### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **emménō**, represented by `{{G1696}}`, is defined as to stay in the same place or, figuratively, to persevere. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is translated as **continue**. The term signifies a steadfast commitment or endurance within a specific context, such as faith, law, or a covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1696}}` highlights the importance of perseverance. It is used to describe the call for disciples to **continue** in the faith, even through much tribulation, as part of entering the kingdom of God [[Acts 14:22]]. The word also appears in the context of the law, where it is written that a curse falls upon anyone who does not **continue** in all things written in the book of the law [[Galatians 3:10]]. Finally, it is used to describe the failure of the fathers who did not **continue** in God's covenant, which led to God regarding them not [[Hebrews 8:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G1696}}` in its contexts:
* `{{G1991}}` **epistērízō** (confirm, strengthen): This word is used alongside `{{G1696}}` to show that believers are strengthened and confirmed in order to **continue** in the faith [[Acts 14:22]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): This is the foundation in which disciples are exhorted to **continue**, indicating that perseverance is an essential component of genuine faith [[Acts 14:22]].
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): The failure to **continue** in the **law** is directly linked to being under a curse, establishing a high standard of complete obedience [[Galatians 3:10]].
* `{{G2671}}` **katára** (curse): This is presented as the direct consequence for those who fail to **continue** in all the works of the law [[Galatians 3:10]].
* `{{G1242}}` **diathḗkē** (covenant): The Israelites' inability to **continue** in God's **covenant** is cited as a key failure in their relationship with Him [[Hebrews 8:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1696}}` is significant, emphasizing the necessity of enduring commitment.
* **Perseverance of the Saints:** The exhortation for disciples to **continue** in the faith underscores that enduring through tribulation is a mark of true discipleship and a necessary part of the journey into God's kingdom [[Acts 14:22]].
* **The Law and Justification:** Its use in Galatians highlights the uncompromising nature of the law. The requirement to **continue** perfectly in all its demands reveals the impossibility of justification by works and points to the curse from which Christ redeems believers [[Galatians 3:10]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The failure of the fathers to **continue** in the covenant serves as a crucial backdrop for the new covenant established in Christ. It shows that human inability to persevere requires a new and better contract [[Hebrews 8:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1696}}` is a vital term for understanding the biblical concept of perseverance. Though used only a few times, it carries immense theological significance by defining the nature of steadfastness required in faith, the unbending demands of the law, and the faithfulness essential to God's covenant. It illustrates that to **continue** is not a passive act, but a defining characteristic of one's relationship with God.
TRV