feminine participle present passive of οἰκέω (as noun, by implication, of γῆ); land, i.e. the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the Roman empire:--earth, world.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oikouménē**, represented by `{{G3625}}`, refers to the inhabited **world** or, more specifically, the Roman empire. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the verb for dwelling, it implies the land as an occupied and governed space, distinct from the mere physical globe.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3625}}` is used to define the reach of both human and spiritual power. It refers to the political sphere of the Roman empire, as when Caesar **Augustus** `{{G828}}` issued a **decree** `{{G1378}}` that all the **world** should be taxed [[Luke 2:1]]. It also describes the scope of spiritual deception, identifying **Satan** `{{G4567}}` as the one "which deceiveth the whole **world**" [[Revelation 12:9]]. The term is used prophetically to describe the global reach of the **gospel** `{{G2098}}` before the **end** `{{G5056}}` shall **come** `{{G2240}}` [[Matthew 24:14]] and a future "hour of **temptation**" that will affect "all the **world**" [[Revelation 3:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of the inhabited world:
* `{{G1093}}` **gē**: This word for **earth** or land often refers to the physical globe or a specific region. Its distinction from **oikouménē** is seen in [[Revelation 12:9]], where the **dragon** `{{G1404}}` who deceives the whole **world** (oikouménē) is cast out into the **earth** (gē).
* `{{G1378}}` **dógma**: Meaning a **decree** or ordinance, this word highlights the civil and legal structure of the **oikouménē**. A **decree** from Caesar **Augustus** went out to all the **world** [[Luke 2:1]], demonstrating the empire's administrative control over its domain.
* `{{G1228}}` **diábolos**: As the **devil**, this figure is directly associated with influencing the **oikouménē**. The **devil** shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the **world** [[Luke 4:5]] and is later identified as the deceiver of the whole **world** [[Revelation 12:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3625}}` is seen in its role as the stage for divine and human events.
* **The Scope of Worldly Power:** The term often denotes the Roman Empire, the political reality for the early church. Paul is accused of being a mover of sedition throughout the **world** [[Acts 24:5]], and believers are described as those who have turned the **world** upside down [[Acts 17:6]].
* **The Arena of Spiritual Conflict:** The **oikouménē** is the battlefield for cosmic struggle. It is the realm tempted by the **devil** [[Luke 4:5]], deceived by **Satan** [[Revelation 12:9]], and the target of an end-times trial that will **try** `{{G3985}}` those who **dwell** `{{G2730}}` on the earth [[Revelation 3:10]].
* **The Destination of the Gospel:** The **oikouménē** is defined as the mission field for the church. The **gospel** `{{G2098}}` of the kingdom must be preached in all the **world** as a witness to all **nations** `{{G1484}}` before the end can **come** [[Matthew 24:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3625}}` provides a specific view of the **world**. It is not merely the physical planet but the inhabited, organized, and politically structured sphere of humanity, often identified with the Roman empire. It serves as the setting for imperial decrees, the reach of global deception by forces like **Satan** `{{G4567}}`, and the ultimate destination for the proclamation of the **gospel** `{{G2098}}`. The term thus frames the story of redemption within the context of the known world.
TRV