The Greek verb enkatoikeō means to dwell permanently among or to settle within a place — a compound of en (in), kata (down/among), and oikeō (to dwell). It conveys established, continuing residence. In the New Testament it appears in 2 Peter 2:8 describing Lot's existence in Sodom.
Peter describes Lot as 'a righteous man who lived (enkatoikeō) among them day after day' — his soul tormented by the lawlessness he witnessed. The word emphasizes the ongoing, daily nature of righteous suffering in a corrupt environment. This mirrors the situation of believers who 'live among' a fallen world without belonging to it — sojourners whose true citizenship is in heaven, yet who groan with creation awaiting final redemption.