← Back to Lexicon
G2249 · Greek · New Testament
ἡμεῖς
Hēmeis
Personal pronoun, 1st person plural nominative
we, us

Definition

The Greek pronoun hēmeis is the first person plural nominative pronoun — "we." It is an emphatic form that emphasizes the group speaking. In Greek, the pronoun is often embedded in verb endings, so the explicit use of hēmeis adds emphasis to the communal identity of the speakers.

Usage & Theological Significance

The pronoun hēmeis (we/us) carries deep theological weight in the New Testament, particularly in the Johannine and Pauline writings. In 1 John, "we" language marks the community of those who have seen, heard, and touched the incarnate Word (1 John 1:1–4). In Romans, "we" identifies the community of faith who have been justified, who have peace with God, who share in the Spirit. The shift from "I" to "we" marks conversion into the body of Christ — individual salvation is simultaneously incorporation into community.

Key Bible Verses

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.
John 20:25 The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord."
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️