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G2731 · Greek · New Testament
κατοίκησις
Katoikēsis
Noun, feminine
Dwelling; Habitation; Abode

Definition

A dwelling place or habitation — used for the tombs where Legion dwelt and for the dwelling of God's Spirit in believers.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Greek katoikēsis (from katoikeō, to dwell) means a place of permanent dwelling or habitation. It appears once in the NT in its noun form: Mark 5:3, where the demoniac Legion 'lived (katoikēsin) in the tombs' — his dwelling was among the dead. The related verb katoikeō is used extensively for God's presence: the fullness of deity 'dwells' (katoikei) in Christ (Colossians 2:9), and God's Spirit 'dwells' in believers (Romans 8:11).

The single NT use of katoikēsis in Mark 5:3 is striking: the demon-possessed man's permanent dwelling was a graveyard — among the dead, unclean, bound, crying out and cutting himself. This is the demonic counterfeit of katoikēsis: a dwelling among death rather than life. When Jesus restored him, he was found 'sitting, dressed and in his right mind' (Mark 5:15) — a new habitation in sanity and dignity. The theology of dwelling runs throughout Scripture from the Garden (God walking with humanity) to Revelation 21:3 ('Now the dwelling (skēnē) of God is with humans'). Where we dwell reveals what or who we belong to.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 5:3 This man lived (katoikēsin eichon) in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.
Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives (katoikei) in bodily form.
Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.
Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people.'
Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell (katoikēsai) in your hearts through faith.

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