3243

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

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

Concept and Scope

Strong’s Greek 3243 signifies the idea of “abiding” or “staying.” Although the specific form does not appear in the Greek New Testament, the theme itself is woven through Scripture by cognate verbs and nouns that describe permanence, steadfast presence, and settled dwelling.

Relationship to the ‘Abide’ Word-Group

The root family centers on μένω (meno, to remain) and includes cognates such as μονή (monē, dwelling place, John 14:2), παραμένω (parameno, remain beside, 1 Corinthians 16:6), and ὑπομένω (hupomeno, endure, James 1:12). Strong’s 3243 shares the same semantic range, stressing the quality of continuing, lasting, or being firmly fixed.

Old Testament Foundations

The Septuagint employs this word-group to describe:
• The unchanging nature of God – “But You are the same, and Your years will never end” (Psalm 102:27).
• The enduring Word – “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
• The security of the righteous – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

These texts prepare the way for New Testament teaching on the believer’s enduring union with God.

Abiding in Christ

John’s writings place abiding at the heart of discipleship:
• “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you” (John 15:4).
• “The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him” (1 John 3:24).
• “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence” (1 John 2:28).

The concept expresses an ongoing, living fellowship rather than a temporary association. It encompasses faith, love, and obedience (John 15:9-10).

Indwelling of the Word and Spirit

Scripture links abiding to the internal ministry of the Word and the Spirit:
• “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31).
• “His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (1 John 2:27).

Thus, permanence is not self-generated but Spirit-enabled.

Perseverance under Trial

The cognate ὑπομένω (hupomeno) highlights steadfast endurance:
• “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial” (James 1:12).
• “You have need of perseverance” (Hebrews 10:36).

Here, abiding takes the form of faithful endurance until God’s purposes are fulfilled.

Enduring Fruit and Rewards

Jesus promises that abiding leads to lasting results:
• “I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain” (John 15:16).

Paul echoes the idea: “Our work remains” (1 Corinthians 3:14).

The permanence of true spiritual fruit contrasts with the fleeting achievements of the world.

Corporate Dimensions

The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42), illustrating communal abiding. Paul urges Timothy, “Continue in what you have learned” (2 Timothy 3:14). Stability in doctrine preserves unity and guards against error (2 John 9).

Eschatological Orientation

Believers await “the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14) and “an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4). The present call to abide anticipates a future, unshakable dwelling with the Lord (Revelation 21:3).

Historical and Pastoral Significance

Early Christian writers, such as Ignatius and Polycarp, exhorted congregations to “abide in the faith.” Throughout church history, movements of renewal have returned to the Johannine emphasis on abiding as the wellspring of holiness and mission.

Pastorally, the concept assures believers of Christ’s constant presence (Matthew 28:20) and calls them to persevering obedience. It shapes preaching (rooted in the abiding Word), prayer (resting in an abiding relationship), and discipleship (training believers to remain steadfast).

Summary

Though the exact form labeled Strong’s 3243 does not occur in the New Testament text, its underlying idea—permanent, enduring fellowship—pervades Scripture. From the stability of God’s character to the believer’s union with Christ, and from persevering faith to everlasting reward, “abiding” stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology and practical ministry.

Englishman'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.