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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μετοικεσία (metoikesia) is essential for interpreting key theological events and concepts. This term, first appearing in Matthew 1:11, refers to the “deportation” or “exile” of the Jewish people, specifically their Babylonian captivity. This word is significant in both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture, as it touches upon themes of displacement, divine judgment, and restoration. In Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus, metoikesia is used to mark a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, making it a key word for understanding God’s dealings with His people and the hope of redemption that followed.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετοικεσία (metoikesia, pronunciation: meh-toy-keh-SEE-ah)

Etymology: The word μετοικεσία is derived from the combination of “μετά” (meta-), meaning “after” or “beyond,” and “οἰκέω” (oikeō), meaning “to dwell” or “to inhabit.” Together, they form the idea of moving to a new dwelling place or being relocated, particularly in the context of forced migration or exile.

Part of Speech: μετοικεσία is a noun, specifically a feminine noun. It refers to the state of exile or deportation, particularly in the context of historical events like the Babylonian captivity.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Deportation or exile. This primary meaning refers to the forced removal of people from their homeland, as in the Babylonian exile. In Matthew 1:11, the word μετοικεσία is used to describe the deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon.

Meaning 2: Migration or resettlement. While commonly used in a negative sense to refer to exile, metoikesia can also refer more generally to migration, though in the biblical context, it often implies a forced or involuntary relocation.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀποδημία (apodēmia, pronounced ah-po-DAY-mee-ah): This word means “a journey abroad” or “being away from home,” and it has a less forced connotation than metoikesia, often used to describe voluntary travel or relocation.

μετανάστης (metanastēs, pronounced meh-tah-NAH-stehs): This term refers to “a migrant” or “sojourner,” implying someone who has moved or been displaced, but without the forced connotations of metoikesia.

ξενία (xenia, pronounced KSEH-nee-ah): This word means “hospitality” or “the state of being a foreigner,” and while it carries a sense of being in a foreign place, it emphasizes the reception and treatment of outsiders rather than the state of being exiled.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: μετοικεσία is a feminine noun and follows the first declension pattern. It can appear in various cases depending on its role in the sentence. For example, in Matthew 1:11, it is in the nominative case, marking it as the subject of the clause.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term μετοικεσία is deeply tied to the history of Israel’s exile in Babylon. Lexical sources consistently interpret this word as referring to forced migration, especially in a historical or political context. In Matthew 1:11, it refers to the deportation of Judah during the Babylonian conquest, marking a low point in Israel’s history. Theologically, metoikesia represents both judgment and hope—judgment in the exile itself, but also hope in the eventual return and restoration of the people. In classical Greek, the word could refer more generally to relocation, but in biblical contexts, it almost always carries the negative connotations of forced exile.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 1:11: “And Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the deportation [μετοικεσίας] to Babylon.”
• Matthew 1:12: “And after the deportation [μετοικεσίας] to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.”
• Matthew 1:17: “So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation [μετοικεσίας] to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation [μετοικεσίας] to Babylon to the Messiah fourteen generations.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μετοικεσία refers specifically to the deportation or exile of people, and in the biblical context, it is most notably tied to the Babylonian captivity. This word is used in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus to mark the exile as a significant event in Israel’s history, signifying both judgment and the anticipation of restoration. The term highlights the deep sense of loss associated with forced relocation but also serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate plan for redemption. In classical Greek literature, the word also carried the meaning of forced migration or resettlement, though not always with the theological implications found in the Bible.

Did You Know?

• The Babylonian captivity, referred to by the word μετοικεσία, lasted approximately 70 years and is one of the most significant events in Jewish history, deeply affecting Jewish identity and theology.
• Matthew uses μετοικεσία to organize his genealogy of Jesus, dividing history into three key periods: from Abraham to David, from David to the exile, and from the exile to the Messiah.
• The word μετοικεσία was also used in ancient Greek legal and political contexts to describe the forced relocation of populations as a result of war or conquest, showing its broader historical use beyond the biblical context.