### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katoikía**, represented by `{{G2733}}`, refers to a **habitation**. It appears just **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, signifying a highly specific theological point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G2733}}` is found in [[Acts 17:26]], where it describes God's sovereign act of determining the physical boundaries for humanity. The verse states that God has appointed the "bounds of their **habitation**," linking the place where people live directly to His divine plan and order for all nations. This establishes that the dwelling places of mankind are not a matter of chance, but are set by God's authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of this divinely appointed dwelling:
* `{{G2730}}` **katoikéō** (to house permanently, i.e. reside): This verb form is used to describe people who **dwell** on the earth [[Revelation 13:8]] and, in a contrasting spiritual sense, that God does not **dwell** in temples made with hands [[Acts 17:24]]. It is also used to express the desire for Christ to **dwell** in the hearts of believers [[Ephesians 3:17]].
* `{{G3724}}` **horízō** (to mark out or bound... appoint, decree, specify): This word describes the action taken upon the habitation. In its only context, God has "determined" the bounds, showing His authority to ordain where people live [[Acts 17:26]].
* `{{G3734}}` **horothesía** (a limit-placing, i.e. (concretely) boundary-line): This noun is used in direct connection with `{{G2733}}` to specify the "bounds" of the habitation, emphasizing the concrete limits that God has established for humanity [[Acts 17:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2733}}` is concentrated in its single appearance:
* **God's Sovereignty over Nations:** The concept of **habitation** is presented within the framework of God's absolute authority. He is the one who has "made of one blood all nations of men" and "hath determined" not only their appointed times but also the very boundaries of their dwelling places [[Acts 17:26]].
* **A Purposeful and Ordered World:** The use of words like "determined" `{{G3724}}` and "bounds" `{{G3734}}` in relation to **habitation** reveals a world that is not random. God has established a specific, ordered plan for where people live on the earth [[Acts 17:26]].
* **Universal Scope of God's Plan:** The act of assigning a **habitation** applies to "all nations of men," a theme that originates from a common source ("one blood"). This underscores the universal nature of God's providence, establishing that all people exist within the boundaries He has set [[Acts 17:26]].
### Summary
In summary, while **katoikía** `{{G2733}}` is used only once, its context is theologically rich. It defines **habitation** not merely as a place to live, but as a divinely appointed space with determined boundaries. The term underscores God's complete sovereignty over the nations of the earth, establishing that He orchestrates where and when all people dwell according to His purposeful plan.
TRV