Lexical Summary paroikeó: To sojourn, to dwell as a foreigner Original Word: παροικέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sojourn in, be a stranger. From para and oikeo; to dwell near, i.e. Reside as a foreigner -- sojourn in, be a stranger. see GREEK para see GREEK oikeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and oikeó Definition to dwell near, i.e. reside as a foreigner NASB Translation lived as an alien (1), visiting (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3939: παροικέωπαροικέω, παροίκῳ; 1 aorist παρῴκησα; 1. properly, to dwell beside (one) or in one's neighborhood (παρά, IV. 1); to live near; (Xenophon, Thucydides, Isocrates, others). 2. in the Scriptures to be or dwell in a place as a stranger, to sojourn (the Sept. for גּוּר, several times also for יָשַׁב and שָׁכַן): followed by ἐν with a dative of place, Luke 24:18 R L (Genesis 20:1; Genesis 21:34; Genesis 26:3; Exodus 12:40, the Alex. manuscript; Leviticus 18:3 (Ald.), etc.); with an accusative of place, ibid. G T Tr WH (Genesis 17:8; Exodus 6:4); εἰς with the accusative of place (in pregnant construction; see εἰς, C. 2), Hebrews 11:9. (Metaphorically and absolutely, to dwell on the earth, Philo de cherub. § 34 (cf. Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 1, 1 [ET] and Lightfoot and Harnack at the passage; Holtzmann, Einl. ins N. T., p. 484f. Synonym: see κατοικέω.).) Strong’s Greek 3939 appears twice: Luke 24:18—where Cleopas calls Jesus the “only visitor to Jerusalem”—and Hebrews 11:9, which describes Abraham dwelling in the promised land “as a stranger in a foreign country.” In both contexts the verb conveys residence that is real yet temporary, underscoring the pilgrims’ status of the speaker or subject. Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, a resident alien had limited rights, paid special taxes, and depended on local goodwill. Scripture assumes this social reality (Genesis 23:4; Exodus 22:21) and often elevates it: God’s people are repeatedly reminded that they were once sojourners and therefore must show hospitality to outsiders (Leviticus 19:34). The two New Testament uses of 3939 retain that cultural backdrop while advancing a redemptive-historical theme: the faithful live in lands they do not finally possess. Theological Significance 1. Faith’s Pilgrim Nature: Hebrews 11:9 links the temporary dwelling of Abraham to the forward-looking faith commended throughout the chapter. His tents testify that God’s promise extends beyond present geography to “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Practical Ministry Applications • Hospitality: Since God “loves the foreigner residing among you” (Deuteronomy 10:18), churches extend welcome to refugees, immigrants, students, and the socially displaced. Related Concepts and Cross-References • Paroikos (3900) and Parepidēmos (3927) describe foreigners and exiles (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11). Christological Implications Jesus fulfills the pattern of the sojourner: “The Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). His earthly ministry was marked by dependence on the Father and the hospitality of others, culminating in the cross outside Jerusalem’s gate (Hebrews 13:12). Believers united to Christ share His pilgrim identity while awaiting resurrection life in the new creation. Eschatological Hope The verb 3939 propels hearts toward the consummation. Earthly tenure is provisional; citizenship is “in heaven, from which we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Until then, disciples occupy foreign soil as ambassadors, expecting the day when the temporary gives way to permanent inheritance. Englishman's Concordance Luke 24:18 V-PIA-2SGRK: Σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ NAS: to Him, Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem KJV: Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, INT: You alone visit Jerusalem and Hebrews 11:9 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 3939 |
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