Παρμενᾶς
Parmenâs
G3937 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper name: Parmenas. Used as a personal name in the New Testament, primarily referring to one of the seven chosen in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5); functions as an identifier of an individual rather than carrying an independent lexical meaning in context. The name may embody the sense of 'steadfastness' or 'one who remains (faithful/beside),' but this is secondary to its use as a name.
Semantic Range
a personal name (Parmenas), possibly bearing the sense 'steadfast, constant, one who remains (beside)', but only attested as a name in Koine sources
Root / Etymology
From Greek elements παρά ('beside, with') and μένω ('to remain, abide'), likely contracted from a compound derivative, thus conveying the sense of 'one who remains beside' or 'steadfast.' Etymology uncertain due to limited evidence of the name outside biblical usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name Παρμενᾶς appears in Acts 6:5 as one of seven chosen to serve in the community at Jerusalem. The name is rare in extant Greek literature and inscriptions, and there is no evidence it functioned as a common noun or had a broader semantic usage in Koine Greek. In biblical and contemporary usage, it serves strictly as a proper name. Traditional English translations have rendered the name unchanged as 'Parmenas.' There is no further lexical development or shifting of meaning reflected in New Testament or Septuagint usage. The etymological sense of 'steady' or 'constant,' implied in some lexica and by Strong's, does not reflect contextual lexical meaning but is reconstructed from the root.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably by contraction for (a derivative of a compound of παρά and μένω); constant; Parmenas, a Christian:--Parmenas.
Root Family
Παρμενᾶς (Parmenas) — to remain, to abide, to stay
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3937-01 |
Παρμενᾶν | parmenan | N ACC M SG |
Parmenas | Parmenas | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3937-01 |
Acts 6:5 | Παρμενᾶν | parmenan | N ACC M SG |
Parmenas | Parmenas |