from μένω; a staying, i.e. residence (the act or the place):--abode, mansion.
Transliteration:monḗ
Pronunciation:mon-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μονή (monḗ, `{{G3438}}`) is derived from the verb μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`), which means "to remain," "to abide," "to stay," or "to endure." Consequently, μονή inherently carries the semantic weight of permanence, dwelling, and continued presence. Its core meaning encompasses both the *act* of staying or abiding and the *place* where one stays or dwells. While the King James Version's translation "mansion" in [[John 14:2]] might suggest a grand, opulent dwelling, the primary sense of μονή is simply an "abode" or "dwelling place," emphasizing a secure and lasting residence rather than luxuriousness. The semantic range thus includes a temporary or permanent residence, a lodging, or a dwelling place, always imbued with the idea of remaining.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μονή appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of John, specifically in Jesus' Farewell Discourse:
* **[[John 14:2]]:** "In My Father’s house are many μονή (dwelling places/mansions); if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." Here, μονή refers to the multiple dwelling places prepared for believers within the divine household. The plurality ("many") underscores the abundance of God's provision for all who believe. This context emphasizes a future, eternal residence, a secure and permanent home in the eschatological realm, personally prepared by Christ Himself. It is a promise of divine hospitality and an assurance against fear regarding the future.
* **[[John 14:23]]:** "Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our μονή (abode/dwelling place) with him.'" In this instance, the meaning shifts from a future, heavenly dwelling to a present, spiritual indwelling. μονή describes the Father and the Son making their permanent dwelling *within* the believer. This signifies not merely a visitation but a profound, intimate, and continuous presence of the Godhead in the life of the obedient and loving disciple. It highlights a reciprocal relationship: as believers abide in Christ, so too Christ and the Father abide in them.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of μονή is enriched by its relationship to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`):** The foundational verb from which μονή is derived. Its pervasive New Testament usage, particularly in John's Gospel, to mean "to abide," "to remain," or "to continue" (e.g., [[John 15:4-7]], "Abide in Me, and I in you") provides the essential backdrop for μονή. The concept of mutual abiding is central.
* **οἶκος (oikos, `{{G3624}}`):** Meaning "house" or "household." In [[John 14:2]], μονή refers to dwelling places *within* the Father's οἶκος, indicating individual abodes within a larger divine structure.
* **κατοικέω (katoikeō, `{{G2730}}`):** Another common verb for "to dwell" or "to inhabit," often used for physical habitation or God's dwelling among His people (e.g., [[Colossians 1:19]] regarding the fullness of God dwelling in Christ). While similar, μονή carries a stronger nuance of permanent or settled abiding.
* **σκηνή (skēnē, `{{G4636}}`):** "Tent" or "tabernacle." Often used in the Septuagint and New Testament to describe a temporary dwelling or God's presence in the tabernacle (e.g., [[Revelation 21:3]], "the tabernacle of God is with men"). This contrasts with the more permanent and settled nature implied by μονή.
* **παρουσία (parousia, `{{G3952}}`):** "Presence" or "coming." While μονή speaks to the state of dwelling, παρουσία denotes the arrival and subsequent presence of a person, which can lead to a dwelling.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of μονή in John 14 carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Hospitality and Eschatological Hope:** μονή in [[John 14:2]] assures believers of a secure, prepared, and permanent home in the Father's presence. This promise of "many dwelling places" speaks to God's abundant grace and provision for His redeemed people in the age to come. It provides comfort and hope in the face of death and uncertainty, emphasizing that Christ's departure is for the purpose of preparing this eternal abode.
* **Intimate Divine Indwelling:** μονή in [[John 14:23]] unveils the astonishing truth of the Trinitarian indwelling within the believer. It is not merely God being *present* with us, but God making His *abode* *in* us. This signifies a deep, personal, and reciprocal relationship where the divine presence transforms the believer from within. This indwelling is conditioned by love for Christ and obedience to His word, highlighting the dynamic and relational nature of salvation.
* **Continuity of Abiding:** The connection to the verb μένω underscores the theological theme of abiding. Just as believers are commanded and enabled to abide in Christ (e.g., through the vine and branches analogy in John 15), so too Christ and the Father promise to abide in believers. This mutual indwelling is the very essence of the New Covenant relationship, establishing an unbreakable bond.
* **Bridging Future and Present Realities:** μονή beautifully bridges the gap between future eschatological hope (heavenly dwelling) and present spiritual reality (divine indwelling). The promise of a future home is paralleled by the experience of God's present, intimate presence, offering a foretaste of the eternal relationship and demonstrating the ongoing work of the Spirit in the lives of believers.
### Summary
The Greek word μονή (monḗ, `{{G3438}}`), rooted in μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}` "to remain, abide"), denotes both the act of staying and a place of dwelling. Its two exclusive New Testament occurrences in John 14 are pivotal. In [[John 14:2]], μονή refers to the "many dwelling places" prepared by Christ in the Father's house, assuring believers of a secure and permanent eternal home. This emphasizes God's abundant provision and the hope of a future, heavenly abode. In [[John 14:23]], μονή describes the Father and Son making "Our abode" with those who love Christ and obey His word, revealing the profound, present, and intimate spiritual indwelling of the Godhead within the believer. Together, these uses of μονή illuminate the dual reality of God's faithful provision for our eternal dwelling and His transforming, intimate presence in our present lives, forming the core of the New Covenant relationship of mutual abiding.
TRV