πολιτεία (politeia)
politeia
citizenship
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun politeia refers to the status or rights of a citizen, often translated as "citizenship." It denotes more than mere residence; it implies legal standing and belonging within a specific political community. In Acts 22:28, the speaker contrasts his own acquired citizenship with Paul’s by birth, highlighting how this term marks a concrete legal identity and social privilege in the ancient world.
Its meaning extends beyond individual status to describe the collective body of citizens or the state itself. Ephesians 2:12 uses the word to describe those "separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel." Here, it signifies the shared political and religious heritage of a people, emphasizing that belonging to God’s people involves being part of a distinct community with its own laws and identity.
The word derives from polis, meaning city or state. This root connection shows that politeia is fundamentally about life within a structured society. Whether referring to Roman legal rights or the spiritual heritage of Israel, the term anchors the reader in the reality of belonging to a defined group under a specific authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, citizenship was a precious legal status that granted protection, rights, and a clear identity. When Paul stood before a Roman commander, he did not just claim a nationality; he asserted his standing under the law. This word reminds us that our faith is not a private hobby but a public belonging. We are citizens of a kingdom that offers security and purpose beyond our earthly circumstances.
Ephesians speaks to those who once felt like strangers, alienated from the community and hope of God’s people. The gospel changes that status entirely. You are no longer an outsider looking in. Through Christ, you have been brought near and given a place in a new commonwealth. This identity is secure, not because of what you have bought or earned, but because of who has claimed you.
Let this truth settle in your heart. Your life has meaning because you belong to something eternal. When the world tries to define you by your failures or your background, remember that your true citizenship is written in heaven. You are part of a family and a kingdom that will never fade away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- commonwealth1×
- citizenship1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πολιτείας1×
- πολιτείαν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 22:28
The commanding officer answered, “I bought my citizenship for a great price.” Paul said, “But I was born a Roman.”
This verse highlights the concrete legal value of citizenship, contrasting purchased status with birthright to show how identity was secured.
-
Ephesians 2:12
that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Here the word describes a past state of alienation from Israel’s covenant community, emphasizing the loss of hope and divine connection before conversion.