κατοίκησις

dwelling, abode, habitation

Definition

The noun κατοίκησις refers to a dwelling place, abode, or habitation. It denotes a settled residence or the act of inhabiting a location. In its single New Testament occurrence in Mark 5:3, it describes the 'dwelling' among the tombs of the man with an unclean spirit, emphasizing a place of residence, albeit an isolated and desolate one. The word carries a sense of permanence and settled occupation, distinguishing it from a temporary lodging.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Mark 5:3, to describe the dwelling place of the Gerasene demoniac. The context is a vivid narrative where the man's 'dwelling' (κατοίκησις) is specifically among the tombs, highlighting his complete social isolation and association with death and uncleanness. No other patterns of usage exist in the biblical corpus.

Etymology

Derived from the verb κατοικέω (katoikeō, G2730), meaning 'to dwell, settle, inhabit.' This verb itself is a compound of κατά (kata, 'down') and οἰκέω (oikeō, 'to dwell'). Thus, κατοίκησις fundamentally conveys the concept of settling down in a place, establishing a home. It is related to the more common noun οἰκία (oikia, G3614) for 'house.'

Semantic Range

While used only once, the term in Mark 5:3 provides a stark contrast between the dwelling of the demon-possessed man—among the dead—and the dwelling places of God's people. It subtly points to themes of spiritual desolation versus the promise of dwelling with God (e.g., Revelation 21:3). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the profound alienation and 'un-homing' experienced by the man, which Jesus comes to reverse.

In the ancient world, tombs were places of ritual impurity (Numbers 19:16). Choosing a tomb as a 'dwelling' (κατοίκησις) would have been culturally shocking, signaling the man's utter exclusion from normal society and religious community. This context amplifies the power of Jesus's ministry to restore the outcast to a place of belonging.

οἰκία (oikia, G3614) — A general term for a house or household. κατοίκησις can imply the act or state of dwelling more than the physical structure. οἴκημα (oikēma, G3612) — A dwelling, room, or prison cell; often a specific chamber. κατοικητήριον (katoikētērion, G2732) — A habitation, dwelling place; used for both human and spiritual dwellings (Ephesians 2:22).

Word Details

Scripture References