Lexical Summary oikeó: To dwell, inhabit, live Original Word: οἰκέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, i.e. Reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit -- dwell. See also oikoumene. see GREEK oikos see GREEK oikoumene HELPS Word-studies 3611 oikéō (from 3624 /oíkos, "a house, dwelling, habitation") – properly, to make a home; living "at home" (i.e. comfortably) because it is one's residence; "to be at home." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oikos Definition to inhabit, to dwell NASB Translation dwells (7), live (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3611: οἰκέωοἰκέω, οἴκῳ; (οἶκος); from Homer down; the Sept. for יָשַׁב, a few times for שָׁכַן; Latinhabito (transitive), to dwell in: τί (Herodotus and often in Attic), 1 Timothy 6:16; (intransitive, to dwell), μετά τίνος, with one (of the husband and wife), 1 Corinthians 7:12f; tropically, (ἐν τίνι, to be fixed and operative in one's soul: of sin, Romans 7:17f, 20; of the Holy Spirit, Romans 8:(9),11; 1 Corinthians 3:16. (Compare: ἐνοικέω, κατοικέω, ἐνκατοικέω, παροικέω, περιοικέω, συνοικέω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3611 presents the concept of making a home, settling down, or taking up residence. Its New Testament occurrences trace a progression from the unwanted occupation of sin to the glorious indwelling of the Holy Spirit, concluding with God Himself dwelling in unapproachable light. Each context unfolds practical and doctrinal implications for the life of the believer, the family, and the church. Background and Concept of Indwelling First-century usage speaks of a settled, continual presence rather than a passing visit. The resident gains influence over the environment; thus the term naturally lends itself to theological reflection about authority, control, and relationship. Scripture applies the verb to three principal occupants: sin, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father. Sin as an Intrusive Tenant (Romans 7:17-20) Paul laments that “it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me” (Romans 7:17). The verb paints sin as a squatter entrenched in the fallen human nature, exercising power independent of renewed desires. Though believers are justified, the lingering presence of sin reminds them of daily dependence on grace and the ongoing struggle of sanctification. The Holy Spirit’s Residence in Believers (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16) A decisive contrast follows. “You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you” (Romans 8:9). The same verb that described sin’s tyranny now depicts the Spirit’s life-giving occupancy. Romans 8:11: “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.” Paul repeats the truth corporately: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). The imagery shifts from conflict to communion, security, and empowerment for holy living and service. Living Together in Mixed Marriages (1 Corinthians 7:12-13) The verb appears twice for an unbelieving spouse who “consents to live with” a believing partner. The passage affirms the sanctity of the marriage bond and encourages believers to maintain the union when peaceably possible. Ministry application: Christian spouses become vessels through which God’s grace may reach the household, modeling patient love without compromising faith. The Majesty of the Divine Dwelling (1 Timothy 6:16) Paul exalts the Lord as the One “who alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.” The resident here is not within creation but above it, highlighting divine transcendence while reinforcing the wonder that this same God chooses to abide with His people by the Spirit. Biblical-Theological Trajectory 1. Enemy Occupation → Sin’s rule in fallen humanity (Romans 7). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Assurance: The indwelling Spirit is the seal of salvation (Romans 8:16). Historical Reflection Early fathers (e.g., Chrysostom) contrasted the Spirit’s gentle residence with sin’s tyrannical occupation, urging believers to evict the latter through obedience. Reformers stressed the verb to affirm the Spirit’s personal, continuous indwelling against impersonal or temporary notions of grace. Related Old Testament Parallels The Greek idea aligns with the Hebrew imagery of the LORD “dwelling” (shakan) among His people in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and the prophetic hope that He will “make His dwelling place with them” forever (Ezekiel 37:27). The New Testament fulfillment spans from Pentecost to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3). Summary Strong’s Greek 3611 maps a journey from sin’s oppressive residence to the Spirit’s transforming presence, culminating in God’s majestic dwelling. For the believer, the term summons vigilant warfare against indwelling sin, joyous confidence in the Spirit’s abiding help, faithful witness in the home, and reverent awe before the enthroned, transcendent Lord. Forms and Transliterations οικει οικεί οίκει οἰκεῖ οικειν οικείν οἰκεῖν οικείτωσαν οικήσαι οικήσατε οικήσει οικήσεις οικήσετε οικήσομεν οίκησον οικήσουσι οικήσουσιν οικούμεν οικούμενα οικουμενή οικουμένη οικουμενην οικουμενήν οικουμένην οικουμένης οικούντα οικούντας οικούντες οικούντων οικουσα οικούσα οἰκοῦσα οικούσιν οικώ οίκω οικων οικών οίκων οἰκῶν ωκήσαμεν ώκησαν ώκησεν ωκούμεν oikei oikeî oikein oikeîn oikon oikôn oikōn oikō̂n oikousa oikoûsaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 7:17 V-PPA-NFSGRK: ἀλλὰ ἡ οἰκοῦσα ἐν ἐμοὶ INT: but the dwelling in me Romans 7:18 V-PIA-3S Romans 7:20 V-PPA-NFS Romans 8:9 V-PIA-3S Romans 8:11 V-PIA-3S 1 Corinthians 3:16 V-PIA-3S 1 Corinthians 7:12 V-PNA 1 Corinthians 7:13 V-PNA 1 Timothy 6:16 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 3611 |
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