from πάροικος; foreign residence:--sojourning, X as strangers.
Transliteration:paroikía
Pronunciation:par-oy-kee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παροικία (paroikía, `{{G3940}}`) derives directly from the adjective πάροικος (paroikos, `{{G3941}}`), which denotes a "sojourner," "resident alien," or "foreigner." Consequently, παροικία signifies the *state* or *condition* of being such a person. It refers to a temporary dwelling, a foreign residence, or the act of sojourning. The term inherently implies a lack of permanent citizenship or native belonging within a given territory. It describes a transient status, where one resides in a place that is not their true or ancestral home, often without full legal or social rights afforded to native inhabitants. This concept stands in stark contrast to permanent habitation or indigenous citizenship, highlighting a provisional and often dependent existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παροικία (paroikía, `{{G3940}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering significant theological insight into the nature of God's people.
1. **[[Acts 13:17]]**: "The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people prosper during their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of it." Here, παροικία refers to the 430-year period of Israel's temporary residence in Egypt. This context emphasizes their status as non-natives, initially welcomed guests who eventually became enslaved under a foreign power. Yet, even in this state of foreign residence, God's providential care and ultimate deliverance were manifest. The passage highlights a significant phase in salvation history, where God preserved His chosen people despite their vulnerable, sojourning status.
2. **[[1 Peter 1:17]]**: "If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourning." In this epistle, Peter applies the concept of παροικία directly to Christian believers. Their earthly life is characterized as a "sojourning," a temporary stay in a world that is not their ultimate home. This understanding calls for a particular mode of conduct: living in reverent fear of God, who is an impartial judge. The implication is that believers are "resident aliens" or "pilgrims" on earth, whose true citizenship and ultimate allegiance lie elsewhere, specifically in the heavenly realm. This temporary status necessitates a distinct ethical posture, marked by holiness and awareness of divine accountability.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of παροικία (paroikía, `{{G3940}}`) is deeply interwoven with several related terms and theological ideas in Scripture:
* **πάροικος (paroikos, `{{G3941}}`)**: The direct root, meaning "resident alien" or "sojourner." This term is used to describe Abraham ([[Acts 7:6]]), the Israelites in Egypt ([[Acts 7:29]]), and believers in general ([[Ephesians 2:19]]).
* **παρεπίδημος (parepidēmos, `{{G3927}}`)**: Often translated "stranger" or "pilgrim," this word reinforces the idea of someone temporarily residing in a foreign place. Peter uses this term alongside πάροικος in [[1 Peter 2:11]] to exhort believers to abstain from fleshly lusts, reinforcing their identity as temporary residents.
* **ξένος (xenos, `{{G3581}}`)**: A broader term for "stranger," "foreigner," or "guest." While related, παροικία specifically emphasizes the *condition* of foreign residence.
* **πολίτευμα (politeuma, `{{G4245}}`)**: "Citizenship" or "commonwealth." In [[Philippians 3:20]], Paul declares, "For our citizenship is in heaven." This directly contrasts the temporary earthly παροικία with the believer's permanent, true citizenship in the heavenly realm, providing the ultimate context for their sojourning.
* **Old Testament Precedent**: The concept of sojourning is fundamental to the Old Testament narrative. Abraham was a sojourner in the land of promise ([[Genesis 23:4]]). The Israelites were sojourners in Egypt and the wilderness. The Law frequently commanded compassion for the ger (sojourner/foreigner, `{{H1616}}`), recognizing their vulnerable status. David's profound reflection in [[1 Chronicles 29:15]], "For we are sojourners before You, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope," encapsulates the ancient understanding of humanity's transient existence before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παροικία (paroikía, `{{G3940}}`) is profound, particularly in its application to New Testament believers:
* **Divine Providence in History**: In Acts, παροικία highlights God's sovereignty over the historical circumstances of His people, Israel. Even during their long sojourn and eventual oppression in Egypt, God remained faithful to His covenant, demonstrating His power to deliver His people from foreign bondage.
* **The Christian Life as Pilgrimage**: For believers, παροικία defines their earthly existence as a temporary journey, a pilgrimage towards a heavenly homeland. This perspective reshapes their understanding of identity, purpose, and priorities. They are not fully "at home" in this world; their ultimate allegiance and citizenship are heavenly.
* **Ethical Implications**: The awareness of one's παροικία status calls for a distinctive lifestyle. As temporary residents, believers are called to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly citizenship, abstaining from worldly lusts and pursuing holiness ([[1 Peter 1:17]], [[1 Peter 2:11]]). This includes conducting themselves with integrity, reverence, and a sense of accountability to God, who will impartially judge their works.
* **Hope and Eschatology**: The temporary nature of earthly παροικία points to an enduring, eternal inheritance. It fosters a longing for the new heavens and new earth, where believers will finally be fully "at home" with God, no longer sojourners but full citizens of the eternal kingdom. This hope provides resilience in the face of earthly trials and detachment from the fleeting pursuits of this world.
* **Vulnerability and Dependence**: Like all sojourners, believers are inherently vulnerable in a world that is not their own. This status encourages dependence on God's provision, protection, and guidance, mirroring Israel's dependence during their sojourn in Egypt.
### Summary
The Greek term παροικία (paroikía, `{{G3940}}`) signifies a "foreign residence" or "sojourning," denoting a temporary dwelling in a place that is not one's true home. Biblically, it first describes Israel's historical sojourn in Egypt, underscoring God's faithfulness during their vulnerable period. More significantly, in the New Testament, it characterizes the Christian life as a temporary pilgrimage on earth. This understanding profoundly shapes believers' identity, calling them to live in reverent fear of God and pursue holiness, knowing their ultimate citizenship and eternal home are in heaven. The concept of παροικία thus provides a crucial theological framework for understanding Christian ethics, hope, and their relationship to the present world.
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