### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **metoikesía**, represented by `{{G3350}}`, describes a **change of abode** or **expatriation**. It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term specifically refers to the event of being brought or carried away from one's home, highlighting a significant and often forced relocation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3350}}` is used exclusively within the genealogy of Jesus to denote the Babylonian exile. It is used to describe when Josias begat Jechonias "about the time they were **carried away** to Babylon" [[Matthew 1:11]]. This event is a critical chronological marker, with the text noting that after they were **brought** to Babylon, the lineage continued through Jechonias [[Matthew 1:12]]. The phrase "the **carrying away** into Babylon" is repeated to structure the genealogy, marking a division between two sets of fourteen generations [[Matthew 1:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this significant "change of abode":
* `{{G897}}` **Babylṓn**: The destination of the expatriation, identified as the capitol of Chaldæa [[Matthew 1:11]]. This location is central to all occurrences of `{{G3350}}`.
* `{{G1074}}` **geneá**: The "carrying away" is used as a landmark to count the **generations** from David to Christ, emphasizing its importance in the flow of history [[Matthew 1:17]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō**: This word, meaning to **beget**, shows the continuity of the lineage despite the dislocation. Josias **begat** Jechonias before the exile, and Jechonias **begat** Salathiel after it [[Matthew 1:11-12]].
* `{{G1138}}` **Dabíd**: The period of generations marked by the `{{G3350}}` event begins after **David**, highlighting the exile as the end of an era in Israel's royal history [[Matthew 1:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3350}}` is immense within Matthew's account. It functions as a key marker in the history of redemption leading to the Messiah.
* **Genealogical Turning Point:** The "carrying away into Babylon" serves as a pivotal event that structures the entire genealogy, separating the era of the kings from the period leading up to the birth of **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Matthew 1:17]].
* **Unbroken Lineage:** Despite the trauma of expatriation, the messianic line continues. The fact that Jechonias `{{G2423}}` begat Salathiel `{{G4528}}` after being brought to Babylon demonstrates that God's plan was not broken by this national crisis [[Matthew 1:12]].
* **Historical Marker:** The term anchors the story of Jesus in a well-defined historical event, emphasizing that the promises made to **Abraham** `{{G11}}` and David continued through periods of both blessing and judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3350}}` is far more than a simple reference to moving. It is a cornerstone of the genealogy in Matthew, defining a specific, catastrophic "change of abode" for the people of Israel. It illustrates how a profound moment of national displacement serves as a crucial structural and theological marker in the narrative of God's unfolding plan, bridging the history from Israel's kings to the coming of Christ.
TRV