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.
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.
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.
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.
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