεν to imperatives: “walk worthy,” “put off the old self,” “be ready for every good work.” Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Personal Testimony When believers share the Gospel, they follow the apostolic pattern by admitting, “we were…” before declaring, “but God…” This humility opens doors for evangelistic credibility. • Corporate Worship Songs and prayers that remember former bondage echo the biblical usage, leading congregations from confession to praise. • Discipleship Counseling Reminding struggling saints of the change from “we were” to “now we are” combats condemnation and fosters hope (Romans 8:1). Historical-Linguistic Insight Classical writers used ἦμεν for “we were,” yet the New Testament imparts special weight by coupling it with redemptive history. The imperfect highlights ongoing past states, whether travel progress or spiritual bondage, while the first-person plural creates solidarity. Summary ἦμεν is a small verb with a large theological footprint. Whenever it appears, the inspired authors either chronicle Spirit-led mission or rehearse the church’s shared past apart from Christ. In both cases it invites readers to locate themselves within God’s unfolding plan: once lost, now found; once journeying in the flesh, now journeying in the Spirit, all by sovereign grace. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance ἥλιος — 14 Occ.ἡλίου — 12 Occ. ἥλων — 2 Occ. ἡμέρᾳ — 108 Occ. ἡμέραι — 26 Occ. ἡμέραις — 49 Occ. ἡμέραν — 58 Occ. ἡμέρας — 127 Occ. ἡμερῶν — 22 Occ. ἡμετέρα — 1 Occ. ἡμετέραν — 1 Occ. ἡμετέρας — 1 Occ. ἡμετέρων — 1 Occ. ἡμέτεροι — 1 Occ. ἡμετέροις — 1 Occ. ἡμέτερον — 1 Occ. ἡμιθανῆ — 1 Occ. ἡμίσιά — 1 Occ. ἡμίσους — 1 Occ. ἥμισυ — 3 Occ. |
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