ἐπιμένω (epimenō)
epimenō
to remain/keep on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epimenō describes a persistent staying power, meaning to remain in a place or continue in a state. It carries the sense of tarrying or abiding, often implying that one does not leave when others might expect it. In Acts 12:16, Peter’s servant girl Rhoda hears his voice at the gate but remains inside, refusing to open it immediately because she cannot believe he is there. This captures the word’s physical sense of holding one’s ground.
Paul uses this term frequently to describe spiritual endurance. In Romans 6:1, he asks whether believers should continue in sin so that grace may increase, using epimenō to frame the question of persistent behavior. Similarly, in Colossians 1:23, he urges the church to continue in the faith, grounded and steady. The prefix epi- adds a layer of intensity, suggesting not just passive waiting but an active perseverance in a chosen path or relationship.
Its root combines epi (upon) and menō (to remain), emphasizing a deliberate choice to stay put. Translators often render it as "continue" or "remain," reflecting its dual use for both physical presence and spiritual steadfastness. This word reminds readers that faithfulness is not a single act but a sustained commitment over time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epimenō invites us to think about what it means to stay put when life urges us to move on. It is not merely passive waiting, but an active choice to remain in a place or a state of grace. In Acts 12:16, Rhoda hears Peter at the gate and stays inside, refusing to open the door immediately because she cannot believe her eyes. This physical hesitation mirrors the spiritual reality that God’s presence often requires us to hold our ground against doubt.
Paul uses this term to describe the endurance of faith. In Colossians 1:23, he urges believers to continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast. This suggests that Christian life is not a series of isolated moments, but a sustained commitment. When we choose to remain in God’s goodness, as Romans 11:22 reminds us, we position ourselves to receive His continued favor.
Whether you are facing physical delays or spiritual challenges, this word encourages persistence. It asks you to trust that staying in the truth is better than fleeing into uncertainty. Let your heart be steady, knowing that God meets those who remain faithful to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to remain5×
- you shall continue in1×
- you continue1×
- we stayed1×
- we remained1×
- was continuing1×
- they were continuing1×
- they shall continue1×
- do continue1×
- Shall we continue1×
- Remaining1×
- I will remain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιμεῖναι4×
- ἐπεμείναμεν2×
- Ἐπιμενόντων1×
- ἐπίμενε1×
- ἐπέμενον1×
- ἐπέμενεν1×
- ἐπέμεινα1×
- ἐπιμένῃς1×
- ἐπιμένωσιν1×
- ἐπιμένωμεν1×
- ἐπιμένετε1×
- ἐπιμένειν1×
Key Verses
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Acts 12:16
But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him and were amazed.
This verse captures the physical sense of holding one’s ground, as Rhoda refuses to open the gate immediately despite hearing Peter's voice.
-
Colossians 1:23
if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, was made a servant.
Paul uses this term to urge believers to remain in the faith, emphasizing that steadfastness is essential to not being moved from hope.
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Romans 6:1
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Here the word frames a rhetorical question about whether believers should persist in sin, highlighting its use for persistent behavior.
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Romans 11:22
See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off.
Paul connects continuing in God's goodness with remaining in His kindness, warning that failure to stay leads to being cut off.