μονή (monē)
monē
abode
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun monē refers to a place of staying or an abode, derived from the verb mōnāō, meaning "to remain" or "to dwell." In classical Greek, it simply denoted a stay or continuance, but in the New Testament, it takes on a deeper theological weight as a permanent dwelling place. It appears only twice in the Bible, both in the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses it to describe the homes He prepares for His followers.
In John 14:2, Jesus speaks of many mansions in His Father’s house, using monē to suggest a fixed, secure residence rather than a temporary shelter. Later, in verse 23, He promises that He and the Father will make their monē with those who love Him, indicating an intimate, abiding presence. The word implies stability and permanence, contrasting with transient lodging.
Though rare, monē carries significant imagery of belonging and rest. It reflects God’s desire to dwell among His people, offering them a place of peace and continuity. This concept resonates throughout Scripture, pointing to the hope of eternal communion with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word monē points to a permanent abode rather than a temporary stopover. In John 14:2, Jesus uses this term to describe the homes He prepares for His followers in His Father’s house. This imagery offers comfort by suggesting that your place with God is secure and lasting, not fleeting or uncertain.
Later in John 14:23, the meaning expands beyond a physical location. Jesus promises that He and the Father will make their monē with those who love Him. This shifts the focus from a distant heaven to an intimate, abiding presence in your daily life. It is a reminder that God desires to dwell within you, offering peace and stability amidst life’s changes.
This concept of dwelling together reflects God’s desire for continuous communion with His people. It invites you into a relationship defined by belonging and rest, rather than isolation or fear. The promise remains that you are never alone, but always held in the steady care of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mansions1×
- a home1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μονὴν1×
- μοναὶ1×
Key Verses
-
John 14:2
In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
Jesus uses monē to assure believers that their eternal destination is a prepared, secure residence within the Father's house.
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John 14:23
Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
The word shifts from a future location to a present reality, describing how God chooses to dwell intimately with those who obey Him.