from σύν and πολίτης; a native of the same town, i.e. (figuratively) co-religionist (fellow-Christian):--fellow- citizen.
Transliteration:sympolítēs
Pronunciation:soom-pol-ee'-tace
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word συμπολίτης (sympolítēs, `{{G4847}}`) is a compound term derived from σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together with," and πολίτης (politēs, `{{G4177}}`), meaning "citizen" or "member of a city." Literally, it denotes a "fellow-citizen," one who shares civic rights, responsibilities, and identity within the same πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`), or city. In its New Testament usage, the semantic range extends beyond mere earthly civic status to encompass a profound spiritual reality: sharing a common spiritual "citizenship" within the divine commonwealth. It signifies a joint belonging to God's people, transcending previous national, ethnic, or religious boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συμπολίτης appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. In [[Ephesians 2:19]], Paul declares to Gentile believers: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."
The immediate context of this verse is Paul's profound explanation of the reconciliation achieved through Christ's atoning work (Ephesians 2:11-18). Before Christ, Gentiles were ξένοι (xenoi, strangers, `{{G3581}}`) and πάροικοι (paroikoi, aliens or sojourners, `{{G3940}}`), excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. They were "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" ([[Ephesians 2:12]]).
Through faith in Christ, however, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been broken down, and both have access to the Father by one Spirit ([[Ephesians 2:14-18]]). The use of συμπολίτης here signifies a radical transformation: Gentiles are no longer outsiders but are granted full, equal status as "fellow citizens" with the "saints" (referring primarily to Jewish believers, God's chosen people). This implies not merely acceptance, but full integration into the spiritual community, sharing the same rights, privileges, and identity as God's people. The parallel phrase "and members of the household of God" (οἰκεῖοι τοῦ θεοῦ, oikeioi tou theou, `{{G3629}}`) further emphasizes this deep relational belonging, moving beyond mere civic status to intimate family membership within God's own household.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of συμπολίτης is enriched by its relationship to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **πολίτης (politēs, `{{G4177}}`) and πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`):** These foundational terms for "citizen" and "city" underpin the concept. The New Testament often speaks of a heavenly πόλις (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:10]], [[Hebrews 12:22]], [[Hebrews 13:14]]), and believers' πολίτευμα (politeuma, `{{G4175}}`, citizenship/commonwealth) being in heaven ([[Philippians 3:20]]). συμπολίτης directly connects to this ultimate, heavenly citizenship.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`):** The prefix σύν is vital, underscoring the corporate, communal, and unified nature of this new identity. It implies joint participation, shared destiny, and mutual belonging in Christ.
* **ξένος (xenos, `{{G3581}}`) and πάροικος (paroikos, `{{G3940}}`):** These antonyms, meaning "stranger" and "alien/sojourner," highlight the dramatic and gracious transformation from being an outsider to an insider in God's kingdom.
* **οἰκεῖος (oikeios, `{{G3629}}`):** "Household member," used in conjunction with συμπολίτης in [[Ephesians 2:19]], powerfully emphasizes the familial aspect of belonging to God's family, complementing the civic imagery.
* **The Church as God's Household/Temple:** [[Ephesians 2:19-22]] immediately follows the declaration of "fellow citizens" with the imagery of the Church as a divinely constructed building, a holy temple in the Lord, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. This reinforces the idea of a shared, divinely established community where believers are united and indwelt by the Spirit.
### Theological Significance
The term συμπολίτης encapsulates a profound theological truth regarding the nature of the Church and salvation.
* **Radical Inclusion:** It signifies the complete and equal integration of Gentiles into the covenant community of God, which was previously limited to Israel. This demonstrates that salvation is not ethnocentric but universally available through faith in Christ, breaking down all human-made barriers.
* **Unity in Christ:** It underscores the unity of the Church, where diverse individuals—Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free ([[Galatians 3:28]])—are brought together into a single new humanity ([[Ephesians 2:15]]), sharing a common identity and destiny in Christ. This unity is not merely superficial but stems from a shared spiritual citizenship and familial bond.
* **Privilege and Responsibility:** This spiritual citizenship implies shared rights, privileges, and responsibilities within the kingdom of God. Believers are not merely guests or temporary residents but full, permanent members of God's spiritual commonwealth, called to live in a manner worthy of their heavenly calling.
* **Heavenly Orientation:** The concept points to the eschatological reality of the New Jerusalem, the "city of the living God" ([[Hebrews 12:22]]), where all believers will ultimately dwell together as full citizens. It elevates the concept of belonging from earthly, temporal affiliations to a heavenly, eternal relationship with God and His people.
* **The Church as God's Dwelling:** By being συμπολίτης and members of God's household, believers collectively form the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([[Ephesians 2:22]]), emphasizing the sacred and divine nature of the Church as the body of Christ.
### Summary
συμπολίτης (sympolítēs, `{{G4847}}`) is a powerful and singular Greek term, literally meaning "fellow-citizen," formed from the components σύν ("with") and πολίτης ("citizen"). Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Ephesians 2:19]] reveals its profound theological significance: the complete and equal integration of Gentile believers into God's covenant community. No longer "strangers and aliens" to God's promises, they are now granted full spiritual citizenship alongside Jewish believers, sharing the privileges and responsibilities of belonging to the "household of God." This term vividly portrays the radical unity achieved in Christ, where all ethnic and social barriers are broken down, and diverse individuals are united into one spiritual commonwealth, anticipating the glorious reality of the heavenly city.
TRV