ἐμμένω (G1696) — Greek Lexicon

ἐμμένω

emménō

G1696 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To remain or persist in a particular condition, relationship, or state; to continue steadfastly in an activity, commitment, or association. The primary meaning is 'to remain (in or at),' extending metaphorically to 'to persist, to adhere, to persevere, to maintain loyalty.' In Koine Greek, this often refers to remaining faithful within a specific sphere (such as a covenant, teaching, or community).

Semantic Range

to remain present in or with, to continue within a state or condition, to persist in holding to an action or commitment, to keep faithfully to an agreement or relationship, to persevere, to adhere steadfastly, to abide

Root / Etymology

ἐμμένω is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν ('in') and the verb μένω ('to remain, stay, abide'). Thus, it literally means 'to remain in.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Ἐμμένω is found primarily in later Greek (Hellenistic and Koine periods), often in the Septuagint and New Testament. The compound intensifies the sense of the simple μένω by specifying the locus in which the persistence occurs — e.g., remaining within a relationship, agreement, or body of teaching. In classical Greek, μένω is used broadly for 'remaining' or 'abiding,' but the compound ἐμμένω is less common and appears especially in post-classical sources. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term is used figuratively for firmness in faith, adherence to commandments, or constancy in personal relations and agreements. English translations often use 'continue,' 'abide,' or 'remain,' but these do not always capture the strong nuance of enduring loyalty or steadfastness, especially where legal, covenantal, or personal obligations are in view. The sense of 'persevering' reflects not just passive duration but active steadfastness or fidelity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐν and μένω; to stay in the same place, i.e. (figuratively) persevere:--continue.

Root Family

ἐμμένω (emménō) — to remain, to persist, to continue

Root μέν- to remain, to persist, to continue

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G1696-03`	ἐνέμειναν	enemeinan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	continue	they remained steadfast	they remained steadfast	1
`G1696-02`	ἐμμένειν	emmenein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to continue	to remain in	to continue	1
`G1696-04`	ἐνέμεινεν	enemeinen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	he stayed	he remained in	he remained	1
`G1696-01`	ἐμμένει	emmenei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	continues in	remains in	remains in	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G1696-02`	Acts 14:22	ἐμμένειν	emmenein	`V PRS ACT INF`	to continue	to remain in	to continue
`G1696-04`	Acts 28:30	ἐνέμεινεν	enemeinen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	he stayed	he remained in	he remained
`G1696-01`	Galatians 3:10	ἐμμένει	emmenei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	continues in	remains in	remains in
`G1696-03`	Hebrews 8:9	ἐνέμειναν	enemeinan	`V AOR ACT IND 3P PL`	continue	they remained steadfast	they remained steadfast

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