προσμένω (prosmenō)
prosmenō
to remain/persist
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosmenō conveys a steady, deliberate act of staying close to someone or something. It combines a prefix meaning "toward" with a root meaning "to remain," creating an image of drawing near and holding one’s ground. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily in Acts but also in Matthew and 1 Timothy, describing both physical presence and spiritual commitment.
Its usage ranges from literal tarrying to metaphorical adherence. For instance, Paul urges Timothy to remain with him (1 Timothy 1:3), while Luke notes that Barnabas was a good man full of the Holy Spirit who remained attached to the Lord (Acts 11:23). In Matthew 15:32, Jesus expresses a desire to not send the crowd away hungry, implying He wants to remain with them until they are fed. The word suggests an active choice to abide in grace or prayer (Acts 13:43; 1 Timothy 5:5), rather than passive existence.
This term highlights the relational aspect of Christian faith. It is not merely about location but about loyalty and continuity. Translators often render it as "remain," "continue," or "hold fast," capturing the sense of persistent connection. The word underscores that faith involves staying put in the truth received, much like a branch abiding in the vine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prosmenō invites us into a posture of steady presence. It is not about passive waiting, but an active choice to stay close to Jesus or His truth. In Acts 11:23, Barnabas encourages believers to remain near the Lord with purpose of heart. This suggests that faithfulness is a deliberate commitment, not just a fleeting emotion.
When life feels chaotic, this word reminds us that stability comes from abiding in grace. Acts 13:43 shows Paul urging people to continue in God’s grace, highlighting that spiritual growth requires persistence. We are called to hold fast to what we have received, trusting that God sustains us as we stay connected to Him.
Whether in prayer or daily obedience, prosmenō calls for loyalty and continuity. It is a gentle invitation to rest in Christ’s presence, knowing that He holds us firm. Let this word encourage you to stay close to the Lord, finding peace in His unwavering love and faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they continue2×
- to remain1×
- to continue1×
- to abide1×
- she continues1×
- having remained1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσμένουσίν2×
- προσμένειν2×
- προσμένει1×
- προσμεῖναι1×
- προσμείνας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 11:23
who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
Barnabas exhorts believers to remain near the Lord with purpose of heart, showing that prosmenō involves intentional spiritual commitment.
-
Acts 13:43
Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Paul urges converts to continue in the grace of God, linking prosmenō to persistent adherence to divine truth rather than temporary interest.
-
I Timothy 5:5
Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.
The widows’ night-and-day prayers illustrate prosmenō as a steadfast, ongoing devotion that anchors hope in God alone.