Brief Overview of Παρμενᾶς (Strong’s G3937: Parmenas)

Strong’s G3937: A proper noun derived from Greek name elements, meaning “abiding, steadfast.” One of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6:5 to serve the early church in Jerusalem. Represents the Hellenistic Jewish component of early Christianity and the importance of practical service in church ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

Παρμενᾶς appears as one of the seven chosen deacons in Acts, representing the practical ministry aspect of early church organization. His selection demonstrates the early church’s commitment to including Hellenistic Jews in leadership roles. While appearing only once in Scripture, his name’s meaning (“steadfast”) reflects the qualities sought in early church servants. Early church tradition held him as an example of faithful service. Today, he represents the importance of dedicated service and cultural inclusivity in church ministry.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Παρμενᾶς, Parmenas, /par-men-AS/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + men (as in ‘men’) + AS (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Possibly contracted from Παρμενίδης (Parmenides)
• Related to παραμένω (paramenō): to remain, abide
• -ᾶς (-as): common Greek name ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Steadfast one
• Abiding one
• Faithful one

Translation Options:

• “Parmenas” – transliteration
• “The Steadfast” – meaning-based translation
• “The Abiding One” – descriptive translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Παρμενίδης (Parmenidēs) /par-men-EE-dace/ – fuller form of name
• παραμένω (paramenō) /par-am-EN-oh/ – related verb meaning “to abide”
• μένω (menō) /MEN-oh/ – root verb meaning “to remain”

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Παρμενᾶς exhibits:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 1st/3rd mixed

Examples:
Παρμενᾶς (nom.)
Παρμενᾶ (gen.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes his role as deacon. Thayer’s connects name to steadfastness. LSJ documents name usage in Greek culture. Vine’s emphasizes service role. Moulton and Milligan note similar names in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them: Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and [Παρμενᾶς] Parmenas, and Nicolaus” (Acts 6:5-6)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Παρμενᾶς represents faithful service in the early church, particularly the integration of Hellenistic Jews into church leadership and the importance of practical ministry.

D – Did You Know?

• He was likely a Hellenistic Jew based on his Greek name
• Traditional accounts claim he served as Bishop of Soli
• His name appears in various forms in ancient Greek inscriptions

[Lexicon Summary]
A proper noun derived from Greek name elements, meaning “abiding, steadfast.” One of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6:5 to serve the early church in Jerusalem. Represents the Hellenistic Jewish component of early Christianity and the importance of practical service in church ministry.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: #proper_noun #deacon #acts #early_church #hellenistic_jews #service #leadership #biblical_greek #new_testament #church_history​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​