adverb from πᾶς and οἶκος; with the whole family:--with all his house.
Transliteration:panoikí
Pronunciation:pan-oy-kee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb πανοικί (panoikí), Strong's G3832, is a compound word derived from two fundamental Greek terms: πᾶς (pas), meaning "all," "every," or "whole" `{{G3956}}`, and οἶκος (oikos), meaning "house," "household," or "family" `{{G3624}}`. Consequently, πανοικί precisely conveys the meaning "with the whole household," "with all his house," or "with the entire family." It functions adverbially, describing an action performed or experienced by the entirety of a domestic unit, leaving no member excluded. The emphatic nature of πᾶς underscores the comprehensive scope, indicating a complete inclusion rather than a partial representation. This term highlights a corporate dimension, focusing on the family unit as a collective entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πανοικί appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 16:34]]. This singular occurrence is profoundly significant as it describes a pivotal moment in the early church's evangelistic outreach. The context is the dramatic conversion of the Philippian jailer. After an earthquake miraculously opens the prison doors and loosens the prisoners' chains, the jailer, fearing the escape of his captives and the severe consequences, contemplates suicide. Paul intervenes, proclaiming the Gospel. The jailer responds with repentance and faith, leading to his baptism and that of his entire household.
[[Acts 16:34]] states: "And he brought them into his house and set food before them; and he rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household (πανοικί)." This verse powerfully illustrates the immediate and comprehensive impact of the Gospel. The jailer's faith was not an isolated event but cascaded through his entire domestic sphere. The use of πανοικί confirms that every person belonging to his household—likely including family members, servants, and dependents—shared in his newfound faith and the subsequent joy. This demonstrates a pattern observed elsewhere in Acts, where the head of a household's conversion often led to the spiritual transformation of the entire family unit.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding πανοικί is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **πᾶς (pas) `{{G3956}}`**: This word emphasizes totality and completeness. Its presence in πανοικί ensures that the "household" is understood in its fullest extent, leaving no one out. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the faith and joy described in [[Acts 16:34]].
* **οἶκος (oikos) `{{G3624}}`**: This term denotes a "house," "dwelling," or, more broadly, a "household" or "family." In the ancient world, a "household" often encompassed not only immediate family but also extended relatives, servants, and even business associates living under one roof. The concept of the "household" was a fundamental social and economic unit.
* **οἰκία (oikia) `{{G3614}}`**: Similar to οἶκος, this noun also means "house" or "household," often used interchangeably to refer to the physical dwelling or the people residing within it.
* **οἰκονομία (oikonomia) `{{G3622}}`**: Derived from οἶκος and νόμος (law), this term refers to "stewardship," "administration," or "management of a household." It underscores the responsibility associated with leading a domestic unit, which, in a spiritual context, often included spiritual guidance.
* **Household Salvation**: The concept of πανοικί aligns with the recurring theme of "household salvation" in the book of Acts. Beyond the Philippian jailer, we see Lydia and her household ([[Acts 16:15]]), Cornelius and his household ([[Acts 10:2]], [[Acts 10:44-48]]), and Crispus and his household ([[Acts 18:8]]) all coming to faith. While salvation is ultimately an individual decision, these instances demonstrate God's gracious work reaching entire family units through the faith of a key member, often the head of the household.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of πανοικί in [[Acts 16:34]] carries profound theological weight:
* **The Reach of the Gospel**: It powerfully illustrates that the good news of Jesus Christ is not limited to individuals but has the power to transform entire family units. God's redemptive plan often extends beyond a single person to encompass their entire sphere of influence, particularly their immediate family.
* **Corporate Dimension of Faith**: While salvation is a personal encounter with God, the New Testament often presents it within a corporate context. The conversion of the Philippian jailer's household demonstrates that faith can permeate and unite a family, leading to shared joy and commitment to God. This underscores the communal aspect of Christian life from its very inception.
* **Divine Grace and Sovereignty**: The fact that an entire household "believed in God" speaks to the comprehensive nature of divine grace. God, in His sovereignty, can work in such a way that the spiritual awakening of one person becomes the catalyst for the spiritual transformation of their entire family.
* **Implications for Family Ministry**: This verse provides a biblical foundation for the importance of family-focused ministry. It highlights the potential for the spiritual leadership within a home to positively impact every member, leading to a household united in faith and worship. The joy experienced by the jailer πανοικί serves as a beautiful testament to the holistic blessing that accompanies belief in God.
### Summary
πανοικί (panoikí), Strong's G3832, is a concise yet powerful Greek adverb meaning "with the whole household" or "with all his house." Composed of πᾶς (all) and οἶκος (house/household), it emphasizes the complete inclusion of every member within a domestic unit. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 16:34]] is highly significant, describing the Philippian jailer's profound joy and belief in God alongside his entire family. This usage underscores a recurring biblical theme of "household salvation," where the Gospel's transformative power extends beyond individuals to encompass whole family units. Theologically, πανοικί highlights the comprehensive reach of God's grace, the corporate dimension of faith, and the potential for holistic spiritual transformation within families, revealing God's beautiful design for the household to be a place of shared belief and joy in Him.
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