πολίτης (politēs)
politēs
citizen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun politēs refers to a citizen, specifically an inhabitant of a city or political community. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in Luke and Acts, where it identifies individuals by their legal or civic belonging. For instance, Paul uses the term to assert his rights as a Roman citizen in Acts 21:39, while the parable in Luke 15:15 describes a prodigal son reduced to working for a citizen of that country.
The word carries two distinct nuances depending on its grammatical context. When followed by a genitive of place, it denotes a resident or native of a specific location. However, when paired with a genitive of person, it shifts to mean "fellow-citizen" or "countryman," emphasizing shared identity and rights within the community. This relational sense is preserved in Hebrews 8:11, which quotes the Old Testament promise that all will know God directly, without needing to teach one another as fellow citizens.
Its etymology links it to polis, the Greek word for city, grounding the concept in urban civic life rather than abstract nationality. Translators typically render it simply as "citizen" or "fellow citizen," capturing both the legal status and the communal bond inherent in the term.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word politēs reminds us that our identity is rooted in belonging. In Acts, Paul uses his status as a Roman citizen to protect his right to share the gospel with others. This shows how our earthly connections can become platforms for faith when we trust God to guide our steps.
Yet the New Testament also points to a deeper home. Hebrews describes a time when all people will know God directly, like fellow citizens sharing one truth. We are invited into this community now, where we support each other in grace rather than judgment.
Your place in God’s family is secure. You belong to Him, and He belongs to you. This assurance brings peace as you navigate daily life, knowing your true citizenship is kept safe in heaven.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the citizens1×
- comrade1×
- citizens1×
- a citizen,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πολῖται1×
- πολίτης,1×
- πολίτην1×
- πολιτῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 21:39
But Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”
Paul claims his civic status not for pride, but to ensure he can speak freely about the resurrection.
-
Hebrews 8:11
They will not teach every man his fellow citizen and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all will know me, from their least to their greatest.
This verse redefines citizenship as a shared knowledge of God that replaces human teaching.
-
Luke 15:15
He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
The prodigal son’s lowest point is working for a citizen, highlighting his loss of family belonging.