Lexical Summary oikétérion: Dwelling, habitation Original Word: οἰκητήριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance habitation, house. Neuter of a presumed derivative of oikeo (equivalent to oikema); a residence (literally or figuratively) -- habitation, house. see GREEK oikeo see GREEK oikema NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oikétér (an inhabitant) Definition a habitation NASB Translation abode (1), dwelling (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3613: οἰκητήριονοἰκητήριον, ὀικητηριου, τό (οἰκητήρ), a dwelling-place, habitation: Jude 1:6; of the body as the dwelling-place of the spirit, 2 Corinthians 5:2 (2 Macc. 11:2; 3Macc. 2:15; (Josephus, contra Apion 1, 20, 7); Euripides, Plutarch, Cebes ( Topical Lexicon Concept Overview The term signifies a dwelling or habitation that is proper, permanent, and fitted to the occupant’s nature. In Scripture it is used only twice, each time pointing beyond merely physical structures to realms appointed by God either for glorified humanity or for angelic beings. Occurrences in Scripture “For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling”. “And the angels who did not stay within their own domain, but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day”. Usage in 2 Corinthians 5:2: The Believer’s Future Body Paul contrasts the present “tent” of mortality with the “heavenly dwelling” believers eagerly anticipate. The imagery draws on Old Testament tabernacle language (Psalm 84:1; Isaiah 33:20) and foregrounds the resurrection body promised in 1 Corinthians 15:42-54 and Philippians 3:20-21. This habitation is: Usage in Jude 1:6: The Angels’ Abode and Apostasy Jude references angels who abandoned their assigned habitation, paralleling Genesis 6:1-4 and 2 Peter 2:4. Their defection underscores: Doctrinal Themes Resurrection Anthropology: The term affirms continuity (identity persists) and transformation (nature glorified) of the believer’s body. Angelology: Establishes that even exalted spirits possess a God-ordained “place” that must not be forsaken. Sanctification: Present groaning is purposeful, directing hope toward the consummation in Christ. Judgment: God’s justice is impartial; angels and humans alike answer to His order. Old Testament and Intertestamental Parallels • Ezekiel’s temple visions (Ezekiel 40-48) anticipate a perfected dwelling for divine presence. Historical Interpretation Within the Church Early fathers (e.g., Irenaeus, Tertullian) connected the heavenly dwelling with bodily resurrection against Gnostic denial of material redemption. The Reformers emphasized its eschatological certainty grounded in Christ’s resurrection. Modern conservative scholarship maintains the literal, physical nature of the future body while acknowledging metaphorical richness. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Comfort in Bereavement: The promise of a heavenly habitation offers concrete hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Key Related Passages John 14:2-3; Romans 8:11, 23; Colossians 3:4; Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 21:2-4. Summary Strong’s Greek 3613 frames both the destiny of redeemed humanity and the fall of rebellious angels. For the believer it heralds an imperishable, God-prepared body; for apostate angels it exposes the peril of forsaking God’s design. Together the two occurrences present a unified testimony: God ordains suitable habitations for His creatures, and eternal joy or judgment hinges on faithfulness to His order. Forms and Transliterations οικητήν οικητηριον οικητήριον οἰκητήριον οικήτορες oiketerion oiketḗrion oikētērion oikētḗrionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 5:2 N-ANSGRK: στενάζομεν τὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ NAS: to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, KJV: with our house which INT: we groan the dwelling of us which [is] Jude 1:6 N-ANS |
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