Brief Overview of πολιτεύομαι (Strong’s G4176: politeuomai)

Strong’s G4176: A deponent verb meaning “to live as a citizen” or “conduct oneself according to the laws and customs of a state.” In the New Testament, it describes living in accordance with one’s citizenship, whether earthly or heavenly, with emphasis on appropriate behavior and responsibility.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολιτεύομαι represents active participation in citizenship duties and rights, emphasizing conduct worthy of one’s political status. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe both his conduct before the Jewish council and the Christian’s responsibility to live worthy of the gospel. The early church understood this term as calling believers to live as citizens of heaven while still on earth. Today, it challenges Christians to align their conduct with their heavenly citizenship while fulfilling earthly civic duties.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολιτεύομαι, politeuomai, /pol-it-yoo’-om-ahee/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + it (syllable) + yoo (vowel) + om (syllable) + ahee (final diphthong)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• Root: πολιτ- (polit-) from πόλις (city)
• Suffix: -εύομαι (-euomai) forming middle/passive verb
• Function: Creates a verb indicating living as a citizen

D – Defining Meanings

• To live as a citizen
• To conduct oneself worthy of citizenship
• To fulfill civic duties
• To behave according to laws
• To participate in community life

Translation Options:

• Live as a citizen – Best captures civic responsibility
• Conduct oneself – Emphasizes behavior aspect
• Fulfill duties – Highlights responsibility aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀναστρέφω (anastrephō) /an-as-tref’-o/ – refers to conduct/behavior – See G390
• περιπατέω (peripateō) /per-ee-pat-eh’-o/ – refers to walking/living – See G4043
• ζάω (zaō) /dzah’-o/ – refers to living – See G2198

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Middle/Passive (Deponent)
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous, Punctiliar, Perfect

Examples:
Present: πολιτεύομαι (I live as a citizen)
Aorist: ἐπολιτευσάμην (I lived as a citizen)
Perfect: πεπολίτευμαι (I have lived as a citizen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes civic responsibility. Thayer’s notes its connection to public life. LSJ traces its political usage. Vine’s highlights its spiritual application. Strong’s connects it to citizenship duties. Moulton and Milligan document its use in civic contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 23:1: “And looking intently at the council, Paul said, ‘Brothers, I have lived [πεπολίτευμαι] my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.'”

Additional References:
Philippians 1:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολιτεύομαι challenges believers to live consistently with their heavenly citizenship. It proclaims the good news that through Christ, we can live worthy of our calling, representing His kingdom while engaging responsibly in earthly society.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολιτεύομαι appears twice in the New Testament
2. The term was important in Greek democratic thought
3. Early Christians used it to describe their dual citizenship responsibilities

Strong’s G4176: A deponent verb meaning “to live as a citizen” or “conduct oneself according to the laws and customs of a state.” In the New Testament, it describes living in accordance with one’s citizenship, whether earthly or heavenly, with emphasis on appropriate behavior and responsibility.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: citizenship, conduct, civic duty, behavior, Christian living, heavenly citizenship, public life, responsibility, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, civic responsibility, dual citizenship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​