### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parepídēmos**, represented by `{{G3927}}`, defines the status of an **alien alongside, i.e. a resident foreigner**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is translated as **pilgrim** or **stranger**. The term conveys the idea of a person living temporarily in a place that is not their permanent home.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3927}}` is used to describe the identity of believers in relation to the world. Peter opens his first epistle by addressing the elect as **strangers** scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, and other regions, establishing their status as sojourners from the outset [[1 Peter 1:1]]. Later, he beseeches them as "strangers and **pilgrims**" to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly citizenship by abstaining from worldly lusts [[1 Peter 2:11]]. The author of Hebrews applies this same identity to the patriarchs of faith, who confessed they were "strangers and **pilgrims** on the earth," living in anticipation of God's promises [[Hebrews 11:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of being a foreigner or the exhortation given to them:
* `{{G3581}}` **xénos** (foreign...a guest or...entertainer:--host, strange(-r)): This term is used alongside `{{G3927}}` in [[Hebrews 11:13]] to describe the patriarchs. It can also refer to being strangers from God's covenants [[Ephesians 2:12]] or to "strange doctrines" [[Hebrews 13:9]].
* `{{G3941}}` **pároikos** (having a home near, i.e. (as noun) a by-dweller (alien resident):--foreigner, sojourn, stranger): Used in parallel with `{{G3927}}` in [[1 Peter 2:11]], this word emphasizes the status of a resident alien. In [[Ephesians 2:19]], believers are told they are "no more strangers and foreigners," but members of God's household.
* `{{G3870}}` **parakaléō** (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke...beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray): This word for "beseech" or "exhort" is directly linked to the identity of a pilgrim. Peter **beseeches** believers as pilgrims to live holy lives [[1 Peter 2:11]], and the word is used elsewhere to exhort disciples to continue in the faith [[Acts 14:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3927}}` is significant for understanding the Christian's position in the world.
* **A Call to Holy Living:** The identity of a **pilgrim** is used as the basis for a moral appeal. Because believers are just passing through this world, they are called to abstain from fleshly lusts that are in conflict with the soul [[1 Peter 2:11]].
* **An Identity of Faith:** The heroes of the faith are described as **pilgrims**, signifying that their life on earth was a journey toward a heavenly promise they had not yet received. Their confession of being pilgrims was an expression of their faith in what was unseen [[Hebrews 11:13]].
* **A Dispersed Community:** The believers addressed by Peter are identified as **strangers** who are scattered. This establishes a collective identity for the church as a people living in exile, away from their true and final home [[1 Peter 1:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3927}}` is more than a simple descriptor of a traveler. It is a key theological concept that defines the believer's identity as a temporary resident on earth. This status as a **pilgrim** or **stranger** informs Christian ethics, shapes the understanding of faith as a forward-looking journey, and unites the scattered church under a common identity as citizens of a heavenly kingdom.
TRV