Lexical Summary paramenó: To remain, to continue, to stay Original Word: παραμένω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abide, continue. From para and meno; to stay near, i.e. Remain (literally, tarry; or figuratively, be permanent, persevere) -- abide, continue. see GREEK para see GREEK meno see GREEK meno see GREEK para HELPS Word-studies 3887 paraménō (from 3844 /pará, "from close-alongside" and 3306 /ménō, "abide, remain") – properly, remain close-beside (near), i.e. abide ("continue alongside") in a close-working relationship (partnership); a "stay-close remaining." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and menó Definition to remain beside or near NASB Translation abides (1), continue (1), continuing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3887: παραμένωπαραμένω; future παραμένω; 1 aorist participle παραμείνας; from Homer down; to remain beside, continue always near (cf. παρά, IV. 1): Hebrews 7:23; opposed to ἀπεληλυθεναι, James 1:25 (and continues to do so, not departing till all stains are washed away, cf. James 1:24); with one, πρός τινα, 1 Corinthians 16:6; τίνι (as often in Greek authors), to survive, remain alive (Herodotus 1, 30), Philippians 1:25 L T Tr WH (where Lightfoot: "παραμένω is relative, while μένω is absolute." Compare: συμ(παραμένω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3887 pictures the deliberate choice to stay beside, to continue in close proximity or relationship. While simple in form, its four New Testament occurrences trace a rich line of thought that moves from personal discipleship, to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, and finally to the pastoral heart of Paul for the churches. New Testament Usage • James 1:25 – A call to remain beside the “perfect law of freedom.” “But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so— not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.” The term underlines perseverance in practice, not mere fleeting curiosity. • Hebrews 7:23 – Death keeps the Levitical priests from “continuing in office,” highlighting by contrast the indestructible, abiding priesthood of Jesus Christ. His ministry endures where theirs must cease. • 1 Corinthians 16:6 – Paul hopes to “stay with you for a while,” revealing the apostle’s desire to invest time, share life, and be helped forward by the believers he serves. • Philippians 1:25 – Paul is “convinced … I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,” expressing sacrificial willingness to delay personal glory with Christ for the church’s growth. Theological Significance 1. Perseverance in the Word The verb in James places obedience and blessing on the same path. Continuance beside Scripture guards against forgetting, producing a life marked by both freedom and effective action. 2. The Permanence of Christ’s Priesthood Hebrews contrasts mortal priests with the risen Son. Where they could not παραμένειν, He “lives forever” (Hebrews 7:24) and therefore “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). The term becomes a pivot showing the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus’ intercession. 3. The Pastoral Presence of Gospel Workers In Corinthians and Philippians the word conveys more than lodging; it denotes relational ministry. Staying allows spiritual fathers and mothers to nurture, correct, and rejoice with the flock, modeling incarnation in service. Practical Ministry Applications • Encourage believers to cultivate regular, sustained engagement with Scripture, measuring success not by momentary enthusiasm but by continued obedience. Related Concepts and Cross-References John uses μένω to speak of “abiding” in Christ (John 15:4-10), complementing παραμένω by stressing inward union as well as outward persistence. Acts records Paul “remaining” in Corinth (Acts 18:11) for eighteen months, illustrating the very pattern he proposes in 1 Corinthians 16:6. Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you,” grounds the believer’s endurance in God’s own commitment to remain. Summary Strong’s 3887 gathers around a single idea—remaining—but its scriptural contexts expand that idea into a portrait of steadfast discipleship, an unending heavenly priesthood, and devoted pastoral care. In all cases the call is clear: stay close—to the Word, to the Savior who never ceases, and to the people God entrusts to our stewardship. Forms and Transliterations παραμεινας παραμείνας παραμείνη παραμενειν παραμένειν παραμενούσι παραμενω παραμενώ παραμενῶ parameinas parameínas paramenein paraménein parameno paramenô paramenō paramenō̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 16:6 V-FIA-1SGRK: δὲ τυχὸν παραμενῶ ἢ καὶ INT: moreover perhaps I will stay or even Philippians 1:25 V-FIA-1S Hebrews 7:23 V-PNA James 1:25 V-APA-NMS Strong's Greek 3887 |
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