The Greek word eisin is the third-person plural present indicative of the verb eimi (to be). It functions as both an existential statement ('there are') and a predicate ('they are [something]'). As one of the most common verb forms in the New Testament, eisin appears in some of the most significant theological declarations.
While eisin is grammatically unremarkable, its theological significance emerges from its context. Matthew 19:12 uses it in Jesus's teaching on celibacy: 'there are eunuchs who were born that way...' — acknowledging diversity in human experience. John 10:16 declares 'there are other sheep' — expanding the scope of God's redemptive purpose beyond Israel. Romans 8:1 opens with 'There is therefore now no condemnation' (using singular estin but the pattern is the same) — existential declarations about spiritual reality are among Scripture's most powerful.