παροικία (paroikia)
paroikia
sojourning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paroikia describes the state of being a sojourner or a temporary resident in a foreign land. Derived from the root for "dwelling beside," it captures the experience of living away from one’s true home. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, anchoring a specific theological perspective on the believer’s current existence.
In Acts 13:17, it refers to the Israelites’ sojourn in Egypt, highlighting their status as guests in a land that was not theirs. More significantly, 1 Peter 1:17 uses the word to describe the Christian life. Here, believers are portrayed as exiles scattered among the nations, reminding them that their earthly residence is temporary and that they should live with reverent awe while awaiting their eternal inheritance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paroikia reminds us that our time on earth is a temporary stay, not our final home. It describes the experience of living as a sojourner or alien in a land that does not belong to you. This perspective helps ground your heart when you feel displaced or uncertain about your place in the world.
When 1 Peter 1:17 calls believers to pass their time as foreigners here, it invites a life of reverent fear and careful living. You are not defined by your current surroundings but by the Father who judges with justice. This truth offers comfort, knowing that your true citizenship is secure elsewhere.
Even in Acts 13:17, this concept highlights how God guides His people through foreign lands. It shows that being a stranger can be part of a larger divine plan. Trust that He leads you through every season, preparing you for the eternal inheritance waiting ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sojourn2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παροικίᾳ1×
- παροικίας1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 1:17
If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear,
This verse applies the concept of sojourning directly to the Christian life, urging believers to live with reverent fear while aware of their temporary status.
-
Acts 13:17
The God of this people chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it.
It uses the term historically to describe Israel's time in Egypt, framing their stay as a period of alien residence under God's guidance.