Abide

To abide, in the language of Scripture, means somewhat more than merely the remaining in one place. It implies an adherence to a thing; or an union with, and connection with it. Thus Jesus saith, Joh 15:4 "Abide in me and I in you." So, speaking of the Holy Ghost, he saith, "He shall abide with you for ever." Joh 14:16. And his servants, the apostles, use similar expressions, in the same sense. The apostles, Paul and John, describe the indwelling residence of the Holy Ghost, and a vital union with Christ, under thischaracter of abiding. (See 2Ti 2:13. 1Jn 2:27 9.8.) It is a blessed consideration, in the view of this doctrine, that when Jesus saith, "Abide in me, and I in you;" and a little after; "Continue ye in my love:" Joh 15:4 Joh 15:9 it is not a mere precept, without imparting with it ability. But it is, willing them into an ability, by virtue of a oneness with them, as the head of efficiency, to the members of his body. He directs the thing to be done and he enables them to do it; according to that blessed promise: "Thy people shall bewilling in the day of thy power." Psa 90:3

a-bı̄d´: Old English word signifying progressively to “await,” “remain,” “lodge,” “sojourn,” “dwell,” “continue,” “endure”; represented richly in Old Testament (King James Version) by 12 Hebrew and in New Testament by as many Greek words. In the Revised Version (British and American) displaced often by words meaning “to sojourn,” “dwell,” “encamp.” The Hebrew and Greek originals in most frequent use are ישב, yāshabh, “to dwell”; μένω, ménō, “to remain.” “Abide (sit or tarry) ye here” (Gen 22:5); “The earth abide (continueth) forever” (Ecc 1:4); “Who can abide (bear or endure) the day?” (Mal 3:2); “Afflictions abide (await) me” (Act 20:23). The past tense abode, in frequent use, has the same meaning. “His bow abide (remained) in strength” (Gen 49:24); “There he abide” (dwelt) (Joh 10:40).

Abode, as a noun (Greek μονή, monḗ) twice in New Testament: “make our abide with him” (Joh 14:23); “mansions,” the Revised Version, margin “abiding-places” Joh 14:2). The soul of the true disciple and heaven are dwelling-places of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

To remain consistently in fellowship with God by maintaining a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Most commonly used in the phrase "abide in Christ." (For further study, turn to "Live as a Disciple.")

—New Believer’s Bible Glossary