I am -> ἐγὼ εἰμί (John 8:58)

[minor prophet]

• Tweet

Trying to find out what this would look like the in the original Greek of the New Testament in the context of John 8:58...

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

This is from the NIV.  Considering this for a tattoo, so want to make sure it's 100% accurate with correct accents, capitalizations, etc. before I ink it on myself permanently.  Thanks!

[billberg23]

                                                                        ἐγὼ εἰμί

Disclaimer:  This tattoo will violate the injunction in Leviticus 19:28, which lists tattooing among the abominations.  Management will not be responsible for the consequences.

[minor prophet]

Thanks for the help!  I'm aware of the "injunction" in Leviticus 19:28.  I'm also aware of 11:8 where it tells us not eat pork, and 19:19 where it says not to wear polyester or any other blended fabric--I could go on.  

NOT SAYING YOU'RE DOING THIS, but it's interesting how so many people (esp. here in the Bible belt) want to tell you that tattoos are the devil's artwork while they clog their arteries with bacon and rock their polyester suits to church.  My jerk of a stepdad actually told me that Christians are to obey the Mosaic laws from the Pentateuch down to the letter and he took a lot of pride in the fact that he self-proclaimingly did it.  Well, he also had a passion for raising/breeding mules.  One day, I asked him how he felt about breaking the part of 19:19 that says not to "mate different kinds of animals."  He fumbled around for a while and came up with a pretty pathetic, nonsensical rebuttal :)

ROCK ON!!!

[minor prophet]

One more question, if someone doesn't mind.  Can anyone tell me the proper pronunciation?

[minor prophet]

One more question (sorry).  If I were to use the Ignacio font found here...

http://www.greekfontsociety.gr/pages/en_typefaces_majuscules.html

...would the accents still be there?  Based on what I saw on another thread...

http://www.translatum.gr/forum/index.php?topic=13486.0

...this is probably about the closest you can get to a neat, clean version of what the original New Testament would have looked like.

[billberg23]

Pronunciation:  eh-go  ee-mee.
Right you are — no accents with Ignacio, because it's a majuscule font (all capital letters).  Greek doesn't use diacritical marks with upper case.

NOT SAYING YOU'RE DOING THIS, but it's interesting how so many people (esp. here in the Bible belt) want to tell you that tattoos are the devil's artwork

Right, I'd have no problem at all with the devil's artwork.  What does repulse me a bit is the idea of mutilating the human body to tout one belief system or another.  Once in a while, we find a gem of wisdom in the Bible.

[minor prophet]

Thanks for all the help, billberg!

What does repulse me a bit is the idea of mutilating the human body to tout one belief system or another.  Once in a while, we find a gem of wisdom in the Bible.

I don't guess I'd be getting a tattoo so much to "tout" my belief system (I'm a Christian if you haven't gathered that by now) as to "immortalize" (sort of) something that means a great deal to me, much like having a painting done and hanging it up in my house.  I do believe the verse containing this phrase is a "gem" and was one of the most profound things Jesus said in the Bible.  I also think it would end up being something that would remind me of my trust in Him every time I see it, and would also be--in some situations--a great witnessing tool (e.g. for others with tattoos).  At any rate, however, I think what you may be referring to is something more along the lines of this:

http://www.tattoos99.com/unhappy-jesus-tattoo-on-shoulder/

:) Definitely not my style.  The whole idea of getting it in Ancient Greek would be to be much more discreet and leave it to potential conversation for someone to understand what it means.  I also would most likely put it somewhere like my chest or back, where people would only see it in certain situations.

Right, I'd have no problem at all with the devil's artwork.

Not to be too presumptuous, but I take it this means you're not a Christian.  I've been one since I was 6, but having a very analytical mind (again, not to be too presumptuous, but I would guess you do as well), I have struggled to this day with doubts.  However, I think I've finally come up with a very simple, logical "proof" for the validity of Christianity (or at least for why it's the best choice for what to believe in and follow) that has set my mind at ease like never before--and it doesn't even involve an argument on historical facts and figures, archaeology, etc.  I'd love to share it with you if you're open it.  If not, it was great chatting with you, and hope to run into you again!  

BTW, if you don't mind me asking, how'd you get so good at this stuff (tried to view your profile, but it wouldn't let me)?

[billberg23]

BTW, if you don't mind me asking, how'd you get so good at this stuff (tried to view your profile, but it wouldn't let me)?

"Only God is good" (Luke 18:19, etc.).  There's no one who doesn't struggle with ancient Greek, but the struggle gets a little easier after (in my case, at least) more than fifty years.  If there's anything you'd like to ask or communicate that's off the specific topic of this thread (see The Rules; click at top of page), you're welcome to e-mail me!  Thanks for your comments, and welcome to the Forum, MP!

I also think it would end up being something that would remind me of my trust in Him every time I see it

I also would most likely put it somewhere like my chest or back

There must be many mirrors where you live!  (-: