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G3927 · Greek · New Testament
παρεπίδημος
parepidemos
Adjective/Noun
stranger, sojourner, exile, pilgrim

Definition

Parepidemos (G3927) combines para (beside, alongside), epi (upon), and demos (people/land) — literally 'one who dwells alongside the people' but is not of them: a resident alien, a foreigner, a pilgrim passing through. Used three times in the NT: Abraham as a parepidemos in the cave purchase (Acts 7:6 alludes to it), Peter's greeting to 'those who are elect exiles [parepidemos] of the Dispersion' (1 Pet 1:1), and the exhortation to 'abstain from the passions of the flesh... as sojourners and exiles [parepidemoi]' (1 Pet 2:11).

Usage & Theological Significance

The parepidemos identity is central to NT spirituality. Peter's entire first letter is addressed to believers as alien residents — not second-class citizens but people whose true citizenship (politeuma, Phil 3:20) is in heaven. Abraham 'went out, not knowing where he was going' (Heb 11:8) and 'lived in tents' because 'he was looking forward to the city that has foundations' (Heb 11:9-10). The parepidemos lives lightly — not clinging to temporary accommodations, not absorbed in the culture that surrounds him, not seduced by the world's priorities. His homesickness for the heavenly city makes him free and dangerous in the best sense: free from what this world offers, dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles [parepidemos] of the Dispersion.
1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles [parepidemoi] to abstain from the passions of the flesh.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith... they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Genesis 23:4 I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place.

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