Strong's Lexicon politeuomai: to live as a citizen, to conduct oneself Original Word: πολιτεύομαι Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word πολίτης (polites), meaning "citizen." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "politeuomai," the concept of living according to God's laws and being part of His covenant community can be seen in Hebrew terms like "halak" (Strong's H1980), which means "to walk" or "to live." Usage: The verb "politeuomai" primarily refers to the act of living or conducting oneself as a citizen. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the conduct or behavior of a believer, particularly in relation to their heavenly citizenship. It implies living in a manner worthy of the gospel and the kingdom of God, reflecting the values and standards of a citizen of heaven. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, citizenship was a significant status that came with certain rights and responsibilities. Citizens were expected to uphold the laws and values of their city-state. This concept is applied metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the believer's conduct in light of their citizenship in heaven. The early Christians, living under Roman rule, would have understood the implications of living according to the standards of a higher kingdom. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom polités Definition to live as a citizen NASB Translation conduct (1), lived...life (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4176: πολιτεύωπολιτεύω: middle (cf. Winer's Grammar, 260 (244)), present imperative 2 person plural πολιτεύεσθε; perfect πεπολίτευμαι; (πολίτης); 1. to be a citizen (Thucydides, Xenophon, Lysias, Polybius, others). 2. to administer civil affairs, manage the state (Thucydides, Xenophon). 3. to make or create a citizen (Diodorus 11, 72); middle a. to be a citizen; so in the passages from Philo and the Ep. ad Diogn. cited in πολίτευμα, 3. b. to behave as a citizen; to avail oneself of or recognize the laws; so from Thucydides down; in Hellenistic writings to conduct oneself as pledged to some law of life: ἀξίως τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, Philippians 1:27 (R. V. text let your manner of life be worthy of etc.); ἀξίως τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Polycarp, ad Philip. 5, 2 [ET]; ἀξίως τοῦ Θεοῦ, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 21, 1 [ET]; ὁσίως, ibid. 6, 1 [ET]; κατά τό καθῆκον τῷ Χριστῷ, ibid. 3, 4 [ET]; μετά φοβοῦ καί ἀγάπης, ibid. 51, 2 [ET]; ἐννόμως, Justin Martyr, dialog contra Trypho, c. 67; ἠρξάμην πολιτεύεσθαι τῇ Φαρισαίων ἁιρεσει κατακολουθῶν, Josephus, Vita2; other phrases are cited by Grimm on 2 Macc. 6:1; τῷ Θεῷ, to live in accordance with the laws of God, Acts 23:1 (A. V. I have lived etc.). Middle voice of a derivative of polites; to behave as a citizen (figuratively) -- let conversation be, live. see GREEK polites Englishman's Concordance Acts 23:1 V-RIM/P-1SGRK: συνειδήσει ἀγαθῇ πεπολίτευμαι τῷ θεῷ NAS: Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly KJV: I have lived in all INT: conscience good have conducted myself to God Philippians 1:27 V-PMM/P-2P Strong's Greek 4176 |
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