Brief Overview of πολίτευμα (Strong’s G4175: politeuma)

Strong’s G4175: A noun meaning “citizenship, commonwealth, or state,” derived from πολιτεύω (to live as a citizen). In the New Testament, it uniquely appears in Philippians to describe believers’ heavenly citizenship. The term emphasizes both legal status and active participation in a political community.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολίτευμα represents more than mere citizenship; it encompasses the full rights, responsibilities, and relationships of belonging to a political community. In its sole New Testament appearance, Paul uses it to describe Christians’ heavenly citizenship, contrasting it with earthly allegiances. The early church understood this term as expressing their primary identity and loyalty to Christ’s kingdom while living as aliens and strangers on earth. Today, it reminds believers of their true homeland and calls them to live according to heaven’s values.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολίτευμα, politeuma, /pol-it’-yoo-mah/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + it (syllable) + yoo (vowel) + mah (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πολιτεύ- (politeu-) from πολιτεύω (to live as a citizen)
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) forming concrete noun
• Function: Creates a noun indicating citizenship status or community

D – Defining Meanings

• Citizenship
• Commonwealth
• State
• Political rights
• Civic community

Translation Options:

• Citizenship – Emphasizes legal status
• Commonwealth – Highlights community aspect
• State – Stresses political organization

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολιτεία (politeia) /pol-ee-ti’-ah/ – refers to citizenship/commonwealth – See G4174
• πολίτης (politēs) /pol-ee’-tace/ – refers to a citizen – See G4177
• κατοικητήριον (katoikētērion) /kat-oy-kay-tay’-ree-on/ – refers to dwelling place – See G2732

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: πολίτευμα
• Genitive: πολιτεύματος
• Dative: πολιτεύματι
• Accusative: πολίτευμα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its political-community aspect. Thayer’s notes its connection to citizenship rights. LSJ traces its usage in Greek political discourse. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to community membership. Moulton and Milligan document its use in civic contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship [πολίτευμα] is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολίτευμα powerfully expresses our true identity and allegiance as citizens of heaven. It proclaims the good news that through Christ, we belong to a higher kingdom while living as His representatives on earth, awaiting our Savior’s return.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολίτευμα appears only once in the New Testament
2. Philippi was a Roman colony, making citizenship imagery particularly relevant
3. The term influenced early Christian understanding of church-state relations

Strong’s G4175: A noun meaning “citizenship, commonwealth, or state,” derived from πολιτεύω (to live as a citizen). In the New Testament, it uniquely appears in Philippians to describe believers’ heavenly citizenship. The term emphasizes both legal status and active participation in a political community.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: citizenship, commonwealth, heavenly citizenship, state, political community, Philippians, Christian identity, kingdom of God, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, civic life, heavenly calling​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​