Strong's Greek: 3233 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Background

Strong’s Greek 3233 represents a verbal idea that centers on staying, remaining, or continuing in a settled condition. Although the form itself is not found in the Greek New Testament, the concept it embodies is woven through Scripture—from the patriarchs who “sojourned” yet trusted the permanence of God’s promise, to the apostles who urged believers to “remain steadfast” in the faith. The term stands alongside cognate forms that are used many times by the biblical writers, especially in Johannine and Pauline passages concerned with perseverance, covenant faithfulness, and relational intimacy with the Lord.

Association with Covenant Faithfulness

From the opening pages of Genesis, divine covenants reveal a God who remains unchangeably committed to His word (Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7). The prophets contrast fickle human allegiance with Yahweh’s unwavering loyalty (Hosea 6:4–6). The thematic thread of “remaining” culminates in Jesus Christ, whose incarnation, atoning death, and resurrection exhibit the Father’s resolve to keep covenant. As Hebrews declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The permanence suggested by Strong’s 3233 therefore mirrors the bedrock reliability of God’s character.

Connection with Old Testament Patterns

The Septuagint frequently employs cognate verbs when describing God’s promises “standing firm” (for example, Psalm 102:12) or His word “remaining forever” (Isaiah 40:8). By echoing these motifs, the New Testament amplifies the call for believers to mirror divine steadfastness. Thus, although 3233 itself is absent from the inspired Greek text, its semantic field already holds a venerable place in redemptive history.

Christological Significance

Jesus calls disciples to the same settled posture. “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). Here, abiding is not passive endurance but relational union that produces fruit. It rests on the Savior’s own constancy: “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31). The exhortation presupposes that Christ first continues with His people; He promises, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

The Church and Persevering Faith

Early congregations faced pressures to drift doctrinally (Galatians 1:6–9) or morally (Hebrews 10:23–39). Apostolic admonitions to “stand firm” and “hold fast” echo the notion behind 3233. Paul links perseverance with corporate encouragement: “Continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast” (Colossians 1:23). John's letters offer parallel counsel: “Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you” (1 John 2:24).

Personal Discipleship and Pastoral Counsel

For modern ministry, the idea reinforces practices that cultivate endurance: habitually engaging Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Acts 17:11), persistent prayer (Luke 18:1), fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25), and sacrificial obedience (James 1:22). Shepherds guide believers from episodic enthusiasm toward settled devotion, reminding them that saving faith, though initiated by grace alone, is authenticated as it remains.

Historical and Patristic Witness

Second-century writers such as Polycarp exhort churches to “remain unshaken in hope,” reflecting the same verbal family. Athanasius later argues that because the incarnate Word “remains what He is,” redemption cannot fail. Throughout church history, confessions anchor assurance in the unchangeableness of God rather than the volatility of man.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 3233, though not occurring in the New Testament, encapsulates a vital biblical theme: steadfast continuance grounded in God’s own immutability. Scripture calls every generation to mirror that permanence by cleaving to Christ, cherishing sound doctrine, and enduring in holiness until faith becomes sight (Revelation 2:10).

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts