Strong's Greek: 3291 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

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

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 3291 is an unused form whose root idea is “to remain, stay on, continue.” Though the exact spelling never occurs in the Greek New Testament, it belongs to the same word-family as μένω (meno, “to abide”) and μονή (monē, “dwelling place”). Its topical importance therefore lies in the broad biblical theme of abiding—first in God’s presence, then in Christ, and finally in the believer’s endurance.

Biblical framework

1. Abiding in the Old Testament
• Exodus 25:8 – The tabernacle was built so that the LORD might “dwell among” His people.
• Psalm 90:1 – “Lord, You have been our dwelling place through all generations.”

These texts establish the divine intention to remain with His covenant people.

2. Christ the ultimate dwelling of God with man
• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.”
• Colossians 1:19 – “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.”

Jesus fulfills the Old Testament pattern by becoming God’s permanent presence in human history.

3. Believers abiding in Christ
• John 15:4 – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.”
• 1 John 2:24 – “If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.”

The organic union between Christ and His disciples is pictured as a mutual, ongoing residence.

4. Abiding and perseverance
• Hebrews 10:35–36 – “So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what was promised.”
• Revelation 3:11 – “Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”

The call to remain faithful is grounded in the believer’s secure position “in Christ.”

Historical and theological significance

• Early Church: The Fathers frequently tied perseverance under persecution to the vine-and-branches motif (John 15), urging believers to remain (μένειν) in apostolic teaching.
• Reformation era: The doctrine of perseverance (abiding grace) was defended as evidence of genuine conversion. Strong’s 3291, though absent from the New Testament text, became a lexical witness to this theology by its link with μένω.
• Contemporary missions: In settings of hostility, the theme of abiding continues to undergird pastoral counsel that faithfulness is not a momentary decision but a sustained dwelling in Christ’s life.

Ministerial applications

1. Discipleship – Encourages practices that keep believers consciously “in Christ” (daily Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship).
2. Counseling – Provides language for assurance: the believer is not merely visited by grace but becomes its residence (Ephesians 3:17).
3. Church leadership – Guides long-term shepherding that prizes spiritual depth over rapid but shallow growth.

Related Greek terms

3306 μένω (to remain) – actual New Testament verb.

3438 μονή (dwelling place) – John 14:2.

5278 ὑπομένω (remain under, endure) – James 1:12.

Summary

Although Strong’s 3291 never surfaces in the biblical text, its root concept of abiding permeates Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. The God who “dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16) approaches sinners in Christ, grants them a permanent place in His Son, and calls them to remain there until faith becomes sight.

Links

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