πολίτευμα (politeuma)
politeuma
citizenship
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun politeuma refers to one’s citizenship or community, specifically highlighting the rights and responsibilities that come with belonging to a particular city-state. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Philippians 3:20, where Paul describes believers as having their "citizenship in heaven." This usage shifts the focus from earthly political affiliation to a spiritual identity rooted in God’s kingdom.
While the word can broadly mean a form of government or constitution, its primary sense here is communal belonging. It suggests that Christians are part of a distinct commonwealth with laws and values different from those of the surrounding world. This concept emphasizes loyalty and allegiance, reminding readers that their ultimate home and identity are found in heaven rather than on earth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word politeuma points to more than just a legal status; it describes the community that defines who you are. In the first century, your citizenship determined your rights, your loyalties, and your daily life. Paul uses this term in Philippians to remind believers that their primary identity is not rooted in any earthly nation or social class, but in heaven.
This truth offers a steady anchor when cultural pressures feel overwhelming. You belong to a commonwealth with values that transcend local politics. This perspective invites you to live with hope and integrity, knowing your ultimate home is secure. It encourages you to carry the light of that heavenly community into every room you enter.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- citizenship1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πολίτευμα1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 3:20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Paul uses this term to establish heaven as the believer's primary political and spiritual allegiance, contrasting it with earthly identities.