middle voice of a derivative of πολίτης; to behave as a citizen (figuratively):--let conversation be, live.
Transliteration:politeúomai
Pronunciation:pol-it-yoo'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πολιτεύομαι (politeúomai, `{{G4176}}`) is derived from πολίτης (polítēs, `{{G4177}}`), meaning "citizen." At its core, the word signifies "to behave as a citizen," "to conduct oneself as a member of a πολίς (pólis, `{{G4172}}` - city/state)," or "to live according to the laws and customs of a commonwealth." The middle voice, in which it appears, emphasizes the subject's own active participation in this behavior, suggesting a deliberate and personal commitment to living out one's citizenship. Figuratively, its semantic range extends beyond mere civic duties to encompass one's entire manner of life, conduct, or "conversation" (in the archaic sense of one's way of living). It implies a life lived in alignment with the principles and ethos of a particular community or allegiance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
This significant term appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a crucial aspect of its meaning:
1. **[[Acts 23:1]]**: "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived (πεπολίτευμαι) in all good conscience before God until this day."
Here, Paul uses the perfect tense of πολιτεύομαι to describe his past conduct. His statement asserts that his life, both before and after his conversion, has been characterized by a conscientious adherence to what he believed was right before God. It speaks to his ethical integrity and his consistent manner of life as one who sought to obey divine principles, whether as a zealous Jew or as an apostle of Christ. The focus is on his personal moral and spiritual behavior throughout his life.
2. **[[Philippians 1:27]]**: "Only let your conversation (πολιτεύεσθε) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"
In this passage, πολιτεύομαι is used as an imperative, a direct command to the Philippian believers. The phrase "let your conversation be" (or "let your manner of life be") urges them to live in a way that is "worthy of the gospel of Christ." This is a profound call to align their daily conduct, their interactions, and their entire existence with the values, demands, and truth of the good news they have received. Their life as citizens of God's kingdom must reflect the character and mission of Christ. It is a summons to practical discipleship and a consistent witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of πολιτεύομαι is deeply enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms, particularly within the Pauline corpus:
* **πολίτης (polítēs, `{{G4177}}`)**: The noun for "citizen," from which πολιτεύομαι is derived. It establishes the foundational concept of belonging to a community and having associated rights and responsibilities.
* **πολίτευμα (políteuma, `{{G4174}}`)**: This noun, meaning "citizenship" or "commonwealth," is crucially linked in [[Philippians 3:20]]: "For our citizenship (πολίτευμα) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." This verse provides the ultimate context for the believer's πολιτεύομαι (conduct). If our πολίτευμα is heavenly, then our πολιτεύομαι on earth must reflect that heavenly allegiance and character.
* **πόλις (pólis, `{{G4172}}`)**: "City," often used in the New Testament to refer to the heavenly Jerusalem, the ultimate spiritual city to which believers belong (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:10]], [[Hebrews 12:22]], [[Revelation 21:2]]).
* **"Living Worthy"**: The concept conveyed by πολιτεύομαι in [[Philippians 1:27]] resonates with other Pauline exhortations to "walk worthy" or "live worthy" (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:1]], [[Colossians 1:10]], [[1 Thessalonians 2:12]]), emphasizing a life that corresponds to one's calling and identity in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πολιτεύομαι is profound, particularly in its application to Christian life:
* **Heavenly Citizenship and Earthly Conduct**: The most significant theological implication arises from the juxtaposition of πολιτεύομαι in [[Philippians 1:27]] with πολίτευμα in [[Philippians 3:20]]. Believers are not merely earthly citizens but possess a heavenly citizenship. This celestial allegiance fundamentally shapes and dictates their earthly conduct. Their πολιτεύομαι is to be a consistent demonstration of their true homeland and King.
* **Ethical Living as a Gospel Imperative**: The command in [[Philippians 1:27]] transforms the concept of "citizenship" from a secular, civic duty into a spiritual and ethical imperative. Living "worthily of the gospel" means that the believer's entire life—their moral choices, their relationships, their speech, their work—must be a faithful expression of the good news of Christ. It is not merely about internal belief but about external manifestation.
* **Conscience and Integrity**: Paul's self-description in [[Acts 23:1]] highlights the role of a good conscience in one's πολιτεύομαι before God. This emphasizes the internal moral compass guided by divine truth as foundational to consistent, righteous conduct.
* **Corporate Witness**: The call to πολιτεύομαι in Philippians is not solely individual; it is a corporate call for the community to live in a manner that collectively honors the gospel. Their unity and steadfastness (as mentioned in the latter part of [[Philippians 1:27]]) are part of this worthy conduct, serving as a powerful witness to the world.
### Summary
πολιτεύομαι (politeúomai, `{{G4176}}`) is a rich Greek verb signifying "to behave as a citizen" or "to conduct oneself." In the New Testament, it transcends a purely civic meaning to encompass the entire manner of life of a believer. Paul uses it to describe his own conscientious conduct before God in [[Acts 23:1]] and, more significantly, to exhort the Philippian believers to live lives "worthy of the gospel of Christ" in [[Philippians 1:27]]. This latter usage is critically illuminated by the concept of "heavenly citizenship" (πολίτευμα, `{{G4174}}`) found in [[Philippians 3:20]]. Thus, πολιτεύομαι underscores the profound theological truth that a Christian's earthly conduct must be a consistent and visible expression of their true identity and allegiance as citizens of God's heavenly kingdom, serving as both an ethical imperative and a powerful corporate witness.
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