Brief Overview of παρεπίδημος (Strong’s G3927: parepidēmos)

Strong’s G3927: A compound adjective combining παρά (beside) with ἐπί (upon) and δῆμος (people), meaning “resident alien, sojourner, temporary resident.” Used to describe believers as spiritual pilgrims in this world. Reflects early Christian self-understanding as citizens of heaven living temporarily on earth.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρεπίδημος describes someone who dwells in a place without permanent citizenship rights. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance, depicting believers as temporary residents whose true citizenship is in heaven. The compound structure emphasizes temporary presence among others. Early church fathers extensively used this term to describe Christian identity as distinct from worldly citizenship. Today, it continues to shape Christian self-understanding as “pilgrims” in this world.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρεπίδημος, parepidēmos, /par-ep-ID-ay-mos/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ep + ID (stressed) + ay + mos
• Part of Speech: Adjective/Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• ἐπί- (epi-): upon
• δῆμος (dēmos): people
• Combined to express temporary residence among people

D – Defining Meanings

• Resident alien
• Sojourner
• Temporary resident

For compound words:
The combination creates the concept of one who dwells (δῆμος) upon (ἐπί) alongside (παρά) others, emphasizing temporary status

Translation Options:

• “Pilgrim” – captures spiritual journey aspect
• “Sojourner” – emphasizes temporary nature
• “Resident alien” – stresses legal/social status

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πάροικος (paroikos) /PAR-oy-kos/ – alien, stranger
• ξένος (xenos) /KSEN-os/ – foreigner, more general term
• προσήλυτος (prosēlytos) /pro-SAY-lee-tos/ – convert, religious immigrant

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective/noun, παρεπίδημος exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
παρεπίδημος (nom. sing.)
παρεπιδήμου (gen. sing.)
παρεπίδημοι (nom. pl.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its spiritual application. Thayer’s notes its legal and social implications. LSJ documents secular usage for non-citizens. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical significance. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were [παρεπίδημος] strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13)

Additional References:
1 Peter 1:1, 1 Peter 2:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρεπίδημος encapsulates the Christian understanding of earthly existence as temporary residence, emphasizing believer’s primary citizenship in heaven while acknowledging their present earthly responsibilities.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in ancient legal documents for resident aliens
• Early Christians adopted it as a key self-identifier
• The word influenced Christian poetry and hymns about pilgrimage

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound adjective combining παρά (beside) with ἐπί (upon) and δῆμος (people), meaning “resident alien, sojourner, temporary resident.” Used to describe believers as spiritual pilgrims in this world. Reflects early Christian self-understanding as citizens of heaven living temporarily on earth.

Part of speech: Adjective/Noun

Tags: #adjective #noun #pilgrimage #citizenship #heaven #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #christian_identity #sojourner​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​