παραμένω
paraménō
G3887 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To remain beside or continue to be present alongside someone or something; in various contexts, to stay near, persist in association, abide, continue to be present, or endure for a duration. The verb emphasizes persistence of presence, whether physically or relationally, and can denote continuing with a person, remaining in a place, or sustaining a condition over time.
Semantic Range
to remain near, to continue alongside, to stay with, to abide, to persist in association, to endure, to continue to be present
Root / Etymology
From παρά (beside, near) and μένω (to remain, continue). The prefix παρά adds the nuance of nearness or proximity, intensifying the sense of staying with or alongside.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, παραμένω is rare but understandable as a compound verb formed by the regular addition of παρά to μένω, conveying the idea of remaining near or close by. In Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament and related literature, its use primarily foregrounds the aspect of persistence and continued presence in companionship or in a given situation. The term does not inherently imply emotional attachment but rather the act of staying or enduring in proximity—whether physically, relationally, or in a figurative sense such as persisting in faith or commitment. English translations such as "abide" or "continue" often render παραμένω, but may under-represent its relational or locational nuance. The sense of permanence is contextual, and the verb may appear in situations emphasizing steadfastness or ongoing accompaniment. παραμένω is distinct from μένω (to remain), in that the prefix παρά gives an overtone of nearness or accompaniment. The word is less common than μένω, and shares a family with similar compounds like καταμένω (to remain down, persevere) and διαμένω (to remain through). Its usage in the New Testament is generally literal or relational, highlighting companionship or continued presence, and does not carry later theological connotations attaching special significance to abiding.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from παρά and μένω; to stay near, i.e. remain (literally, tarry; or figuratively, be permanent, persevere):--abide, continue.
Root Family
παραμένω (paramenō) — remain, stay, persist alongside
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3887-03 |
παραμενῶ | parameno | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
continue with | I will remain alongside | I will remain alongside | 2 |
G3887-02 |
παραμένειν | paramenein | V PRS ACT INF |
from continuing | to continue remaining alongside | to continue remaining alongside | 1 |
G3887-01 |
παραμείνας | parameinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
continues | having remained alongside | having remained alongside | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3887-03 |
1 Corinthians 16:6 | παραμενῶ | parameno | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will stay | I will remain alongside | I will remain alongside |
G3887-03 |
Philippians 1:25 | παραμενῶ | parameno | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
continue with | I will remain alongside | I will remain alongside |
G3887-02 |
Hebrews 7:23 | παραμένειν | paramenein | V PRS ACT INF |
from continuing | to continue remaining alongside | to continue remaining alongside |
G3887-01 |
James 1:25 | παραμείνας | parameinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
continues | having remained alongside | having remained alongside |