Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it allows us to grasp the depth of meanings and cultural contexts embedded in the New Testament. The Greek verb ἐπιμένω (epimenō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of persistence, steadfastness, or remaining in a particular state or situation. This word is relevant for interpreting key themes in the New Testament, such as perseverance in faith, and it also reflects the value placed on endurance and commitment in ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιμένω (epimenō) [eh-pee-MEH-noh]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and μένω (menō, “to remain” or “to stay”), the word ἐπιμένω conveys the sense of staying with something or someone, often with the implication of perseverance or insistence.
- Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative, various other forms in different tenses)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To stay, remain, or continue
- To persist or persevere
- To dwell or reside
- To continue in a state or condition
Similar Words: The word παραμένω (paramenō) [pa-ra-MEH-noh], meaning “to remain beside” or “to stay near,” is related but emphasizes staying close to someone or something rather than persisting in an action. Another similar word is ὑπομένω (hypomenō) [hoo-po-MEH-noh], which means “to endure” or “to bear up under,” often used to describe endurance under trial or suffering, whereas ἐπιμένω focuses on persistence or staying in a state.
Further Insights: The verb ἐπιμένω can be found in various forms depending on the tense, mood, and voice, such as ἐπέμεινα (epemeina) in the aorist tense. Its use typically implies a deliberate decision to remain or persist, often in the face of challenges. The different tenses of ἐπιμένω convey nuances such as ongoing action (present), completed action (aorist), or a call to remain (imperative).
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐπιμένω as “to remain, continue,” often implying persistence in a situation, relationship, or state of being. It is commonly used in contexts where endurance or steadfastness is needed.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιμένω means “to remain” or “to continue,” especially in reference to staying in one place or persisting in a course of action or belief.
- Vines: Explains ἐπιμένω as a verb indicating “to stay on” or “to continue steadfastly,” used both literally (e.g., dwelling) and metaphorically (e.g., continuing in faith).
- LSJ: Lists ἐπιμένω as “to stay” or “to persist,” highlighting its use in both physical contexts (remaining in a place) and metaphorical ones (staying committed to an idea or principle).
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐπιμένω as meaning “to stay, abide, or remain,” often used in New Testament passages where perseverance in faith or action is highlighted.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 10:48: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay [ἐπιμεῖναι] with them for some days.”
- Romans 6:1: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue [ἐπιμένωμεν] in sin, that grace may abound?”
- 1 Corinthians 16:8: “But I will stay [ἐπιμενῶ] at Ephesus until Pentecost.”
- Philippians 1:24: “Nevertheless to remain [ἐπιμεῖναι] in the flesh is more needful for you.”
- Colossians 1:23: “If indeed you continue [ἐπιμένετε] in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “He must remain (ἐπιμένειν) in the study of philosophy, devoting himself to wisdom.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “And the hero resolved to remain (ἐπιμένειν) in the fight, not yielding to the enemy’s pressure.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “They decided to remain (ἐπιμένειν) in the camp, waiting for the rest of the army to join them.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 19:2 | “And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry (ἐπιμένετε) all night.” |
| Septuagint | Judges 19:4 | “And his father-in-law, the damsel’s father, retained him; and he abode (ἐπέμεινεν) with him three days.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Samuel 1:23 | “And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry (ἐπιμένειν) until thou have weaned him.” |
Summary of ἐπιμένω (G1961)
The Greek verb ἐπιμένω (epimenō) captures the essence of persistence, endurance, and the act of remaining steadfast in a particular state or action. It is frequently used in the New Testament to encourage believers to remain in faith and to highlight the value of perseverance. Its use in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint also reflects the broader cultural emphasis on commitment and steadfastness, whether in warfare, study, or personal relationships.
Did You Know?
The word ἐπιμένω (epimenō) is closely related to the modern English word “remain.” Both convey the idea of staying or continuing in a particular place, state, or condition. In classical Greek literature, the word was often used to describe soldiers remaining in their posts, philosophers continuing their studies, or individuals persisting in their endeavors despite challenges. The emphasis on persistence found in ἐπιμένω is a quality highly regarded in both ancient Greek culture and early Christian teachings.
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