κατοικία (katoikia)
katoikia
dwelling
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katoikia refers to a place of residence, such as a dwelling, habitation, or settlement. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 17:26, where Paul explains that God determined the times and boundaries for humanity so they might seek Him.
Its usage here emphasizes the physical reality of human life on earth. The word underscores that our earthly homes are temporary stations rather than permanent destinations. This perspective highlights the transient nature of human existence within God's broader plan.
The term connects to the verb katoikeō, meaning to dwell or settle. By using this specific noun, the text draws attention to the concrete aspect of living in a particular place and time. It serves as a reminder that our earthly residences are part of a larger divine narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katoikia simply means a dwelling place or home. In Acts 17:26, Paul uses it to describe where we live on earth. He explains that God set the times and boundaries for our homes so that we would seek Him. This reminds us that our physical location is part of a larger divine plan.
Our earthly houses are temporary stations, not permanent destinations. They are places where we live out our lives while looking toward God. Recognizing this helps us find peace in our daily routines and relationships. We can trust that even our ordinary moments are held within His purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- habitation1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατοικίας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:26
He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings,
Paul uses this term to show that God sovereignly determines the specific locations where people live, linking physical residence to the spiritual goal of seeking Him.