"a sojourning, temporary residence in a foreign land, Acts 13:17; 1 Pet. 1:17*"
Definition and meaning
a sojourning, temporary residence in a foreign land, Acts 13:17; 1 Pet. 1:17*
In the original Greek the word is written: παροικία
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of paroikia (G3940) across the King James Bible.
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
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Common questions
Strong's G3940 (paroikia) is a Greek word that means: a sojourning, temporary residence in a foreign land, Acts 13:17; 1 Pet. 1:17* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word paroikia (G3940) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3940 is paroikia, a Greek word defined as: a sojourning, temporary residence in a foreign land, Acts 13:17; 1 Pet. 1:17*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paroikia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.