οἴκημα (oikēma)
oikēma
cell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun oikēma literally denotes a dwelling place or habitation, derived from the root for "house." In the New Testament, however, it is used with striking specificity to describe a prison cell. This usage appears only once in the entire text, marking Peter’s miraculous release from custody.
Lexical sources note that this term functions as a euphemism for confinement, softening the harsh reality of incarceration by focusing on the room itself rather than the person imprisoned. The context of Acts 12:7 illustrates this vividly: Peter is sleeping between two soldiers, bound with chains, inside this specific "dwelling" when an angel intervenes.
While the word shares a family connection with terms for home, its biblical application here highlights a temporary, restrictive space. Translators consistently render it as "prison cell" to capture this unique nuance, distinguishing it from general words for house or building and emphasizing the confined nature of Peter’s situation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oikēma usually refers to a home or living space, yet in Acts 12:7 it describes Peter’s prison cell. This shift from a place of comfort to one of confinement shows how God can bring freedom even in the most restrictive circumstances. The text notes that an angel appeared and a light shone in this specific room, marking a moment where divine intervention breaks through human barriers.
When you feel trapped by difficult situations or inner struggles, remember that no space is too small for God’s presence. Just as Peter was unexpectedly freed from his chains, you can trust that hope arrives when least expected. This single usage reminds us that our current confinement does not define our final destination.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cell;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οἰκήματι·1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 12:7
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where oikēma specifies the exact room where Peter was chained between soldiers before his miraculous release.