κατοικίζω (katoikizō)
katoikizō
to settle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katoikizō carries the sense of establishing residence or planting someone in a specific location. It goes beyond simple visiting; it implies a permanent settlement, much like colonists moving to a new land to build a home. The word suggests stability and rootedness, marking a transition from being a wanderer to having a fixed place of dwelling.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in James 1:1. Here it describes the early Christians as "exiles" or "settled strangers" scattered throughout various regions. The usage highlights their status as people living outside their true homeland, yet firmly established in their faith despite being dispersed. This rare occurrence underscores the temporary nature of their earthly journey compared to their spiritual identity.
The word’s root emphasizes dwelling down or beneath, often implying a deliberate act of placement by an authority. Translators typically render it as "scattered" or "sojourners" in this context, capturing the tension between being physically dispersed and spiritually grounded. The term reflects a community defined not by geographic unity, but by a shared condition of living as residents in a foreign land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katoikizō describes a deliberate act of settling down, moving beyond temporary visiting to establish a permanent home. In James 1:1, it paints believers as those who have been placed in specific regions, yet remain strangers in their earthly surroundings. This image reminds us that our true citizenship is not tied to any single geographic location or cultural identity.
When life feels unstable or you are far from your roots, this word offers comfort. You are not wandering aimlessly; you have been intentionally situated by God. Your sense of belonging comes from your faith, not from where you live or who lives near you. This perspective brings peace to those who feel displaced or lonely.
Embracing this identity allows you to find stability in Christ alone. No matter how much the world changes around you, your spiritual home remains secure. You can face new environments with confidence, knowing that your place is fixed by divine grace rather than human circumstance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he settled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατῴκισεν1×