from ἐν and μένω; to stay in the same place, i.e. (figuratively) persevere:--continue.
Transliteration:emménō
Pronunciation:em-men'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word emménō (G1696), transliterated as *emménō*, is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "within," and the verb μένω (menō `{{G3306}}`), meaning "to remain," "abide," or "stay." The combination yields a core meaning of "to stay in the same place," "to remain within," or "to abide in." Figuratively, and more commonly in its biblical usage, it conveys the sense of "to persevere," "to continue steadfastly," "to hold fast to," or "to abide by" something. The prefix ἐν intensifies the concept of remaining, suggesting a firm and unwavering adherence or persistence *within* a particular state, condition, or commitment, rather than a mere passive presence. It implies an active and resolute determination to maintain one's position or allegiance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term emménō appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
* **[[Acts 14:22]]**: "confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to *continue* in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.'" Here, emménō is a direct imperative for believers to persevere and remain steadfast in their faith despite the inevitable difficulties and suffering (πολλῶν θλίψεων). It emphasizes an active, enduring commitment to their newfound belief, crucial for their spiritual journey and ultimate entrance into God's kingdom. The context is one of encouragement and strengthening disciples amidst persecution.
* **[[Galatians 3:10]]**: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not *abide* by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.'" In this passage, Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 27:26 (LXX), using emménō to describe the absolute and comprehensive adherence required by the Mosaic Law. To "abide by" (ἐμμένει) all things written in the Law implies perfect and continuous obedience to every single commandment. The context highlights the impossibility of such perfect adherence, thereby demonstrating that salvation cannot come through works of the Law, as all humanity falls short and is therefore under a curse.
* **[[Hebrews 8:9]]**: "Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not *continue* in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord." This verse, a quotation from Jeremiah 31:32 (LXX), uses emménō to describe Israel's failure to remain faithful and obedient to the Old Covenant established at Sinai. Their inability to "continue in" (ἐνέμειναν) God's covenant led to divine judgment and the necessity of a new covenant. It underscores the concept of covenant fidelity and the consequences of its breach.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μένω (menō `{{G3306}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to remain," "abide," or "dwell." While menō can denote simple presence, emménō carries the stronger connotation of active, persistent adherence *within* a specified condition or commitment.
* **ὑπομονή (hypomonē `{{G5281}}`):** "Perseverance" or "endurance." emménō describes the *action* of persevering or continuing, while hypomonē refers to the *quality* or virtue of patient endurance in the face of trials. One who emménō demonstrates hypomonē.
* **προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō `{{G4342}}`):** "To steadfastly continue," "to persist in," "to be devoted to." Similar to emménō in conveying persistence, but often with a nuance of diligent application or devotion to a task or group.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The concept of remaining true and faithful to the terms and spirit of a covenant, whether between God and humanity or among humans. emménō is central to understanding this biblical theme.
* **Steadfastness in Faith:** The unwavering commitment and perseverance required of believers in their walk with God, particularly in the face of opposition or temptation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of emménō is profound, touching upon key doctrines of covenant, law, and Christian discipleship.
Firstly, in the context of **covenant theology**, emménō highlights the divine expectation of human faithfulness. [[Hebrews 8:9]] powerfully illustrates that Israel's failure to emménō in the Mosaic Covenant was a primary reason for its obsolescence and the subsequent establishment of the New Covenant. This underscores the reciprocal nature of covenant, where human adherence is crucial, even if imperfect.
Secondly, its usage in **soteriology** (the doctrine of salvation) is critical, particularly in [[Galatians 3:10]]. Paul's argument demonstrates that no one can perfectly emménō to all the demands of the Law. This impossibility reveals the Law's function not as a means to salvation, but as a revealer of sin, thereby pointing humanity to the necessity of grace through faith in Christ. The curse falls on those who fail to emménō perfectly, establishing the Law's absolute demand and humanity's inherent inability to meet it.
Thirdly, emménō carries significant implications for **Christian discipleship and sanctification**. The exhortation in [[Acts 14:22]] to emménō in the faith emphasizes the active role of the believer in persevering through trials. It is a call to steadfastness, a recognition that faith is not a static declaration but a dynamic, enduring commitment that must be maintained amidst the challenges of life. This perseverance is not meritorious but is an evidence of genuine faith and a necessary component of the Christian journey towards the kingdom of God.
### Summary
The Greek word emménō (G1696) signifies an active and unwavering adherence, a steadfast continuation, or a firm abiding within a particular commitment or state. Derived from ἐν (in/within) and μένω (to remain), it implies a resolute persistence rather than passive presence. Its New Testament occurrences illuminate crucial theological themes: in [[Hebrews 8:9]], it describes Israel's failure to continue in the Old Covenant, highlighting the breach of covenant fidelity; in [[Galatians 3:10]], it underscores the impossible demand of the Law for perfect abiding by its every command, thereby revealing humanity's need for grace; and in [[Acts 14:22]], it serves as a vital exhortation for believers to continue steadfastly in the faith despite tribulations. Thus, emménō encapsulates the profound biblical concept of enduring faithfulness, whether in relation to God's covenants, His Law, or the personal journey of Christian discipleship.
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