BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Eti (G2089) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Eti (ἔτι) is a Greek adverb that expresses continuity — something still in progress or an additional measure beyond what has already been said.
Meaning of the word
Eti (ἔτι, Strong's G2089) functions as an adverb of time and degree. The lexicon defines it as "yet, still," indicating that an action or condition continues from a prior point and has not yet ceased or reached its conclusion.
In many verses eti marks temporal continuity: a state that still holds at the moment of speaking or writing. Romans 5:6 and 5:8 use it to describe believers "while we were yet weak" and "while we were yet sinners," showing that the condition was still present at the time of Christ's death. John 14:19 likewise frames a brief temporal window: "Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more."
Eti can also intensify or add to what precedes it. John 16:12 ("I have yet many things to say") and Hebrews 11:36 ("yea, moreover") show the word pointing to something additional — a further item, a remaining measure, or a continuing quantity.
Usage in Scripture
Eti appears across narrative, epistle, and apocalyptic texts. In John's Gospel it frames Jesus' words about his departure and about further revelation still to come. In Acts 2:26 the word contributes to a confession that the flesh will still dwell in hope, tying resurrection confidence to David's psalm.
Paul uses eti to anchor the timing of salvation: Christ's death occurred while sinners were still sinners (Romans 5:6, 5:8). In 1 Corinthians 15:17 the stakes of resurrection are sharpened by the phrase "ye are yet in your sins," showing what continuity would mean if Christ were not raised. Hebrews 11 uses eti when describing Abel who "yet speaketh" and when piling up further examples ("yet more," Hebrews 11:32, 11:36). Revelation 21:1 employs it in the promise that the sea "is no more," closing the prior order.
The word in detail
- G2089 Eti (ἔτι) is an adverb of time and degree. It marks what still continues from an earlier point (temporal use, e.g. Romans 5:6) or what remains to be added beyond what has already been stated (additive use, e.g. John 16:12). In Hebrews 11:4 ("he being dead yet speaketh") both senses converge: Abel's witness continues into the present.
Example verses
- John 14:19 Eti frames a short temporal window: 'Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more.' The adverb points to a remaining stretch of time before a change takes place.
- John 16:12 Here eti is additive: Jesus 'has yet many things to say,' indicating further revelation still to be communicated beyond the present discourse.
- Romans 5:8 Eti marks the temporal condition 'while we were yet sinners.' The adverb underscores that the divine love was demonstrated in the very state that still characterized humanity.
- Hebrews 11:4 Eti combines temporal and effective senses: Abel, 'being dead, yet speaketh.' The witness he offered continues to have effect, so it still speaks at the time of writing.
Common questions
Is eti always about time?
No. Eti can mark temporal continuity (still) or an additive sense (further, additionally). Romans 5:8 is temporal; John 16:12 is additive.
How many times does eti appear in the New Testament?
Eti occurs 20 times across 15 distinct verses in the New Testament, ranging from the Gospels to Revelation.
What should a reader keep in mind when encountering eti?
Notice whether the context is temporal (a state still ongoing) or additive (something more still to come). Both uses point to what remains — either a lingering condition or an unfinished disclosure.