Brief Overview of παροικέω (Strong’s G3939: paroikeō)

Strong’s G3939: A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with οἰκέω (to dwell), meaning “to dwell as an alien, to sojourn.” Used in literal and metaphorical contexts to describe temporary residence or spiritual pilgrimage. Reflects both the historical reality of diaspora Jews and the Christian understanding of earthly life as temporary.

U- Unveiling the Word

παροικέω embodies both physical and spiritual displacement. Initially describing the literal experience of living as a foreigner, it gained deep theological significance in describing the Christian’s relationship to the world. The compound structure emphasizes dwelling alongside but not as a full citizen. Early church fathers extensively used this term to describe Christian identity as heavenly citizens temporarily residing on earth. Today, it continues to inform Christian understanding of cultural engagement and spiritual identity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παροικέω, paroikeō, /par-oy-KEH-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + oy (as in ‘boy’) + KEH (stressed) + oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• οἰκέω (oikeō): to dwell
• Combined to express temporary dwelling

D – Defining Meanings

• To dwell as an alien
• To sojourn
• To live as a temporary resident

For compound words:
παρα- adds the concept of alongside to οἰκέω’s meaning of dwelling, creating the sense of temporary residence

Translation Options:

• “To live as a foreigner” – emphasizes alien status
• “To sojourn” – captures temporary nature
• “To dwell temporarily” – emphasizes transient status

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατοικέω (katoikeō) /kat-oy-KEH-oh/ – to dwell permanently
• μετοικέω (metoikeō) /met-oy-KEH-oh/ – to change residence
• ξενιτεύω (xeniteuō) /ksen-it-YOO-oh/ – to live as a stranger

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παροικέω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous, Stative

Examples:
παροικέω (I sojourn)
παροικεῖς (you sojourn)
παροικοῦντες (sojourning ones)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to spiritual pilgrimage. LSJ documents extensive usage for temporary residence. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Are you the only visitor [παροικέω] to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (Luke 24:18)

Additional References:
Hebrews 11:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παροικέω describes both literal foreign residence and the spiritual reality of Christian existence as temporary dwellers in this world, awaiting their heavenly home.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in legal documents for resident aliens
• It influenced early Christian self-understanding as “resident aliens”
• The word appears in the Septuagint describing Israel’s sojourns

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρά (beside) with οἰκέω (to dwell), meaning “to dwell as an alien, to sojourn.” Used in literal and metaphorical contexts to describe temporary residence or spiritual pilgrimage. Reflects both the historical reality of diaspora Jews and the Christian understanding of earthly life as temporary.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #sojourner #pilgrimage #aliens #temporary_residence #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #christian_identity #diaspora​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​