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 ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō, `{{G1927}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "among," and the noun δῆμος (dēmos), referring to "people" or a "district." Etymologically, it suggests being "among the people." However, its semantic range in biblical and classical Greek specifically denotes the act of residing or dwelling *as a foreigner* in a place that is not one's native land. It carries the nuance of making oneself "at home" in a foreign country, implying a period of residence rather than a mere transient visit. The word captures the status of a non-native resident, a sojourner, or a resident alien.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō, `{{G1927}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Book of Acts, providing insight into its usage:
* **[[Acts 2:10]]**: In the account of Pentecost, the text lists various nationalities present in Jerusalem, stating, "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes." The phrase "visitors from Rome" translates οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες Ῥωμαῖοι (hoi epidēmoūntes Rhōmaioi). Here, ἐπιδημέω describes individuals who were not native to Jerusalem but were "dwelling there," likely for the feast of Pentecost, or perhaps as longer-term resident aliens. The term emphasizes their non-native status while acknowledging their presence and participation in the local life, even if temporary.
* **[[Acts 17:21]]**: Describing the intellectual climate of Athens, Luke writes, "(Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who were sojourning there spent their time in nothing else but telling or hearing something new.)" The phrase "foreigners who were sojourning there" translates οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες ξένοι (hoi epidēmoūntes xenoi). In this context, ἐπιδημέω explicitly characterizes ξένοι (xenoi, `{{G3581}}`, strangers/foreigners) who were residing in Athens. It highlights their status as temporary or non-permanent residents, yet ones who were sufficiently integrated into the city's life to engage in its characteristic intellectual pursuits.
In both instances, ἐπιδημέω describes individuals who are living in a place that is not their homeland, whether for a specific purpose (like a religious festival) or as a general mode of life in a cosmopolitan center.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō, `{{G1927}}`) intersects with several other Greek terms related to dwelling and foreignness:
* **`{{G3940}}` πάροικος (paroikos)**: A sojourner, resident alien, or stranger. This noun describes the *status* of being a non-native resident. It is frequently used to describe believers as "strangers and pilgrims" on earth (e.g., [[1 Peter 2:11]]). While ἐπιδημέω focuses on the *act* of residing as a non-native, πάροικος defines the *identity* or *condition*.
* **`{{G3939}}` παροικέω (paroikeō)**: The verb form of πάροικος, meaning "to dwell as a sojourner" or "to live as a foreigner." It is very close in meaning to ἐπιδημέω, perhaps with a slightly stronger emphasis on the temporary or non-permanent nature of the dwelling.
* **`{{G3927}}` παρεπίδημος (parepidēmos)**: A stranger, a pilgrim, an exile, or a sojourner. This word intensifies the concept of temporary residence, often implying one who is "passing through" or residing briefly in a foreign land. It is used in [[1 Peter 1:1]] and [[1 Peter 2:11]] to describe Christians as "exiles" or "strangers" in this world.
* **`{{G3611}}` οἰκέω (oikeō)**: A more general term meaning "to dwell," "to inhabit," or "to reside." Unlike ἐπιδημέω, οἰκέω does not inherently carry the nuance of foreignness or temporary residence. ἐπιδημέω specifies a particular *kind* of dwelling.
* **`{{H1481}}` גּוּר (gur)**: In the Old Testament, this Hebrew verb often describes sojourning or dwelling as a temporary resident, often a non-Israelite in Israel, or an Israelite in a foreign land. It captures a similar concept of being a resident alien.
### Theological Significance
While ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō, `{{G1927}}`) primarily describes a literal, physical dwelling as a non-native, its occurrences contribute to broader theological themes:
* **The Universal Scope of the Gospel:** In [[Acts 2:10]], the presence of ἐπιδημοῦντες from diverse nations at Pentecost underscores God's universal plan for salvation. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit transcends ethnic and national boundaries, reaching those who are "dwelling" in Jerusalem from every corner of the known world, demonstrating the inclusive and global nature of the gospel message.
* **Engagement with Culture and Society:** The use of ἐπιδημέω in [[Acts 17:21]] to describe foreigners in Athens highlights a form of engagement within a foreign culture. Paul's subsequent interaction with the Athenians on Mars Hill demonstrates that the gospel is not confined to a particular people or place but actively engages with the intellectual and cultural landscape of the places where believers "sojourn." It implies a presence and interaction, even if temporary, rather than isolation.
* **The Church as Sojourners:** Although ἐπιδημέω itself is not used to describe the eschatological status of believers, its semantic field contributes to the overarching biblical theme of God's people as sojourners or aliens in this world. The early church understood itself as resident aliens, citizens of heaven ([[Philippians 3:20]]) living in a foreign land, awaiting their true, eternal home. This concept is more explicitly developed with words like πάροικος (paroikos, `{{G3940}}`) and παρεπίδημος (parepidēmos, `{{G3927}}`), but ἐπιδημέω provides a foundational understanding of what it means to dwell temporarily in a place that is not one's ultimate origin.
* **Hospitality to Strangers:** The existence of those who ἐπιδημέω also implicitly relates to the biblical mandate for hospitality towards strangers and sojourners (e.g., [[Hebrews 13:2]], [[Leviticus 19:34]]). Those who are "dwelling" as foreigners are often dependent on the welcome and care of the native residents.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō, `{{G1927}}`) precisely describes the act of dwelling or residing as a non-native in a foreign country or among a people who are not one's own. Its etymology from ἐπί (upon/among) and δῆμος (people/district) points to being "among the people," but specifically in a non-native context. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in the Book of Acts, illuminate this core meaning: in [[Acts 2:10]], it refers to "visitors from Rome" and other regions "dwelling" in Jerusalem for Pentecost, underscoring the universal reach of God's Spirit; and in [[Acts 17:21]], it describes "foreigners who were sojourning" in Athens, highlighting the engagement of the gospel with diverse cultures. While less frequent than related terms like πάροικος (paroikos, `{{G3940}}`) or παρεπίδημος (parepidēmos, `{{G3927}}`), ἐπιδημέω contributes to the rich biblical tapestry that portrays God's people as sojourners or resident aliens in the world, emphasizing their temporary dwelling and active engagement within a non-native context, all while anticipating their ultimate, eternal home.
TRV