from a derivative of a compound of μετά and οἶκος; a change of abode, i.e. (specially), expatriation:--X brought, carried(-ying) away (in-)to.
Transliteration:metoikesía
Pronunciation:met-oy-kes-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μετοικεσία (transliterated as *metoikesía*) denotes a significant and often involuntary change of residence. Derived from the prefix μετά (metá), signifying change or transfer, and οἶκος (oîkos), meaning "house" or "dwelling," its etymological roots clearly point to a "change of abode." The base definition further specifies this as "expatriation," highlighting a forced removal from one's native land or home. Unlike a voluntary migration, μετοικεσία carries the strong connotation of displacement, often as a consequence of political or military action, such as conquest or punitive decree. In the biblical context, its semantic range is tightly focused on the historical event of the Babylonian Exile, emphasizing a divinely ordained, yet humanly executed, displacement of God's people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μετοικεσία appears exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically within the genealogical record of Jesus Christ. Its three occurrences consistently refer to the pivotal historical event of the Babylonian Exile:
* In [[Matthew 1:11]], the text states, "Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon." Here, μετοικεσία marks a distinct chronological period, defining the generation in which Jechoniah lived.
* [[Matthew 1:12]] continues, "And after the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel..." This verse uses μετοικεσία as a temporal marker, indicating the period *following* the deportation.
* Finally, [[Matthew 1:17]] summarizes the genealogical structure: "So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the exile to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations." Here, μετοικεσία functions as a critical dividing point, structuring salvation history into three distinct epochs.
In each instance, μετοικεσία is directly linked to "Babylon" (Βαβυλῶνος), unequivocally identifying it as the Babylonian Captivity of Judah (586 BCE). This event was a catastrophic yet formative period for Israel, representing the culmination of divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry and social injustice. Matthew's deliberate inclusion and repetition of this term underscore its profound significance, not merely as a historical fact, but as a crucial theological marker in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, leading inexorably to the birth of the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate μετοικεσία, it is helpful to consider related terms and concepts, both in Hebrew and Greek, that convey themes of exile, displacement, and divine judgment:
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** The Old Testament frequently describes the Babylonian Exile using terms like גָּלָה (galâh - `{{H1540}}`), meaning "to uncover, remove, go into exile," and its related noun גָּלוּת (galût - `{{H1546}}`), referring to "exile" or "captivity." These terms capture the forced removal and the state of being dispossessed, aligning closely with the nuance of μετοικεσία.
* **Greek Concepts:** While μετοικεσία is specific to the Babylonian Exile, broader Greek terms like παροικία (paroikía - `{{G3940}}`), "sojourning" or "residence as a foreigner," and ἀποικία (apoikía), "colony" or "emigration," share the semantic field of living away from one's native land. However, μετοικεσία uniquely emphasizes the *forced* and *punitive* nature of the relocation.
* **Theological Themes:** The concept of exile is deeply interwoven with several biblical themes:
* **Judgment and Discipline:** Exile is consistently presented as divine judgment for sin, a consequence of covenant breaking.
* **Sovereignty of God:** Even in the midst of national disaster, God's sovereign control over history and nations is affirmed.
* **Purification and Restoration:** The period of exile was also a time of spiritual purification, preparing the remnant for a future return and restoration.
* **Pilgrimage and Alienation:** The experience of exile resonates with the broader biblical theme of humanity's spiritual alienation from God due to sin, and the Christian's identity as a "sojourner" or "resident alien" in this world (cf. `{{G3941}}`).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μετοικεσία, specifically as the Babylonian Exile, is profound, particularly within Matthew's Gospel.
Firstly, it underscores the **severity of divine judgment** against Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. The exile was not an arbitrary event but a direct consequence of generations of idolatry, injustice, and rejection of God's covenant. It demonstrates God's unwavering righteousness and His commitment to His covenant, even when it entails disciplinary action against His own people.
Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereign control over history**. Despite the apparent triumph of pagan empires, the exile was ultimately orchestrated by God as part of His grand design. This event, though tragic, was necessary to prune and refine His people, preserving a faithful remnant through whom His redemptive purposes would continue.
Thirdly, in Matthew's genealogy, μετοικεσία serves as a **critical turning point in redemptive history**. By structuring the generations into three sets of fourteen, Matthew emphasizes the exile as the end of one era and the beginning of another, leading directly to the Christ. This period of national humiliation and displacement created a profound longing for the Messiah, who would bring true restoration and deliverance. The exile thus becomes a theological bridge, connecting the promises given to Abraham and David with their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. It signifies that the "fullness of time" for the Messiah's advent was not merely chronological but also theological, arising out of a period of deep national need and anticipation.
Finally, the μετοικεσία can be seen as a **type of humanity's spiritual exile**. Just as Israel was removed from their promised land due to sin, so too is humanity alienated from God's presence and original dwelling place (Eden) due to sin. The return from Babylon prefigures the ultimate spiritual return and reconciliation with God made possible through Christ's atoning work.
### Summary
The Greek word μετοικεσία (`{{G3350}}`) precisely denotes a forced change of abode, specifically referring to the Babylonian Exile in the New Testament. Its exclusive use in Matthew's genealogy ([[Matthew 1:11]], [[Matthew 1:12]], [[Matthew 1:17]]) underscores its immense historical and theological significance. This "carrying away into exile" was a pivotal event, marking a period of divine judgment for Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, yet simultaneously demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving a lineage leading directly to the Messiah. The μετοικεσία thus serves as a crucial chronological and theological marker, highlighting the long period of waiting and the ultimate necessity of Christ's advent for true restoration and redemption. It stands as a powerful reminder of God's righteous judgment, His sovereign control over history, and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for humanity.
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