Brief Overview of μετοικίζω (Strong’s G3351: metoikizō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for interpreting complex themes such as migration, exile, and God’s plan for His people. The Greek word μετοικίζω (metoikizō), first used in Acts 7:4, refers to the act of relocating or resettling people, often in the context of forced migration or exile. This term plays a crucial role in understanding the historical and theological significance of relocation in the Bible, especially in relation to God’s plan for Abraham and the movement of His people throughout history. In ancient Greek culture, the word carried similar connotations of migration, often linked to political or military resettlements, making it significant in both biblical and secular contexts.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μετοικίζω (metoikizō, pronounced meh-toy-KEE-zoh)

Etymology: μετοικίζω is derived from “μετά” (meta-), meaning “after” or “beyond,” and “οἰκίζω” (oikizō), meaning “to settle” or “to establish a home.” This compound word conveys the idea of moving or relocating to a new dwelling place, especially as part of a migration or resettlement.

Part of Speech: μετοικίζω is a verb. It refers to the act of resettling or relocating individuals or groups, often in the context of political or divinely ordained movements.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To resettle or relocate. This is the primary meaning of μετοικίζω, referring to the act of moving a person or group from one place to another. In Acts 7:4, the word is used to describe God’s command to Abraham to leave his homeland and relocate to another land.

Meaning 2: To exile or deport. The word can also imply a forced relocation, particularly in the context of exile or deportation. This meaning is related to political or military resettlements in ancient Greek and biblical contexts.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀποικίζω (apoikizō, pronounced ah-poi-KEE-zoh): This word means “to colonize” or “to send out settlers.” While similar to μετοικίζω, it often refers to the establishment of colonies or the voluntary movement of people for settlement.

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μεταναστεύω (metanasteuō, pronounced meh-tah-nas-TEH-oh): This term means “to migrate” or “to travel abroad.” It conveys the idea of moving from one place to another, often voluntarily, and is less associated with forced resettlement than μετοικίζω.

παροικέω (paroikeō, pronounced pah-roy-KEH-oh): This verb means “to dwell beside” or “to live as a foreigner.” It implies living temporarily or as a stranger in a foreign land, and while it is related to μετοικίζω, it emphasizes the temporary nature of the residence.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: μετοικίζω appears in various forms in the New Testament. In Acts 7:4, it is used in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action—Abraham’s relocation from Mesopotamia to another land. The verb is in the active voice and indicative mood, marking it as a factual statement of what God commanded.

Person and Number: In Acts 7:4, the verb appears in the third person singular, referring to God’s directive to Abraham to relocate his family.

Aspect: The aorist tense of μετοικίζω suggests a one-time, decisive act of relocation rather than a continuous or ongoing action.

Conjugation Table: Present Indicative Active

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons agree that μετοικίζω refers to the act of relocating people, often under divine or political direction. In Acts 7:4, the word describes the movement of Abraham at God’s command, highlighting the theological theme of divine guidance in human migration. This relocation was significant because it laid the foundation for the establishment of God’s covenant with Abraham in a new land. In classical Greek, the word was used similarly in political contexts, often referring to the forced resettlement of populations after conquests. In both classical and biblical contexts, the word emphasizes relocation as part of a broader divine or political plan.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Acts 7:4: “Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God had him move [μετοικίζω] to this land in which you are now living.”
• Matthew 2:23: (Implied connection, though a different verb is used, the theme of relocation is present in Joseph’s movement to Nazareth, following divine guidance).

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μετοικίζω is essential for understanding the theological theme of divine relocation and resettlement, particularly in the case of Abraham’s journey at God’s command. In Acts 7:4, it emphasizes the decisive act of migration that set the stage for the establishment of Israel in a new land. The word carries deep connotations of both voluntary and forced relocation, whether by divine instruction or political necessity. This concept is not only foundational to the story of Abraham but also reflects broader historical movements of God’s people, both in the Old and New Testaments. In classical literature, metoikizō was used to describe similar acts of relocation, especially in military and political contexts.

Did You Know?

• The word μετοικίζω shares its root with metoikesia (G3350), which refers to the state of exile or deportation, further underscoring the close connection between relocation and exile in the Bible.
• Abraham’s journey from Mesopotamia, described with μετοικίζω, is a foundational event in biblical history, marking the beginning of the covenantal relationship between God and the people of Israel.
• In ancient Greek political contexts, μετοικίζω was often used to describe the forced relocation of populations following conquests, showing its wide-ranging application in both biblical and secular history.