"a neighbor; later, a sojourner, temporary resident, stranger, Acts 7:6, 29; Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 2:11*"
Definition and meaning
a neighbor; later, a sojourner, temporary resident, stranger, Acts 7:6, 29; Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 2:11*
In the original Greek the word is written: πάροικος
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 paroikos (G3941) across the King James Bible.
And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
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Common questions
Strong's G3941 (paroikos) is a Greek word that means: a neighbor; later, a sojourner, temporary resident, stranger, Acts 7:6, 29; Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 2:11* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word paroikos (G3941) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3941 is paroikos, a Greek word defined as: a neighbor; later, a sojourner, temporary resident, stranger, Acts 7:6, 29; Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 2:11*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paroikos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.