Original Word: ὤν, οὖσα, ὄν
Part of Speech: Participle
Transliteration: ón, ousa, on
Pronunciation: own, oo'-sah, on
Phonetic Spelling: (oan)
Definition: being, existing
Meaning: be, come, have

Word Origin: Derived from the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is הָיָה (hayah), Strong's Hebrew 1961, which means "to be" or "to exist."

Usage: The Greek participle ὤν, οὖσα, ὄν is used to denote the state of being or existence. It functions as a present participle of the verb "to be" and is often used to describe a continuous or ongoing state. In the New Testament, it is frequently employed to describe the nature or condition of a person or thing, emphasizing their current state or identity.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the context of Hellenistic Greek, the concept of "being" was significant in both philosophical and everyday discourse. Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle explored the nature of existence and being, which influenced the language and thought of the time. In the New Testament, the use of ὤν, οὖσα, ὄν reflects a Hebraic understanding of existence, where being is often tied to one's relationship with God and one's role within the community of faith.

Word Origin
masc., fem. and neut. pres. part. of eimi, q.v.

be, come, have.

Including the feminine ousa (oo'-sah); and the neuter on (on) present participle of eimi; being -- be, come, have.

see GREEK eimi

οντα ὄντα οντες ὄντες ων ὤν on ōn ṓn onta ónta ontes óntesInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts