probably by contraction for (a derivative of a compound of παρά and μένω); constant; Parmenas, a Christian:--Parmenas.
Transliteration:Parmenâs
Pronunciation:par-men-as'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek personal name Παρμενᾶς (Parmenâs, `{{G3937}}`) is understood to be a contraction, likely derived from a compound of παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`, meaning "beside," "with") and μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`, meaning "to stay," "to abide," "to remain"). The base definition provided is "constant." This etymological root suggests a core meaning related to steadfastness, endurance, or unwavering commitment. As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily tied to the character traits it implicitly signifies: one who is firm, persistent, or reliable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Parmenâs (Παρμενᾶς, `{{G3937}}`) occurs only once in the New Testament, within the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 6:5]]: "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch."
In this pivotal passage, Parmenas is listed as one of the seven men selected by the early Christian community in Jerusalem to oversee the daily distribution to the Hellenistic widows, thereby alleviating the apostles so they could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The criteria for selection were explicit: these men were to be "of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" ([[Acts 6:3]]). While the text offers no further biographical details about Parmenas, his inclusion in this inaugural group of deacons implies he was a highly esteemed and spiritually qualified member of the nascent church. His name, signifying "constant," resonates with the qualities of reliability and steadfastness essential for such a foundational role of service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The suggested etymology of Parmenâs points to two significant Greek words:
* παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`): A versatile preposition denoting proximity, origin, comparison, or deviation. In compounds, it often reinforces the idea of being alongside or in continuity with something.
* μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`): A verb meaning "to abide," "to remain," "to stay," "to endure," or "to continue." This verb carries profound theological weight, frequently used to describe the believer's abiding in Christ ([[John 15:4-7]]), God's faithfulness ([[2 Timothy 2:13]]), or the permanence of divine truth ([[1 Peter 1:23]]).
The concept of "constancy" or "steadfastness," inherent in the name Parmenas, aligns with several other key biblical virtues and terms:
* ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`): endurance, perseverance, steadfastness under trial.
* πιστός (pistos, `{{G4103}}`): faithful, trustworthy, believing.
* ἀδιάλειπτος (adialeiptos, `{{G89}}`): unceasing, constant (e.g., in prayer).
These related terms collectively underscore the high value placed on unwavering commitment, perseverance in faith, and enduring service within the Christian life.
### Theological Significance
Though Parmenas is a figure mentioned only once, his presence among the seven chosen men in [[Acts 6]] carries significant theological implications for the early church's development and enduring principles of ministry. His selection highlights:
1. **The Importance of Practical Service:** The appointment of these men addressed a practical need, demonstrating that the church's mission encompasses not only spiritual teaching but also compassionate care and equitable distribution of resources. This service was considered vital to the church's health and witness.
2. **Spiritual Qualification for All Ministry:** The requirement that these servers be "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" elevates practical service beyond mere administration. It establishes that all forms of ministry, even those seemingly mundane, demand spiritual discernment and character, reflecting the potential meaning of Parmenas's name as "constant" in spirit.
3. **Order and Delegation in the Church:** This event marks a crucial step in the organizational structure of the early church, allowing for a division of labor that enabled the apostles to focus on their primary calling of prayer and the ministry of the word. Parmenas's participation in this inaugural group contributes to the establishment of a model for differentiated yet interdependent ministry roles within the body of Christ ([[Ephesians 4:11-12]]).
Parmenâs, by virtue of his name and his singular mention in this foundational context, serves as a quiet testament to the enduring value of consistent, faithful service within the divine economy. His name, "constant," subtly reinforces the theological truth that steadfastness is a quality highly esteemed by God in those who serve His purposes.
### Summary
Parmenâs (`{{G3937}}`) is a Greek personal name, likely meaning "constant" or "steadfast," formed from παρά (beside) and μένω (to remain). He is mentioned only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 6:5]], as one of the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to administer daily distribution to the widows. His selection for this crucial role underscores his reputation as a man "full of the Spirit and of wisdom," highlighting the early church's emphasis on spiritually qualified individuals for practical ministry. While a silent figure in the biblical narrative, Parmenas embodies the virtue of steadfastness and faithful service. His name serves as a subtle theological reminder of the importance of enduring commitment in Christian life and ministry, aligning with concepts such as ὑπομονή (endurance, `{{G5281}}`) and πιστός (faithful, `{{G4103}}`).
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