μονή
lodging, dwelling-place, room
Definition
The Greek word μονή (monē) primarily means a dwelling place, abode, or room where one stays. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively by Jesus in the Gospel of John to describe a place of residence. In John 14:2, it refers to the 'many rooms' or 'dwelling places' in the Father's house, which Jesus prepares for his followers. In John 14:23, the meaning shifts slightly to denote a mutual indwelling, as Jesus and the Father will make their 'home' or 'abode' with the believer who loves and obeys him.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in John 14 (verses 2 and 23). In John 14:2, it is used in the plural ('μοναί') to describe the prepared places in heaven. In John 14:23, it is singular, describing the spiritual dwelling of God with an individual believer. Its usage is thus confined to a theological context about divine presence and eternal habitation.
Etymology
Derived from the verb μένω (menō, G3306), meaning 'to remain, abide, or dwell.' The noun μονή essentially denotes the place or state of remaining. It is related to the idea of permanence and settled residence, contrasting with temporary lodging.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it conveys the promise of eternal fellowship with God. In John 14:2, it assures believers of a permanent place in God's presence. In John 14:23, it describes the intimate, indwelling relationship of the Trinity within the obedient Christian. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting the concepts of divine hospitality, eternal security, and the present reality of God's dwelling with believers.
In the ancient world, the concept of a 'μονή' could imply a guest room or a permanent residence within a larger household. Jesus' audience would have understood the Father's house as a familial dwelling, making the promise of a prepared place deeply personal and relational, contrasting with impersonal or temporary shelters.
οἰκία (oikia, G3614) — a house or household, a broader term for a dwelling; κατοικητήριον (katōikētērion, G2732) — a habitation or dwelling place, often with a settled, permanent connotation; σκηνή (skēnē, G4633) — a tent or tabernacle, often implying a temporary dwelling.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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