### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐγκατοικέω (enkatoikéō, `{{G1460}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐν (en, "in," "among") and the verb κατοικέω (katoikeō, `{{G2730}}`, "to dwell," "to inhabit," "to settle down"). The base verb κατοικέω signifies a settled residence, a taking up of permanent abode, as opposed to a temporary stay. The prefix ἐν intensifies or specifies this dwelling, indicating a residence *within* or *among* a particular group, place, or people. Thus, enkatoikéō denotes a settled dwelling that implies close proximity, integration, or a sustained presence within a specific environment or community. It emphasizes not merely dwelling *at* a location, but dwelling *among* its inhabitants, suggesting a degree of immersion or association.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐγκατοικέω (enkatoikéō, `{{G1460}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Second Epistle of Peter:
* **[[2 Peter 2:8]]**: "for by what he saw and heard, that righteous man dwelling among them day after day, was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds" (ESV).
* In this sole occurrence, the word describes Lot's prolonged presence in Sodom. The phrase "dwelling among them" (ἐγκατοικῶν ἐν αὐτοῖς) is crucial. It highlights that Lot was not merely an inhabitant of the city, but was intimately situated *within* the community of the wicked Sodomites. This close proximity and daily interaction ("day after day") with their "lawless deeds" caused him profound spiritual distress and torment. The use of enkatoikéō here underscores the immersive nature of his dwelling, making his righteousness all the more striking against the backdrop of pervasive depravity. His settled presence among them was not one of complicity but of suffering witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with enkatoikéō (`{{G1460}}`), yet each carries distinct nuances:
* κατοικέω (katoikeō, `{{G2730}}`): The base verb, meaning to dwell, inhabit, or settle. enkatoikéō adds the specific emphasis of dwelling *among* or *within*.
* οἰκέω (oikeō, `{{G3611}}`): A more general term for dwelling or living, without the strong sense of permanence or specific location implied by κατοικέω.
* παροικέω (paroikeō, `{{G3939}}`): To sojourn, to dwell as a stranger or alien. This stands in contrast to enkatoikéō, which suggests a more settled and integrated presence, even if one remains distinct morally.
* ἐνοικέω (enoikeō, `{{G1774}}`): To dwell in or inhabit, often used for an internal dwelling, such as the Holy Spirit dwelling *in* believers ([[Romans 8:11]], [[2 Timothy 1:14]]). While also using the ἐν prefix, enkatoikéō typically describes an external, spatial dwelling *among* others, rather than an internal, spiritual indwelling.
* Concepts of residency, settled presence, immersion, and the moral challenge of being present in a corrupt environment are all related to the meaning of enkatoikéō.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of enkatoikéō (`{{G1460}}`) in [[2 Peter 2:8]] carries significant theological weight. It serves primarily to emphasize the unique and challenging position of Lot as a righteous man *dwelling among* the utterly unrighteous.
1. **Righteousness in a Corrupt Environment:** The word highlights the profound moral contrast between Lot and the inhabitants of Sodom. His "dwelling among them" was not a comfortable assimilation but a source of intense spiritual pain ("tormenting his righteous soul"). This underscores the difficulty and spiritual cost of maintaining integrity and godliness when immersed in a profoundly wicked culture.
2. **Witness and Suffering:** Lot's experience becomes an archetype for believers who are called to live *in* the world but not *of* the world ([[John 17:15-16]]). His settled presence among the wicked, though painful, served as a silent witness to their depravity and God's impending judgment. It illustrates that righteous dwelling in unrighteous settings often entails suffering and spiritual anguish.
3. **God's Knowledge and Deliverance:** The context of [[2 Peter 2]] is God's judgment on the ungodly and His deliverance of the righteous. The detailed description of Lot's enkatoikéō emphasizes God's precise knowledge of the circumstances of His faithful ones and His ability to discern and rescue them even from the most corrupt environments.
### Summary
ἐγκατοικέω (enkatoikéō, `{{G1460}}`) is a Greek verb meaning to settle down and reside *among* or *within* a particular group or place. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Peter 2:8]] powerfully describes Lot's sustained dwelling *among* the wicked inhabitants of Sodom. This usage underscores the immersive nature of his presence and the profound spiritual torment he experienced daily due to their lawless deeds. Theologically, enkatoikéō highlights the challenge and suffering of the righteous living in close proximity to pervasive unrighteousness, serving as a poignant example of maintaining integrity while dwelling in a fallen world. It implicitly reinforces God's awareness and ultimate deliverance of those who remain faithful amidst corruption.
TRV