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.
Transliteration:oîkos
Pronunciation:oy'-kos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun οἶκος (oîkos, `{{G3624}}`) fundamentally denotes "a dwelling" or "a house." Its semantic range extends from a literal, physical structure where one resides to a broader, more abstract concept of a family, household, or even a lineage. As a physical dwelling, it can refer to a single room, an entire building, or a complex of associated structures. Figuratively, it encompasses the inhabitants of a house (a household), the descendants of a common ancestor (a family or dynasty), or even a spiritual community. The term can also denote possessions or property associated with a household. Crucially, οἶκος is employed to refer to the Temple, understood as the "house of God," and by extension, the Christian community as God's spiritual dwelling. This range highlights its versatility in describing both tangible places and intangible relationships or institutions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
οἶκος appears frequently in the New Testament, reflecting its diverse applications.
1. **Literal Dwelling:** It often refers to a physical house or home. For example, Jesus enters the οἶκος of Peter and Andrew in Capernaum [[Mark 1:29]], and the οἶκος of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany [[Luke 10:38]]. Zacchaeus receives Jesus into his οἶκος [[Luke 19:5-6]]. This usage underscores the domestic settings for much of Jesus' ministry, including teaching, healing, and fellowship.
2. **Household/Family:** Beyond the physical structure, οἶκος frequently designates the people living within a dwelling, i.e., a household, or an extended family/lineage. The salvation offered to Zacchaeus is for his οἶκος [[Luke 19:9]]. Cornelius and his οἶκος are baptized, signifying the inclusion of entire families into the early Christian community [[Acts 10:2]], [[Acts 11:14]]. The "house of David" [[Luke 1:27]], [[Luke 1:69]] refers to the royal lineage from which the Messiah was prophesied to come, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
3. **Temple/House of God:** A highly significant usage of οἶκος is to refer to the Temple in Jerusalem, understood as God's dwelling place on earth. Jesus declares, "My οἶκος shall be called a οἶκος of prayer" [[Matthew 21:13]], quoting Isaiah, in reference to the Temple. This usage carries profound theological weight, connecting the physical structure to the divine presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of οἶκος is rich and interconnected with several other Greek terms and concepts:
* οἰκία (oikía, `{{G3613}}`): Often used interchangeably with οἶκος for a physical house, though οἶκος tends to have a broader semantic range encompassing the household or lineage.
* οἰκοδομή (oikodomē, `{{G3619}}`): "Building" or "edification." This term emphasizes the process of construction, both literal and spiritual, and is intimately linked to the idea of building up the "house" of God (the Church).
* οἰκοδεσπότης (oikodespotēs, `{{G3617}}`): "Master of a house" or "householder," highlighting the authority and responsibility within a household.
* οἰκονομία (oikonomia, `{{G3622}}`): "Stewardship" or "management of a household." This concept extends the idea of managing a physical house to managing spiritual responsibilities and divine plans, as seen in Paul's discussion of the "stewardship of God's grace" [[Ephesians 3:2]].
* In the Septuagint (LXX), οἶκος frequently translates the Hebrew בַּיִת (bayith, `{{H1004}}`), which similarly denotes a house, household, family, or the Temple. This strong conceptual continuity between the Old and New Testaments enriches the understanding of οἶκος.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of οἶκος is profound, particularly in its metaphorical and spiritual applications:
1. **God's Dwelling Place:** The concept of God dwelling among His people culminates in the New Testament. While the Temple was the physical οἶκος of God in the Old Covenant, Jesus declares His own body to be the new Temple [[John 2:19-21]]. This signifies a shift from a localized, physical presence to a personal, incarnational presence.
2. **The Church as God's House:** Most significantly, οἶκος is applied to the Christian community. Paul describes believers as "members of God's household" (οἶκος of God) [[Ephesians 2:19]], built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone [[Ephesians 2:20]]. This imagery emphasizes the Church as a spiritual edifice where God dwells by His Spirit [[Ephesians 2:22]]. It also highlights the familial nature of the Church, where believers are brothers and sisters, sharing a common Father [[1 Timothy 3:15]].
3. **Individual Believers as Temples:** Further, the individual believer's body is called a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (οἶκος implicitly) [[1 Corinthians 6:19]], underscoring the indwelling presence of God within each Christian and the call to holiness.
4. **The Household of Faith:** The concept of the "household of faith" [[Galatians 6:10]] reinforces the idea of Christian community as a family, bound by faith in Christ, with mutual responsibilities and care.
### Summary
The Greek word οἶκος (oîkos, `{{G3624}}`) is a versatile and deeply significant term in the New Testament. Its core meaning encompasses both a literal "dwelling" and the "household" or "family" residing within it. From the physical homes where Jesus ministered to the lineage of David, οἶκος provides a foundational understanding of place and belonging. Theologically, its most profound application lies in its designation of the Temple as God's "house," a concept that is radically transformed in the New Covenant to refer to Jesus Christ Himself, and subsequently to the Church as the spiritual οἶκος of God. This progression underscores the intimate and familial nature of God's relationship with His people, who are collectively and individually His dwelling place, called to live in unity and holiness as His household.
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