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G4176 (πολιτεύομαι)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4176
Original Word: πολιτεύομαι
Transliteration: politeúomai
Pronunciation: pol-it-yoo'-om-ahee
Part of Speech: verb
Root / Etymology: middle voice of a derivative of G4177 (πολίτης);
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 1016

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to behave as a citizen (figuratively)

let conversation belive

middle voice of a derivative of G4177 (πολίτης);

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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.

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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

Author: Work	Text
Demosthenes: Speeches	"He lived as a citizen [πολιτεύομαι] according to the laws"
Thucydides: History	"They conducted themselves [πολιτεύομαι] with moderation in public affairs"
Xenophon: Memorabilia	"Those who live [πολιτεύομαι] as good citizens benefit the state"

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?

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

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

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