### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **geítōn**, represented by `{{G1069}}`, defines a **neighbour**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the word for earth or ground (γῆ), its primary meaning is one whose land adjoins another's. By implication, it also extends to mean a friend or associate within one's community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1069}}` consistently refers to people in one's immediate social sphere. In a lesson on hospitality, Jesus advises against inviting rich **neighbours** `{{G1069}}` who can repay the kindness, contrasting it with true charity [[Luke 14:12]]. The term is also used twice in the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, where the one who finds what was lost calls together friends and **neighbours** to share in the joy ([[Luke 15:6]], [[Luke 15:9]]). Elsewhere, the **neighbours** of the man born blind are the ones who question if he is the same person they knew as a beggar, serving as witnesses to his previous condition [[John 9:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the social circles in which a **neighbour** is found:
* `{{G5384}}` **phílos** (friend): This term for a dear associate or friend is frequently paired with **geítōn**. It appears in the parables of rejoicing, where one calls together both "friends and **neighbours**" to celebrate ([[Luke 15:6]], [[Luke 15:9]]).
* `{{G4773}}` **syngenḗs** (kinsmen): This word for a blood relative is listed alongside brethren, friends, and **neighbours** to describe a person's complete social and familial network [[Luke 14:12]].
* `{{G4779}}` **synkaléō** (call together): This is the action word used to describe the gathering of friends and **neighbours**. It signifies the act of convoking a community for a shared purpose, specifically for rejoicing ([[Luke 15:6]], [[Luke 15:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1069}}` carries specific social and theological weight in the New Testament.
* **Communal Rejoicing:** The parables of the lost sheep and coin establish that **neighbours** are central to the community of celebration. Finding what was lost is not a private joy but an event to be shared with those nearby, mirroring the joy in heaven ([[Luke 15:6]], [[Luke 15:9]]).
* **Social Witness:** Neighbours function as the primary witnesses to a person’s life and circumstances. In the healing of the blind man, their testimony confirms the reality of his former state, thereby magnifying the miracle [[John 9:8]].
* **Kingdom Hospitality:** Jesus uses the example of "rich **neighbours**" to challenge conventional social obligations. His teaching redefines hospitality, shifting the focus from reciprocal relationships to selfless giving toward those who cannot repay [[Luke 14:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1069}}` is more than just a geographic descriptor. It defines a person as part of a local community, someone who participates in the shared experiences of life. Whether as a witness to a miracle, a participant in communal joy, or a figure in a lesson on true charity, the **neighbour** plays a vital role in the social fabric of the biblical narrative. The word illustrates the importance of the immediate community in both daily life and spiritual matters.
TRV