μένω (menō)
menō
to stay
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 103 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb menō describes the act of staying in a place, enduring through time, or remaining in a specific condition. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John, where it carries significant theological weight beyond simple physical location. It signifies a stable presence that does not depart or change.
This word is central to Jesus’ teaching on union with him, particularly in John 15:4-5, where he instructs his followers to abide in him as branches remain in the vine. The sources highlight its use for the Holy Spirit dwelling with believers (John 14:17) and for Christians remaining in God’s love (1 John 4:16). It also describes the permanence of God’s word (1 Peter 1:23) and the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood (Hebrews 7:24).
Its versatility allows it to cover spatial, temporal, and relational dimensions. Whether referring to a person tarrying in a house (Luke 1:56) or a state of being that lasts forever (John 12:34), menō conveys continuity and faithfulness. Translators often render it as "abide," "remain," or "stay," capturing the sense of holding fast to a relationship or truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word menō often translates as "abide" or "remain," but its heart is simply staying put. In a culture that values movement and achievement, this verb invites us to find our security in presence rather than progress. It describes the stable relationship Jesus offers, where we do not need to earn our place but simply rest in who He is.
This concept moves beyond physical location into spiritual union. When Jesus speaks of remaining in Him, He is describing a continuous connection that sustains us through uncertainty. It is an invitation to trust that His word and love are permanent fixtures in our lives, providing a steady anchor when circumstances shift around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 103 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- abides15×
- abiding9×
- do remain6×
- do abide5×
- to remain3×
- to abide3×
- shall abide3×
- it remained3×
- He stayed3×
- we stayed2×
- they stayed2×
- should abide.2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μένει20×
- ἔμεινεν9×
- μένων6×
- μένετε5×
- μένειν5×
- μείνατε5×
- μεῖναι4×
- ἔμενεν3×
- μένουσαν3×
- μένον3×
- μένει·3×
- μένει,3×
Key Verses
-
John 8:31
Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.
Jesus connects remaining in His specific teaching with the identity of true discipleship, making obedience a sign of abiding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word 'abide' mean in the Bible?
How is 'abiding' different from just believing?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (103 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on.
Matthew 11:23You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom…
Matthew 26:38Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”