of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively):--home, house(-hold), temple.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oîkos**, represented by `{{G3624}}`, is a fundamental term for a **dwelling** or **household**. It appears 114 times across 106 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning is extensive, referring literally to a physical structure like a home or temple, and figuratively to a family or even a nation. This dual sense of place and people is central to its scriptural usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3624}}` is used in several key contexts. Literally, it can refer to a personal residence, such as the house a justified man returns to [[Luke 18:14]] or the high priest's house where Jesus was taken [[Luke 22:54]]. It can also denote a place of worship, as when Jesus declared his Father's **house** should be a **house** of prayer, not a den of thieves [[Mark 11:17]]. Figuratively, `{{G3624}}` frequently signifies a family or household unit, as seen in the promise of salvation to the Philippian jailer and his **house** [[Acts 16:31]]. This extends to the entire people of God, often referred to as the **house** of Israel [[Acts 2:36]] or the **house** of Jacob [[Luke 1:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of a house and its inhabitants:
* `{{G3614}}` **oikía** (residence): Defined as "properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)". It is often used interchangeably with **oîkos**, as seen when peace is offered to a **house** (oîkos) upon entering a **house** (oikía) [[Luke 10:5]].
* `{{G3617}}` **oikodespótēs** (the head of a family): This term for a householder or master of the house directly combines **oîkos** with a word for master. Its relationship is clear in the warning that if a **householder** had known when a thief was coming, he would not have let his **house** be broken into [[Luke 12:39]].
* `{{G3965}}` **patriá** (paternal descent): This word for family, kindred, or lineage connects the physical or familial **house** to ancestral roots. Joseph's identity is established as being from the **house** (oîkos) and **lineage** (patriá) of David [[Luke 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3624}}` is significant, forming the basis for key New Testament doctrines.
* **The Church as God's Household:** The term is elevated to describe the collective body of believers. The church is explicitly called "the **house** of God" [[1 Timothy 3:15]], and believers themselves are described as constituting this spiritual **house** over which Christ is Son [[Hebrews 3:6]].
* **The Community of Salvation:** Salvation is frequently presented as an event that encompasses an entire **house** or household. This is promised to Cornelius, that he and "all thy **house**" would be saved [[Acts 11:14]], and to the Philippian jailer [[Acts 16:31]], emphasizing a corporate and familial dimension to faith.
* **A Spiritual Dwelling Place:** Believers are described as being built up into a "spiritual **house**" made of "lively stones" [[1 Peter 2:5]]. This redefines God's dwelling place, moving from a physical temple built by hands [[Acts 7:47]] to the community of the faithful, a theme underscored by God's own question: "what **house** will ye build me?" [[Acts 7:49]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3624}}` is far more than a word for a physical building. It is a cornerstone concept that illustrates the transition from the literal to the spiritual in God's redemptive plan. It encompasses a physical dwelling, a family unit, the covenant people of Israel, and ultimately, the Church as the living household of God. The development of **oîkos** throughout scripture demonstrates how a simple word for **home** can come to represent the very place where God chooses to dwell with His people.
TRV