Lexical Summary prosmenó: To remain with, to continue steadfastly, to persevere. Original Word: προσμένω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance remain, abide still, continue with. From pros and meno; to stay further, i.e. Remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in -- abide still, be with, cleave unto, continue in (with). see GREEK pros see GREEK meno HELPS Word-studies 4357 prosménō (from 4314 /prós, "interactively with" and 3306 /ménō, "abide, remain") – properly, remain together (directly, intimately); "remain attached to, cleave unto, abide in" (A-S). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pros and menó Definition to wait longer NASB Translation continue (1), continues (1), remain (2), remained (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4357: προσμένωπροσμένω; 1 aorist participle προσμείνας, infinitive προσμεῖναι; from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; a. to remain with (see πρός, IV. 3): with a dative of the person to continue with one, Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2 (here L WH marginal reading omit; Tr brackets the dative); τῷ κυρίῳ, to be steadfastly devoted to (A. V. cleave unto) the Lord, Acts 11:23 (Wis. 3:9; Josephus, Antiquities 14, 2, 1); τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ, to hold fast to (A. V. continue in) the grace of God received in the gospel, Acts 13:43 G L T Tr WH; δεήσεσι καί προσευχαῖς (A. V. to continue in supplications and prayers), 1 Timothy 5:5. b. to remain still (cf. πρός, IV. 2), stay, tarry: Acts 18:18; followed by ἐν with a dative of place, 1 Timothy 1:3. Strong’s Greek 4357 describes the act of deliberately remaining, tarrying, or persistently staying beside someone or something. Across its seven New Testament appearances the verb conveys purposeful perseverance—whether staying physically in a place, clinging spiritually to the Lord, or steadfastly continuing in a ministry assignment. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2 – Multitudes “have already been with Me three days.” The crowds’ prolonged presence embodies earnest hunger for Christ that overrides bodily needs. Perseverance as a Mark of Discipleship Jesus commends the crowds’ three-day devotion (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2), demonstrating that genuine disciples linger with Him even when conveniences are lacking. Their constancy elicits His compassionate provision: “I have compassion for these people” (Mark 8:2). The narrative teaches that longing for Christ precedes and prompts divine sustenance. Pastoral Exhortation to Remain True Barnabas and Paul repeatedly urge believers to “remain true to the Lord” and to “continue in the grace of God” (Acts 11:23; Acts 13:43). The verb underscores that grace is not merely entered but inhabited. Ongoing reliance on grace guards fledgling congregations against relapse into legalism or unbelief. Guarding Doctrine through Staying Power Paul’s directive to Timothy—“remain in Ephesus” (1 Timothy 1:3)—pairs staying with contending for sound teaching. Stability of leadership is essential for doctrinal integrity; transient shepherds leave flocks vulnerable. Thus the term carries ecclesiological weight: abiding leadership anchors truth in local assemblies. Perseverance in Prayer and Dependence The destitute widow who “continues night and day in petitions and prayers” (1 Timothy 5:5) models persistent reliance on God when human support is gone. Her ongoing prayers are not mere survival tactics but an honored ministry that enriches the church (cf. Luke 2:37). Strategic Duration in Mission Paul’s extended stay in Corinth (Acts 18:18) reveals missionary wisdom: remain long enough for converts to mature, elders to be appointed, and the gospel to take root culturally. Leaving too soon would jeopardize the work; lingering too long could hinder expansion. The term therefore implies Spirit-led discernment about timing. Themes Woven through Scripture • Continuance in grace echoes Old Testament calls to “cling” to the LORD (Deuteronomy 10:20). Practical Ministry Implications 1. Teach believers that faith is sustained, not momentary. Conclusion Strong’s 4357 illumines a vital New Testament principle: authentic faith persists. Whether manifested in hungry crowds, steadfast missionaries, devoted widows, or vigilant pastors, the call is the same—remain. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:32 V-PIA-3PGRK: ἡμέραι τρεῖς προσμένουσίν μοι καὶ NAS: because they have remained with Me now KJV: because they continue with me INT: days three they continue with me and Mark 8:2 V-PIA-3P Acts 11:23 V-PNA Acts 13:43 V-PNA Acts 18:18 V-APA-NMS 1 Timothy 1:3 V-ANA 1 Timothy 5:5 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 4357 |
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