### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun οἴκημα (oíkēma, `{{G3612}}`) is derived from the verb οἰκέω (oikeō, `{{G3611}}`), which means "to dwell," "to inhabit," or "to live in." Consequently, the core meaning of οἴκημα refers to "a dwelling place," "a habitation," or "a building." However, as indicated by its specialized usage in biblical Greek, its semantic range narrows significantly to denote a specific type of dwelling: a "tenement" or, more specifically, a "jail" or "prison cell." This specialization points to a place of involuntary habitation, confinement, and restriction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word οἴκημα (oíkēma, `{{G3612}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 12:7]].
The context describes the miraculous liberation of the Apostle Peter from imprisonment under Herod Agrippa I. [[Acts 12:7]] states: "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the οἴκημα; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, 'Get up quickly!' And his chains fell off his hands."
In this verse, οἴκημα clearly designates Peter's individual "cell" or "prison room" within the larger prison complex. It is the specific, enclosed space where Peter was dwelling, highlighting the precise location of divine intervention. This singular occurrence firmly establishes the specialized meaning of "prison cell" or "jail" for οἴκημα in the New Testament. It emphasizes a place of forced residence, characterized by confinement and the deprivation of freedom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root of οἴκημα (oíkēma, `{{G3612}}`) is οἰκέω (oikeō, `{{G3611}}`), "to dwell," which highlights the paradoxical nature of a prison cell as a "dwelling." Other related nouns include:
* οἶκος (oikos, `{{G3624}}`): A broader term for "house," "dwelling," or "household," often encompassing family and property.
* οἰκία (oikia, `{{G3613}}`): Similar to οἶκος, often emphasizing the physical structure of a house or dwelling.
* οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, `{{G3619}}`): "Building" or "edification," referring to the act or result of constructing.
When referring to "prison" or "places of confinement," the New Testament more commonly employs other terms:
* φυλακή (phylakē, `{{G5438}}`): This is the most frequent term for "guard," "watch," or "prison" (e.g., [[Acts 5:18]], [[Acts 16:26]]). It can refer to the institution of the prison or the act of guarding.
* δεσμωτήριον (desmōtērion, `{{G1203}}`): Meaning "a prison" or "jail," used in [[Matthew 11:2]] (referring to John the Baptist) and [[Acts 16:26]] (Paul and Silas).
The specific choice of οἴκημα in [[Acts 12:7]] might subtly underscore the *personal* and *confined room* aspect of Peter's imprisonment, rather than the general concept of the prison institution.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of οἴκημα in [[Acts 12:7]] carries profound theological weight within the narrative of divine liberation. The term highlights the precise, confined space from which God orchestrates Peter's miraculous release. This "dwelling place," though a symbol of human powerlessness and oppression, becomes the very stage upon which God's omnipotence is strikingly displayed. The "light" shining *in the οἴκημα* and the presence of the angel transform a place of forced confinement into a sanctuary of divine intervention.
This event powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over earthly authorities and human limitations. It demonstrates that no prison, however secure, can thwart God's divine purposes for His chosen servants. For the early Christian community, Peter's deliverance from the οἴκημα would have served as a potent testament to God's active presence, protection, and faithfulness to those suffering persecution for the sake of the Gospel. It transforms a symbol of human cruelty into a vivid demonstration of divine triumph and intimate care, meeting His servant in his most vulnerable "dwelling."
### Summary
οἴκημα (oíkēma, `{{G3612}}`), derived from οἰκέω (oikeō, `{{G3611}}`) meaning "to dwell," fundamentally signifies a "dwelling place." However, its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 12:7]] narrows its meaning to a specific "prison cell" or "jail." This specialized usage emphasizes a confined, involuntary habitation. The context of Peter's miraculous liberation from this οἴκημα profoundly underscores the theological truth that no human confinement, however secure, can withstand the liberating power of God. This event transforms a place of human restriction into a powerful testament to divine sovereignty and intervention, demonstrating God's active care for His persecuted servants even in their most vulnerable "dwelling places."
TRV