ἐμμένω (emmenō)
emmenō
to abide in/by
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb emmenō describes a steadfast commitment to remain in a particular state or adhere to a specific standard. It carries the sense of holding fast to something, whether that is a relationship, a principle, or a legal requirement. The word appears only four times in the New Testament, yet it conveys a strong tone of persistence and loyalty.
In Acts 14:22, believers are encouraged to emmenō in the faith, suggesting a continuous perseverance through difficulties rather than a one-time decision. Similarly, Galatians 3:10 uses the term with the dative case to indicate being bound by the written law, highlighting its legal and binding nature. Hebrews 8:9 applies it to God’s covenant, emphasizing His faithful adherence to His promises.
Derived from the preposition em- ("in") and menō ("to remain"), emmenō implies a deep, abiding presence. It is not merely staying in a place but maintaining a firm stance in belief or obligation. This word underscores the importance of consistency and faithfulness in Christian life and divine covenant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word emmenō invites us to think of faith not as a single moment of decision, but as a steady way of living. It means to remain firmly in what you have been given, holding fast even when circumstances shift around you. This kind of persistence is not about striving harder on your own; it is about trusting that God’s grace sustains you through the long haul.
In Acts 14:22, believers are encouraged to continue in the faith despite afflictions. This reminds us that staying close to Christ often involves walking through difficult seasons with quiet endurance. It is a call to loyalty—to keep your heart fixed on Him when life feels unstable or when the path ahead seems unclear.
When you feel weary or uncertain, remember that emmenō is about presence, not perfection. You do not need to have all the answers right now. Simply stay where God has placed you, trusting His promises to hold you fast. This steady abiding brings peace that does not depend on your performance but on His faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to continue1×
- does continue1×
- did continue1×
- He abided1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐνέμεινεν1×
- ἐνέμειναν1×
- ἐμμένειν1×
- ἐμμένει1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom.
This verse uses the word to describe the active perseverance of disciples who remain in the faith despite facing afflictions.
-
Galatians 3:10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.”
Here the term highlights the binding nature of the law, showing that true blessing comes from continuing in all things written in it.
-
Hebrews 8:9
not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they didn’t continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them,” says the Lord.
The word describes Israel's failure to remain in God's covenant, contrasting human unfaithfulness with God's enduring commitment.