Lexical Summary diamenó: To remain, to continue, to endure Original Word: διαμένω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance continue, remain. From dia and meno; to stay constantly (in being or relation) -- continue, remain. see GREEK dia see GREEK meno HELPS Word-studies 1265 diaménō (from 3306 /ménō "to remain," intensified by the prefix 1223 /diá, "thoroughly") – properly, fully remain; thoroughly abide; to continue on completely, to remain throughout. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and menó Definition to remain, continue NASB Translation continues (1), remain (2), remained (1), stood (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1265: διαμένωδιαμένω; (imperfect διεμενον); 2 person singular future διαμένεις (Hebrews 1:11 Knapp, Bleek, others, for Rec. (G L T Tr WH others) διαμένεις); 1 aorist διεμεινα; perfect διαμεμένηκα; to stay permanently, remain permanently, continue, (cf. perdure; διά, C. 2) (Philo de gigant. § 7 πνεῦμα θεῖον μένειν δυνατόν ἐν ψυχή, διαμενεῖν δέ ἀδύνατον): Galatians 2:5; opposed to ἀπόλλυμαι, Hebrews 1:11 from Psalm 101:27 Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1265, often rendered “remain,” “continue,” or “endure,” intensifies the common verb “to abide” by adding a preposition that underscores unwavering persistence. The term appears only five times in the Greek New Testament, yet each context highlights a crucial dimension of God’s redemptive work—whether the immutability of the Son, the preservation of the gospel, the steadfastness of disciples, the fixed order of creation, or human incapacity before divine revelation. Semantic Range and Conceptual Background Wherever it is used, the verb paints a picture of that which does not merely linger but stands firm in the face of testing. It is the language of constancy over against passing, shifting, or decaying realities. The Septuagint employs the root in covenant passages (for example, Genesis 8:22; Psalm 102:28 LXX) to describe the abiding mercy of God and the endurance of His promises. New Testament writers draw on that theological backdrop to speak of matters that must outlast opposition, suffering, or time itself. Occurrences in the New Testament • Galatians 2:5 — “We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.” Paul recounts his refusal to compromise on Gentile freedom in Christ. The verb points to the gospel’s unaltered purity preserved for future believers. • Luke 22:28 — “You are the ones who have stood by Me in My trials.” Jesus commends His disciples’ fidelity. The perfect participle underscores a proven, ongoing faithfulness that has already weathered hardships. • 2 Peter 3:4 — “‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ For ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.” Scoffers mistake God’s patience for absence. The apparent continuity of the cosmos becomes a foil for Peter’s assurance that the Lord’s day will still arrive. • Hebrews 1:11 — “They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.” In the Son’s exaltation the writer contrasts the transience of the created order with the everlasting permanence of Christ. The verb secures His divine immutability. • Luke 1:22 — “He kept beckoning to them but remained mute.” Zechariah’s sustained muteness validates the angelic vision. His inability to speak persists as a sign until the word of God is fulfilled at John’s birth. Theological Themes Permanence of Christ Hebrews 1:11 connects the verb to the eternal Son. He abides when heaven and earth grow old, reaffirming both His deity and His trustworthiness as High Priest (Hebrews 7:24). Preservation of the Gospel Paul’s use in Galatians 2:5 shows that unyielding adherence to apostolic truth is not obstinacy but pastoral love, ensuring the message will reach subsequent generations uncorrupted (compare Jude 3). Endurance in Discipleship Luke 22:28 reveals that lasting fellowship with Jesus amid trials precedes sharing in His kingdom (Luke 22:29–30). The verb locates perseverance at the heart of authentic discipleship. Apparent Stability of Creation 2 Peter 3:4 addresses the tension between observable continuity and eschatological promise. The same word that upholds creation will also bring about its final renewal (2 Peter 3:7, 10). Human Limitation before Revelation In Luke 1:22 Zechariah’s ongoing silence reminds the community that divine speech governs human speech, directing attention to God’s unfolding plan of salvation. Historical Context Greco-Roman ethics prized stability (stasis) in civic life, yet the first-century church discovered a deeper constancy grounded in the unchanging character of God rather than in imperial order. Patristic writers such as Irenaeus cited Hebrews 1:11 to defend the Son’s eternal nature against early heresies, making diamenō a key term in Christological debates. Pastoral and Practical Application • Assurance: Believers draw confidence from the fact that Jesus Christ “remains” the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8, using the cognate root). Related Terms and Distinctions • μένω (menō) — to stay or abide, the common root. Understanding Strong’s 1265 thus enriches both doctrine and devotion, calling the church to rest in the abiding Christ, to proclaim an unchanging gospel, and to live as people whose faith endures to the end. Forms and Transliterations διαμεινη διαμείνη διαμείνῃ διαμεμενηκοτες διαμεμενηκότες διαμενει διαμενεί διαμένει διαμενεις διαμένεις διαμενούσι διαμένων διέμενε διεμενεν διέμενεν diameine diameinē diameínei diameínēi diamemenekotes diamemenekótes diamemenēkotes diamemenēkótes diamenei diaménei diameneis diaméneis diemenen diémenenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:22 V-IIA-3SGRK: αὐτοῖς καὶ διέμενεν κωφός NAS: and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. KJV: unto them, and remained speechless. INT: to them and remained mute Luke 22:28 V-RPA-NMP Galatians 2:5 V-ASA-3S Hebrews 1:11 V-PIA-2S 2 Peter 3:4 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 1265 |
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