Topical Encyclopedia The term "abides" in the Bible often conveys the idea of remaining, dwelling, or continuing in a particular state or relationship. It is a significant concept in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the enduring presence and faithfulness of God, as well as the call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and relationship with Him.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "abide" is יָשַׁב (yashab), which means to sit, dwell, or remain. This term is frequently used to describe God's enduring presence with His people. For example, in Psalm 125:1, it is written, "Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever." Here, the psalmist emphasizes the stability and permanence of those who trust in God, likening them to Mount Zion, which stands firm and unshakable. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word μένω (meno) is commonly translated as "abide." This term is particularly prominent in the writings of the Apostle John. In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the importance of abiding in Him. John 15:4 states, "Abide in Me, and I will abide in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me." This passage highlights the necessity of a continuous, life-giving connection with Christ for spiritual fruitfulness. The concept of abiding is also central to the epistles of John. In 1 John 2:24, believers are exhorted, "As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you. If it does, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father." This verse underscores the importance of holding fast to the teachings of Christ and maintaining a close relationship with God. Theological Implications Theologically, abiding is associated with the believer's union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It implies a mutual relationship where the believer remains in Christ, and Christ remains in the believer. This abiding relationship is characterized by love, obedience, and the bearing of spiritual fruit. In John 15:9-10, Jesus says, "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love." Practical Application Practically, abiding involves a daily commitment to live in accordance with God's Word and to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience. It is a call to remain faithful and steadfast, even in the face of trials and challenges. The promise of abiding is the assurance of God's presence and the experience of His peace and joy, as expressed in John 15:11: "I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Conclusion The concept of abiding is integral to understanding the Christian life as one of ongoing relationship and communion with God. It is both a divine invitation and a command, promising spiritual vitality and eternal security for those who remain in Christ. Greek 3887. parameno -- to remain beside or near ... Word Origin from para and meno Definition to remain beside or near NASB Word Usage abides (1), continue (1), continuing (1). abide, continue. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3887.htm - 7k 3306. meno -- to stay, abide, remain Strong's Hebrew 3427. yashab -- to sit, remain, dwell... root Definition to sit, remain, dwell NASB Word Usage abide (5), abides (2), abode (1), convened (1), dwell (61), dweller (1), dwelling (20), dwells (12 ... /hebrew/3427.htm - 7k 7931. shakan -- to settle down, abide, dwell Library What Passes and what Abides Whether the Will is Good when it Abides by Erring Reason? How Christ Abides with Believers to the End of the Age, and ... The Wrath of God Abides Upon those who Believe not this Gospel. .. ... Having Proved Above that the Spirit Abides and Speaks in the ... Why his Brothers are not Called to the Wedding; and Why He Abides ... Psalm 136:2. As the 148Th Psalm. God's Wonders of Creation ... Psalm 136 God's Wonders of Creation, Providence, Redemption of ... What Lasts Abide Thesaurus Abides (37 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Abides (37 Occurrences). ... (See NAS RSV). John 8:35 Now the bondman abides not in the house for ever: the son abides for ever. (DBY). ... /a/abides.htm - 16k Eternity (23 Occurrences) Bondman (108 Occurrences) Judaeus Philo Unfaithful (58 Occurrences) Unction (2 Occurrences) Introduced (7 Occurrences) Fixes (3 Occurrences) Abidest (5 Occurrences) Resources What is divine simplicity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the key to bearing fruit as a Christian? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to abide in Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Abides (37 Occurrences)John 3:36 John 6:27 John 6:56 John 8:35 John 12:24 John 12:34 John 14:10 John 15:4 John 15:5 2 Corinthians 3:11 2 Timothy 2:13 Hebrews 7:3 1 Peter 1:25 1 John 2:6 1 John 2:10 1 John 2:14 1 John 2:17 1 John 2:24 1 John 2:27 1 John 3:6 1 John 3:9 1 John 3:14 1 John 3:17 1 John 3:24 1 John 4:12 1 John 4:15 1 John 4:16 2 John 1:9 Leviticus 16:16 1 Samuel 30:24 2 Samuel 16:3 Job 41:22 Psalms 9:7 Psalms 91:1 Psalms 125:1 Proverbs 14:33 Haggai 2:5 Subtopics Related Terms |