παροικία

a sojourning

Definition

παροικία refers to the state or condition of living as a foreigner or temporary resident in a land that is not one's own. It emphasizes a temporary, non-permanent dwelling, often with a sense of being an alien or stranger. In Acts 13:17, it describes the Israelites' time of sojourning in Egypt, a period of foreign residence before the Exodus. In 1 Peter 1:17, it is used metaphorically for the Christian life on earth, portraying believers as temporary residents awaiting their eternal home.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, but in two distinct contexts that together form a powerful theological pattern. In Acts 13:17, it is used historically to recount Israel's time in Egypt. In 1 Peter 1:17, it is applied spiritually to describe the present life of believers in the world. This creates a parallel between the Old Testament people of God and the New Testament church, both living as sojourners.

Etymology

Derived from πάροικος (paroikos, G3941), meaning 'a stranger dwelling nearby' or 'resident alien.' It combines παρά (para, 'beside') and οἶκος (oikos, 'house' or 'dwelling'). Thus, it literally means 'a dwelling beside' or 'a residence near,' inherently conveying the idea of living as a non-citizen in a foreign place.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures a central New Testament metaphor for the Christian life: believers are temporary residents or exiles on earth, with their true citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This concept, rooted in 1 Peter 1:17, encourages a perspective of detachment from worldly systems and a hopeful longing for eternity with God. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the continuity of God's people as a pilgrim people throughout Scripture.

In the Greco-Roman world, a πάροικος (paroikos) was a resident alien—someone who lived in a city but lacked full citizenship rights and political belonging. This status involved legal and social distinctions. When applied to believers, it powerfully conveys that Christians are not fully at home in the present world order, which differs from modern individualistic notions of belonging.

παρεπίδημος (parepidēmos, G3927) — emphasizes a temporary sojourner or pilgrim passing through; παροικέω (paroikeō, G3939) — the verb form, meaning 'to sojourn' or 'dwell as a stranger'; ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος (allotriepiskopos, G244) — a negative term for 'meddler in others' affairs,' sometimes connected to misunderstanding the sojourner's role.

Word Details

Scripture References