from πολιτεύομαι; a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively):--conversation.
Transliteration:políteuma
Pronunciation:pol-it'-yoo-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πολίτευμα (políteuma, `{{G4175}}`) is derived from the verb πολιτεύομαι (politeuomai, `{{G4176}}`), meaning "to live as a citizen," "to conduct oneself as a citizen," or "to administer the affairs of a state." At its core, πολίτευμα refers to the concept of a "commonwealth," a "body of citizens," or more abstractly, "citizenship" itself. It encapsulates the rights, duties, and shared identity that define a member of a πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`), or city-state.
The semantic range of πολίτευμα thus includes:
1. **A body politic:** The collective citizenry, a community, or a state.
2. **The administration of a state:** The government or its policies.
3. **The status or rights of citizenship:** The abstract concept of belonging to a commonwealth.
4. **One's conduct as a citizen:** This nuance, often captured by the older English translation "conversation" (as in the KJV of Philippians 3:20), refers not to verbal discourse but to one's manner of life, behavior, or conduct consistent with one's civic identity. This emphasizes the practical outworking of one's belonging to a particular polity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πολίτευμα (políteuma, `{{G4175}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's Epistle to the Philippians:
* **[[Philippians 3:20]]**: "For our πολίτευμα is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
In this singular occurrence, Paul employs πολίτευμα to make a profound theological statement contrasting the earthly pursuits and destinies of those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ" ([[Philippians 3:18-19]]) with the heavenly orientation and ultimate hope of believers. The phrase "our πολίτευμα is in heaven" asserts that the true citizenship, commonwealth, or polity of believers is not earthly but celestial. This implies several layers of meaning:
1. **Origin and Allegiance:** Believers derive their identity and ultimate allegiance from heaven, not from any earthly nation or power. Their true home and governing authority reside with God.
2. **Present Reality:** While physically on earth, believers are spiritually part of a heavenly community, subject to its laws and principles. This shapes their present conduct and values.
3. **Future Hope:** The heavenly πολίτευμα is intrinsically linked to the eschatological expectation of Christ's return ("from which we also eagerly await a Savior"). This future event will bring the full realization of their heavenly status, including the transformation of their lowly bodies into glorious ones ([[Philippians 3:21]]).
The context underscores a radical reorientation of identity and purpose, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with their heavenly citizenship, rather than being conformed to earthly patterns.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of πολίτευμα (políteuma, `{{G4175}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic family and related theological concepts:
* **πολιτεύομαι (politeuomai, `{{G4176}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to live as a citizen," "to conduct oneself as a citizen." This verb appears in [[Acts 23:1]] (Paul's claim of living with a clear conscience) and [[Philippians 1:27]] ("let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel"), directly linking the concept of citizenship to ethical conduct.
* **πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`):** The fundamental term for "city" or "city-state," from which all these related words derive. It highlights the structured, organized nature of a community.
* **πολίτης (politēs, `{{G4177}}`):** "Citizen," as in [[Luke 15:15]] or [[Acts 21:39]].
* **πολιτεία (politeia, `{{G4174}}`):** This noun is closely related and can also mean "citizenship," "commonwealth," or "civil administration." It appears in [[Acts 22:28]] (Roman citizenship) and [[Ephesians 2:12]] (the "commonwealth of Israel"), often referring to a more concrete political or national entity. While similar, πολίτευμα in Philippians 3:20 seems to emphasize the *nature* or *essence* of the heavenly community rather than just the legal status.
Theologically, πολίτευμα resonates with concepts such as:
* **The Kingdom of God:** The sovereign rule of God, which transcends earthly boundaries and calls for allegiance from its subjects.
* **Heavenly Jerusalem:** The eschatological city of God, symbolizing the ultimate dwelling place and community of believers ([[Hebrews 12:22]], [[Revelation 21:2]]).
* **Pilgrims and Sojourners:** The understanding that believers are temporary residents on earth, whose true home is elsewhere ([[Hebrews 11:13]], [[1 Peter 2:11]]).
* **Identity in Christ:** The new identity given to believers through their union with Christ, which redefines their allegiances and purpose.
### Theological Significance
The single use of πολίτευμα (políteuma, `{{G4175}}`) in [[Philippians 3:20]] carries immense theological weight, shaping the believer's understanding of identity, allegiance, and conduct.
1. **Redefinition of Identity:** For the believer, πολίτευμα in heaven means that one's ultimate identity is not rooted in earthly nationality, ethnicity, or social status, but in a divine, celestial reality. This transcends human divisions and fosters a profound sense of belonging to God's eternal family.
2. **Primary Allegiance:** If our commonwealth is in heaven, then our supreme allegiance belongs to God and His heavenly King, Jesus Christ. This implies that earthly loyalties, while not necessarily negated, are subordinate to our heavenly citizenship. It calls for discernment when earthly demands conflict with divine principles.
3. **Ethical Implications (Heavenly Conduct):** The concept of heavenly citizenship necessitates a corresponding heavenly manner of life. Just as earthly citizens are expected to live according to the laws and values of their nation, so too are heavenly citizens called to embody the ethics and character of Christ. This connects directly to the older "conversation" meaning – our conduct reflects our true citizenship. It means living righteously, pursuing holiness, and demonstrating love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit.
4. **Eschatological Hope:** The heavenly πολίτευμα is not merely a present spiritual reality but also a future hope. It anchors the believer's anticipation of Christ's return, when the full implications of this heavenly citizenship will be realized in the resurrection and glorification of the body. This hope provides resilience in suffering and motivation for faithful living.
5. **Distinctiveness of the Church:** The concept highlights the unique nature of the Church as a spiritual body distinct from worldly systems. It is an embassy of heaven on earth, tasked with representing the values and character of its heavenly King to a world in need of redemption.
### Summary
The Greek word πολίτευμα (políteuma, `{{G4175}}`), appearing uniquely in [[Philippians 3:20]], profoundly articulates the Christian's true identity and allegiance. Derived from terms related to "city" and "citizenship," it signifies that the believer's "commonwealth" or "citizenship" is fundamentally "in heaven." This concept reorients one's entire being, asserting that our ultimate belonging, governing authority, and source of identity reside with God and His heavenly kingdom, not with any earthly entity. It calls for a manner of life ("conversation") that reflects heavenly values and principles, distinguishing believers from those who are earthly-minded. Furthermore, this heavenly πολίτευμα forms the bedrock of the believer's eschatological hope, as we eagerly await the return of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will fully transform us into conformity with our glorious heavenly home.
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