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G1764 · Greek · New Testament
ἐνίστημι
enistēmi
Verb (Perfect = present state)
To Be Present / At Hand / To Have Come

Definition

Enistēmi (ἐνίστημι, G1764) means to stand in, to be present, to be imminent, to have arrived. From en (in) + histēmi (to stand/place). Used especially in perfect tense to mean 'what is now present' or 'what has come.' Appears in Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 7:26; Galatians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 9:9.

Usage & Theological Significance

The most theologically significant use of enistēmi is in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 — Paul warns the church not to be 'unsettled or alarmed by the teaching... asserting that the day of the Lord has already come (enestēken).' This 'present/arrived' confusion about eschatology was causing spiritual panic in Thessalonica. Paul's correction grounds eschatological hope in proper sequencing. In Romans 8:38, Paul lists 'neither the present (enestōta) nor the future' as things that can separate us from God's love — one of the most comprehensive declarations of security in Scripture. Enistēmi reminds us that the 'now' of our present circumstances is fully known to God, fully within His love's reach, and fully insufficient to separate us from Him. Whatever has 'arrived' in our lives — suffering, trial, confusion — none of it arrives outside God's presence.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present (enestōta) nor the future, nor any powers...
Romans 8:39 ...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:2 ...not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching alleging that the day of the Lord has already come (enestēken).
2 Timothy 3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days (enestēkasi).
Galatians 1:4 ...who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present (enestōtos) evil age.

Related Words

External Resources

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