### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **metoikízō**, represented by `{{G3351}}`, means to **transfer as a settler or captive**. It is used to describe the act of colonization or exile, with its core meaning being to carry away or remove into another place. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3351}}` describes God's direct action in relocating people. It is used to describe God's providence in moving Abraham from Charran into the promised land after his father died [[Acts 7:4]]. The word is also used in the context of divine judgment, where God declares He will **carry away** the Israelites beyond Babylon as a consequence for their idolatry, specifically for taking up the tabernacle of **Moloch** `{{G3434}}` and the star of the god **Remphan** `{{G4481}}` [[Acts 7:43]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of movement and settlement:
* `{{G1831}}` **exérchomai** (to issue, come forth, depart): This verb emphasizes the act of leaving a place. It is used to describe Abraham when he **came he out of** the land of the Chaldaeans before being removed by God [[Acts 7:4]].
* `{{G2730}}` **katoikéō** (to house permanently, reside, dwell): This word defines the state of settling in a new location. Before God removed him, Abraham **dwelt** in Charran `{{G5488}}`, illustrating a period of residence [[Acts 7:4]].
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (land, country, earth): This term signifies the physical location of departure or arrival. The narrative of Abraham involves his movement from the **land** `{{G1093}}` of the Chaldaeans to the **land** `{{G1093}}` of promise [[Acts 7:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3351}}` is tied to God's sovereignty over the location and destiny of His people.
* **Divine Relocation:** The word highlights God as the active agent who moves individuals to fulfill His purposes. God **removed** `{{G3351}}` Abraham to initiate the covenant promise related to the land [[Acts 7:4]].
* **Exile as Judgment:** It is also a term for divine discipline. God's warning to **carry away** `{{G3351}}` Israel is a direct result of their disobedience and worship of false gods [[Acts 7:43]].
* **Settlement and Captivity:** The use of `{{G3351}}` for both establishing a people and exiling them demonstrates that the same divine power that settles a nation can also uproot it as a consequence of its actions.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3351}}` is a specific term that conveys more than simple movement. It signifies a profound transfer of people, directed by divine authority. Whether used to describe the foundational act of bringing Abraham to the promised land or the punitive act of exiling a disobedient nation, **metoikízō** illustrates God's sovereign control over the placement of people, either as settlers in a land of promise or as captives in a land of judgment.
TRV