[Greek] μένω (menō), [Latin] manere, [Latin] sustinere, [Latin] intrare, [Latin] habitare, [Latin] permenere, [Latin] remanere, [Latin] morare, [Latin] sequere: to remain, to reside, to abide, to endure, to last, to stay, to be present, to dwell, to continue, to wait for, to continue to be, to keep, to tarry; 127 scriptural references
The Oracle (priestess) of Dephi abides (in a trance-like state) in the god’s presence
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: In addition to the interaction with the gods, this term takes on various and nuanced meanings in the Greek culture. In his Socratic dialogues, Plato finds Euthyphro who cannot maintain his definition of piousness. This term can simply mean staying overnight or dwelling at one’s residence. A prisoner attempts to stay alive (maintains his existence). One, who is steady or standing fast against opposition, remains true to his convictions. Reference is made to the unchanging (fixed) nature of the stars. This term can also mean waiting for or expecting someone.
The gods: Man’s relationship with the many gods can be best described as fleeting rather than stable and long lasting. This is indicated by periodically invoking the gods, being temporarily absorbed (losing one’s identity), and calling up oracles (priestesses) to seek divine guidance. This fleeting and abiding relationship stands in stark contrast with the Judeo-Christian concept of a strong abiding relationship with God. However, John, although influenced by Hellenism, greatly emphasizes the importance of relational abiding.
Old Testament: The abiding of persons and things related to God takes on religious and theological significance. God endures while the affairs of earth and man pass away. The enemies have been ruined forever (Isa.9:7). His possessions shall not endure (Job. 15:29). God is thus superior to the false gods (Dan.6:27). The new Jerusalem is the city which will know no destruction (Zech.14:10). Divine wisdom remains and will make all things new (Psa.111:3). The righteous will share in God’s abiding (Sir. 44:13). The noble man stands in the face of the ungodly (Isa.32:8).
New Testament: This term, continuing the Old Testament idea of God’s permanence, has the sense of staying (remaining), waiting for, continuing to exist, and keeping on. This term is found over 100 times in the New Testament. This term is also found over 34 times in John’s Gospel. This term is found over 20 times in 1 Jn. Various abiding relationship involving the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and man are found throughout scripture. John draws from and surpasses Hellenistic principles of abiding. In doing so, John elevates Christianity above Hellenistic mysticism. Essentially, these relationships are enduring.
Scripture:
“John testified further, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon Him’.” Jn. 1:32
John emphasizes the permanency of the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The verb ‘remain’ becomes a favorite verb for John.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” Jn.3:36
Ultimately, we are given a choice whether or not to believe in the Son. We can have eternal life or receive God’s wrath. God (Jesus) also remains faithful to us.
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always.” Jn.14:16
The Holy Spirit is a teacher and witness who represents for us the continued presence of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Mansion, manor, remain, sustain, enter, entry, habit, habitation, permanence, permanent, sequester
On some level, I was surprised by the many nuanced meaning of this Greek term, ranging from waiting for someone to staying alive. In an age of gods and philosophers, perhaps I should not be surprised. I can certainly now understand why man’s relationship with the gods were very fleeting.
Beginning with the Old Testament, there comes quite an extraordinary paradigm shift in focusing on the unchanging nature of God. Therefore, it is not surprising that this idea continues in the New Testament period, which emphasized abiding relationships. I did not realize that such a great importance of abiding is found in John’s gospels and letters.
In a related note, Jn. 14:2 Jesus mentions in His Father’s house there are many dwelling places (mansions) that will prepared for each of us. This comes from the deep abiding relationship that God has for us. The Greek word for mansion (abode) is μονή. As you know, God always remains faithful to us. But sometimes, it feels like it “remains to be seen” when we go through those struggles and difficulties in our lives. I am sure I am not alone when speaking about this.
Update: Remaining issues from “the most secure election in US history”:
Arizona: Continued pushback against a forensic examination of ballots in Maricopa County, ballots in dumpsters, ballots burned.
Nevada: 90,000 undeliverable ballots, unsafe on-line early voting
Wisconsin: Democratic operative having access to absentee voting ballots
Georgia: Failed custody of 405,000 ballots
Michigan: Ballot drop after election deadline, voting fraud case in Antrim County reinstated
New Hampshire: NH House Election Law Committee votes 20-0 to forensic examine Dominion voting machines
No wonder why Americans ‘ lack of confidence in the integrity of our election remains the same. Unless we have a full forensic examination of the votes (ballots), the American people will no longer abide (have respect) for a candidate or his legitimacy of his election.
