Brief Overview of πολιτεία (Strong’s G4174: politeia)

Strong’s G4174: A noun derived from πόλις (city), meaning “citizenship” or “commonwealth.” In the New Testament, it refers specifically to Roman citizenship and more broadly to the rights and privileges of belonging to a political community. The term emphasizes both legal status and communal participation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολιτεία represents both the rights of citizenship and the nature of civic life within a community. In Acts, it appears in the context of Roman citizenship, highlighting its significant privileges and protections. In Ephesians, it refers to Israel’s commonwealth, from which Gentiles were previously excluded. The early church understood this term as expressing both earthly citizenship and spiritual belonging. Today, it helps us understand our dual citizenship as both earthly citizens and members of God’s kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολιτεία, politeia, /pol-ee-ti’-ah/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + ee (vowel) + ti (syllable) + ah (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πολιτ- (polit-) from πόλις (city)
• Suffix: -εία (-eia) forming abstract noun
• Function: Creates a noun indicating state of citizenship or civil rights

D – Defining Meanings

• Citizenship
• Commonwealth
• Civil rights
• Civic status
• Political community

Translation Options:

• Citizenship – Best captures legal status
• Commonwealth – Emphasizes community aspect
• Civil rights – Highlights privileges aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολίτευμα (politeuma) /pol-it’-yoo-mah/ – refers to citizenship status – See G4175
• πόλις (polis) /pol’-is/ – refers to city – See G4172
• πολιτεύομαι (politeuomai) /pol-it-yoo’-om-ahee/ – refers to living as a citizen – See G4176

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: πολιτεία
• Genitive: πολιτείας
• Dative: πολιτείᾳ
• Accusative: πολιτείαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both political and social aspects. Thayer’s notes its connection to civil rights. LSJ traces its development in Greek political thought. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to community membership. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its legal usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 22:28: “The tribune answered, ‘I bought this citizenship [πολιτείαν] for a large sum.’ Paul said, ‘But I am a citizen by birth.'”

Additional References:
Ephesians 2:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολιτεία reminds us of our privileged status as citizens of both earthly and heavenly kingdoms. It proclaims the good news that through Christ, Gentiles who were once excluded from Israel’s commonwealth are now full citizens in God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολιτεία gives us the English word “polity”
2. Roman citizenship provided significant legal protections
3. The term influenced early Christian understanding of church membership

Strong’s G4174: A noun derived from πόλις (city), meaning “citizenship” or “commonwealth.” In the New Testament, it refers specifically to Roman citizenship and more broadly to the rights and privileges of belonging to a political community. The term emphasizes both legal status and communal participation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: citizenship, commonwealth, civil rights, Roman citizenship, political status, community membership, civic life, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Acts, Ephesians, dual citizenship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​