### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G3927 (παρεπίδημος, *parepídēmos*) is a compound word derived from παρά (*para*), meaning "beside" or "alongside," and the root of ἐπιδημέω (*epidēmeō*), which signifies "to be among one's own people" or "to sojourn." Etymologically, it thus describes someone who is "alongside" or "among" a people, but is not originally of that people, implying a temporary or foreign residence.
Its core meaning denotes a sojourner, a resident alien, or a pilgrim. It refers to an individual who dwells temporarily in a foreign land, not as a permanent resident or a native citizen, but as one passing through or staying for a limited duration. The term carries the nuance of not being fully "at home" in the current location, but rather being a transient guest or a foreigner on a journey. It differs from `{{G3581}}` (xénos), which can simply mean a stranger or guest, by emphasizing the aspect of temporary dwelling or sojourning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3927 appears three times in the New Testament, each instance powerfully conveying the spiritual status of believers:
1. **[[Hebrews 11:13]]**: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Here, παρεπίδημος is used in conjunction with `{{G3581}}` (xénos - stranger) to describe the Old Testament patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). Their confession highlights their transient status on earth and their longing for a heavenly homeland. Their physical journey and temporary dwelling in the land of promise served as a metaphor for their spiritual journey towards a better, heavenly country, demonstrating faith in God's unseen promises.
2. **[[1 Peter 1:1]]**: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia." In this opening salutation, Peter addresses his audience as παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς (parepidēmois diasporas), often translated as "elect exiles of the Dispersion" or "strangers scattered." This designation refers to Christians who are living in various regions, physically dispersed, but more profoundly, it underscores their spiritual status as not belonging to the world system they inhabit. They are "aliens" in the sense that their true citizenship and allegiance lie elsewhere—with Christ and His heavenly kingdom.
3. **[[1 Peter 2:11]]**: "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." Here, Peter again employs παρεπίδημος alongside `{{G3940}}` (paroikos - sojourner, resident alien) to exhort believers. The double designation "sojourners and exiles" serves as a foundational premise for the ethical instruction that follows. Because believers are not truly "at home" in this world, they are called to live distinctively, setting themselves apart from worldly lusts and behaviors. Their temporary status in the world is directly linked to their moral conduct, urging them to live honorably and as ambassadors of their true homeland.
In all contexts, G3927 consistently points to the eschatological and spiritual identity of God's people. They are physically present in the world but spiritually distinct from it, anticipating a future, eternal dwelling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of the "sojourner" or "alien" is deeply rooted in both Old and New Testaments.
* **Old Testament Parallels:**
* `{{H1616}}` (ger): This Hebrew term frequently denotes a "sojourner" or "alien" who resides among the Israelites, often under their protection. The Mosaic Law often commanded kindness and justice towards the ger, recognizing their vulnerable status (e.g., [[Exodus 22:21]], [[Leviticus 19:33-34]]).
* `{{H8453}}` (toshab): A temporary resident, often used interchangeably with ger.
* `{{H5237}}` (nokri): A foreigner, often implying someone from a different nation or tribe, sometimes with a negative connotation of being an outsider.
The patriarchs' self-identification as sojourners in Canaan (e.g., [[Genesis 23:4]]) provides a foundational understanding for the New Testament use of G3927.
* **New Testament Related Terms:**
* `{{G3940}}` (paroikos): This term, meaning "sojourner" or "resident alien," is very close in meaning to G3927 and is often used synonymously, as seen in [[1 Peter 2:11]]. Paroikos emphasizes the temporary dwelling, while parepídēmos more strongly highlights the "passing through" aspect or the journey.
* `{{G3581}}` (xénos): A stranger, foreigner, or guest. While related, xénos lacks the specific nuance of temporary residence that G3927 possesses.
* **Citizenship (πολίτευμα - politeuma):** The concept of believers having their "citizenship" in heaven ([[Philippians 3:20]]) directly contrasts with their earthly status as παρεπίδημος. This heavenly citizenship defines their true allegiance and ultimate home, making their earthly dwelling temporary.
* **Exile/Dispersion (διασπορά - diaspora):** As seen in [[1 Peter 1:1]], the idea of the "dispersion" emphasizes the scattered nature of believers in the world, reinforcing their identity as not belonging to any particular earthly locality as their ultimate home.
### Theological Significance
The term G3927 (παρεπίδημος) carries profound theological implications for Christian identity, ethics, and hope:
* **Identity in Christ:** It defines the Christian's true identity as distinct from the world. Believers are not of this world, even though they live in it. Their ultimate allegiance and belonging are to God's heavenly kingdom, not to any earthly nation, culture, or system. This calls for a reorientation of priorities and values.
* **Ethical Living:** The status of a "sojourner and exile" is a powerful call to ethical purity and separation from worldly lusts. As Peter argues in [[1 Peter 2:11-12]], because believers are merely passing through this world, they are to live in a way that honors God and distinguishes them from those whose citizenship is purely earthly. Their temporary status motivates them to live lives of holiness and integrity, becoming witnesses to the surrounding unbelieving world.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The designation παρεπίδημος fosters a robust eschatological hope. It reminds believers that this present world is not their final destination. Like the patriarchs, they are looking forward to a "better country, that is, a heavenly one" ([[Hebrews 11:16]]). This hope provides comfort in suffering, resilience in persecution, and motivation to endure, knowing that their true and eternal home awaits them with God.
* **Detachment from Worldly Systems:** The pilgrim status encourages a healthy detachment from the transient allurements and systems of this world. While believers are to engage with society, they are not to be conformed to its patterns ([[Romans 12:2]]). Their temporary status allows for a critical perspective on earthly power, wealth, and prestige, valuing eternal realities above temporal ones.
### Summary
The Greek word G3927 (παρεπίδημος) precisely describes a "sojourner," "resident alien," or "pilgrim"—one who dwells temporarily in a foreign land, not as a native or permanent resident. In the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews and 1 Peter, this term is consistently applied to believers, signifying their spiritual identity as not truly belonging to this world. Like the Old Testament patriarchs, Christians are presented as those whose true citizenship and ultimate home are in heaven, not on earth. This understanding profoundly shapes Christian ethics, calling believers to live lives of purity and distinction from worldly passions, and reinforces their eschatological hope in a future, eternal dwelling with God. The term thus serves as a foundational concept for understanding the Christian's unique position and purpose while journeying through this temporal existence.
TRV