3940. paroikia

Lexicon

paroikia: Sojourning, temporary residence, foreign residence

Original Word: παροικία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: paroikia
Pronunciation: pah-roy-KEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (par-oy-kee'-ah)
Definition: Sojourning, temporary residence, foreign residence
Meaning: a sojourning, a dwelling in a strange land.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sojourning, as strangers.

From paroikos; foreign residence -- sojourning, X as strangers.

see GREEK paroikos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from paroikos
Definition
a sojourning
NASB Translation
stay (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3940: παροικία

παροικία, παροικίας, ἡ (παροικέω, which see), a Biblical and ecclesiastical word a dwelling near or with one; hence, a sojourning, dwelling in a strange land: properly, Acts 13:17 (2 Esdr. 8:35; Psalm 119:5 (); Wis. 19:10; Prol. of Sir. 21; cf. Fritzsche on Judith 5:9). Metaphorically, the life of man here on earth, likened to a sojourning: 1 Peter 1:17 (Genesis 47:9); see παρεπίδημος (and references under παροικέω).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb παροικέω (paroikeō), meaning "to dwell beside" or "to sojourn."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H1481 גּוּר (gur): To sojourn, dwell as a foreigner.
• H4033 מָגוּר (magur): A dwelling place, sojourning.
• H8453 תּוֹשָׁב (toshav): A resident alien, sojourner.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the idea of living temporarily in a place that is not one's permanent home, reflecting the broader biblical theme of life as a pilgrimage and the anticipation of a future, eternal dwelling with God.

Usage: The word παροικία is used in the New Testament to describe the transient and temporary nature of life on earth for believers, emphasizing their status as sojourners and exiles in this world.

Context: The concept of παροικία is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the transient nature of human existence and the spiritual journey of believers. In the New Testament, παροικία is used to remind Christians of their temporary status on earth and their ultimate citizenship in heaven. This term is found in 1 Peter 2:11, where the apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles," urging them to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against their souls. The use of παροικία in this context highlights the tension between living in the world and maintaining a distinct identity as God's people.

The notion of being a sojourner is not new to the New Testament but is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are often depicted as sojourners in the land of Canaan, living in tents and awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises. This imagery is carried into the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to view their earthly lives as temporary and to focus on their eternal home with God.

Theologically, παροικία underscores the call for Christians to live with a sense of detachment from worldly values and to prioritize their relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the hope and promise of eternal life, encouraging believers to persevere in faith and holiness despite the challenges and temptations of the present age.

Forms and Transliterations

παροικι παροικια παροικία παροικίᾳ παροικίαις παροικιας παροικίας paroikia paroikíāi paroikias paroikías

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 13:17 N-DFS
GRK: ἐν τῇ παροικίᾳ ἐν γῇ
NAS: during their stay in the land
KJV: when they dwelt as strangers in
INT: in the visiting in [the] land

1 Peter 1:17 N-GFS
GRK: τὸν τῆς παροικίας ὑμῶν χρόνον
NAS: during the time of your stay [on earth];
KJV: of your sojourning [here] in
INT: of the stay of you time

Strong's Greek 3940
2 Occurrences

παροικίᾳ — 1 Occ.
παροικίας — 1 Occ.