Lexical Summary (Not Used): (Not Used) (Not Used)Part of Speech: Transliteration: (Not Used) (Not Used) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 3223 designates a rare cognate in the μένω (“abide, remain”) word–group. Although the specific form does not appear in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts, the stem to which it belongs permeates Scripture, undergirding major biblical themes of steadfastness, covenant loyalty, and the believer’s enduring union with Christ. Absence from the Greek New Testament The canonical New Testament never employs this precise inflection, a reminder that the Spirit-inspired message is conveyed through a limited, providentially selected vocabulary. Yet its omission does not weaken the doctrine it represents, because cognate forms such as μένω (3306) and μονή (3438) plainly articulate the same truth (for example, John 15:4–7; 1 John 2:24). The unused form therefore invites study by comparison and by tracing the root’s theological trajectory rather than by counting occurrences. Presence in the Septuagint and Classical Sources Outside the New Testament the root shows up frequently: • Genesis 32:12 LXX, where Jacob confesses, “You have said, ‘I will surely make your descendants abide as the sand of the sea.’” These extra-biblical examples broaden our appreciation of “abiding” as active fidelity, not passive existence. Biblical Theology of Abiding 1. Covenant Continuity The promise that the Lord “abides forever” (Psalm 9:7) anchors Israel’s hope. Every Davidic and prophetic pledge rests on God’s unchanging nature. 2. Christological Fulfillment Jesus appropriates the language: “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4). The Vine-and-branches metaphor discloses abiding as reciprocal communion: the disciple remains; Christ supplies life. 3. Pneumatological Dimension “The Spirit whom He has given us abides in us” (1 John 3:24). The indwelling Spirit ensures that the relationship initiated by grace is sustained by divine power. 4. Eschatological Security Peter speaks of “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). The same root guarantees that future glory is as durable as God Himself. Early Church Reflection Patristic writers thickened the concept. Ignatius of Antioch urged believers to “remain unshaken in the mind of Christ,” linking abiding with doctrinal fidelity under persecution. Athanasius, arguing for the deity of Christ, pointed to the Son’s eternal abiding with the Father as proof of consubstantiality. Thus the root served both pastoral exhortation and creedal precision. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Spiritual Formation – Discipleship must cultivate habits that help believers stay vitally connected to the Lord: prayer, Scripture meditation, fellowship, and obedience (John 15:10). Doctrinal Safeguards 1. Union with Christ is organic, not mechanical; fruitfulness proves reality (John 15:8). Concluding Thoughts Though Strong’s 3223 itself is textually absent, its lexical family saturates redemptive history and Christian experience. Scripture’s call is clear: remain where grace has placed you, for the One who promises to abide with His people “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) will never fail. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance μελῶν — 2 Occ.μέλος — 5 Occ. Μελχὶ — 2 Occ. Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ. ἔμελεν — 2 Occ. μέλει — 7 Occ. μελέτω — 1 Occ. μεμβράνας — 1 Occ. μέμφεται — 1 Occ. μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ. μὲν — 182 Occ. Μενοῦν — 1 Occ. μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ. μέντοι — 8 Occ. ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ. ἔμειναν — 2 Occ. ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ. ἔμενεν — 3 Occ. ἔμενον — 1 Occ. μεῖναι — 6 Occ. |
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