3268

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

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

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 3268 never appears in the preserved text of the Greek New Testament, yet it belongs to a small family of words found in the Septuagint and wider Greek literature that emphasize settled continuance—ideas commonly rendered “abide,” “remain,” “endure,” or “stand fast.” Although the inspired New Testament writers prefer the cognate μένω (3306) and related forms, the conceptual weight carried by 3268 permeates the whole canon, linking covenant permanence in the Old Testament with the call to perseverance and unshakeable hope in the New.

Textual and Linguistic Setting

• Septuagint translators employ the term to render several Hebrew roots: שָׁכַן (dwell), קוּם (stand/establish), עָמַד (stand firm), and בּוּל (endure).
• Its occurrences cluster around covenantal passages (e.g., Psalm 33:11; Psalm 112:6; Isaiah 40:8) where the emphasis falls on the abiding character of God’s word and the settled security of His people.
• Because Koine syntax allows overlapping semantic fields, 3268 shades meaning toward permanence rather than mere spatial residence.

Covenantal Endurance in the Old Testament

The term underscores Yahweh’s faithfulness: “The counsel of the LORD stands firm forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11). Similar uses in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Isaiah 46:9–10 ground Israel’s confidence not in fluctuating circumstances but in the immutable nature of God’s promises. The permanence expressed by 3268 serves as a counterpoint to the brevity of human life (Psalm 103:15–17) and the instability of earthly kingdoms (Daniel 2:44).

Converging New Testament Themes

Though the exact vocabulary shifts, the Spirit-inspired writers echo the same doctrine:
• Christ’s teaching—“If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31).
• Johannine theology—“The one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).
• Petrine assurance—“The word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25, citing Isaiah 40:8).
• Eschatological hope—“We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).

The thread running through each passage is the divine guarantee that what God establishes cannot be overturned.

Doctrinal Significance

1. Immutability of God: His nature and counsel do not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).
2. Certainty of Salvation: Eternal life is secure because it rests on an unchanging covenant (Hebrews 6:17–19).
3. Perseverance of the Saints: Believers are enabled to “run with endurance” (Hebrews 12:1) because the One who calls them “is faithful” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
4. Reliability of Scripture: The written word reflects the steadfast character of its Author (John 10:35; Matthew 24:35).

Historical Reception

• Early Church Fathers appealed to the permanence behind 3268 when defending orthodox Christology; an unchanging God must provide an unchanging revelation in Christ.
• Reformers highlighted the same permanence to oppose ecclesiastical innovations, insisting that doctrine must “remain” where God has spoken.
• Evangelical confessions consistently cite passages tied to this semantic field when articulating the sufficiency and inerrancy of Scripture.

Pastoral and Missional Application

• Assurance: Shepherds use the motif of abiding to comfort believers facing trials (Romans 8:38–39).
• Discipleship: Churches call disciples to “continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast” (Colossians 1:23).
• Family and Marriage: The permanence of God’s covenant models lifelong covenant faithfulness between husband and wife (Ephesians 5:31–32).
• Missions: Proclaiming an unchanging gospel in a changing world, missionaries trust that the word “will accomplish what [God] pleases” (Isaiah 55:11).

Conclusion

While Greek 3268 itself lies outside the New Testament corpus, the conceptual treasure it represents saturates the biblical narrative. From the everlasting covenant with Abraham to the unshakeable kingdom of Revelation, Scripture presents a God who remains, a word that stands, and a people who are called—and empowered—to endure.

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.