from a compound of ἐπί and δῆμος; to make oneself at home, i.e. (by extension) to reside (in a foreign country):--(be) dwelling (which were) there, stranger.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epidēméō**, represented by `{{G1927}}`, means to make oneself at home or to reside in a foreign country. According to its base definition, it is derived from a compound of ἐπί and δῆμος. Appearing **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, the term describes individuals who are dwelling in a place that is not their native land, whether as temporary residents or sojourners.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1927}}` is used exclusively in the book of Acts to identify two distinct groups of sojourners. It first describes the "strangers of Rome" who were dwelling in Jerusalem during the events of Pentecost, a diverse group that specifically included both Jews and "proselytes" [[Acts 2:10]]. Later, it is used in Athens to describe the foreign residents who, along with the native Athenians, "spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing" [[Acts 17:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of being a foreigner or stranger:
* `{{G3581}}` **xénos**: This word for **stranger** or something **foreign** appears alongside `{{G1927}}` in the description of the scene at Athens [[Acts 17:21]]. It is used more broadly to describe believers as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" [[Hebrews 11:13]] and, conversely, those who were "strangers from the covenants of promise" before faith [[Ephesians 2:12]].
* `{{G4339}}` **prosḗlytos**: Meaning a **proselyte** or a convert to Judaism, this term specifies the identity of some of the sojourners mentioned in Acts. It appears directly with `{{G1927}}` to clarify that among the "strangers of Rome" were Gentile converts to the Jewish faith [[Acts 2:10]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G1927}}` itself is primarily descriptive, its context and related terms carry theological weight.
* **The Gathering for Pentecost:** The presence of "strangers" `{{G1927}}` in Jerusalem is crucial. It demonstrates that people from foreign lands, including Gentile converts, were gathered to witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the international scope of the gospel from its inception [[Acts 2:10]].
* **From Stranger to Citizen:** The related term `{{G3581}}` **xénos** illustrates a powerful theological transformation. While believers may be described as "strangers" in the world [[Hebrews 11:13]], the gospel changes their spiritual status. Through Christ, they are "no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God" [[Ephesians 2:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1927}}` is a specific term for a person residing in a foreign land. Its two biblical uses contrast sojourners gathered for a divine appointment in Jerusalem with those dwelling among the philosophical centers of Athens. When viewed alongside related concepts, it contributes to the broader biblical theme of pilgrimage, where faith transforms a person from being a spiritual "stranger" into a full citizen of God's household.
TRV