ἐγκατοικέω
enkatoikéō
G1460 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To reside in or inhabit a place, particularly to dwell or settle within (as opposed to merely visiting or staying temporarily). The term emphasizes establishing residence, often with the nuance of living among other inhabitants, either with an ongoing presence or as a distinct group within a broader community.
Semantic Range
to dwell in, to live among, to inhabit, to reside within, to take up residence in, to permanently settle in
Root / Etymology
Compound of ἐν ('in, within') and κατοικέω ('to dwell, settle, inhabit'). The prefix ἐν- intensifies the notion of dwelling by specifying location 'within.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐγκατοικέω is rare and primarily found in Hellenistic and Koine contexts, including the Septuagint and later Greek writings. It is used for literal residence (e.g., to take up residence in a city, land, or building), emphasizing incorporation into a place, often in contrast to transient presence. In the Septuagint (LXX), it describes peoples or groups inhabiting a territory, sometimes with connotations of established settlement. In the New Testament, the word is infrequent and carries a similar spatial focus. The prefix ἐν- specifies the dwellers' presence within the boundaries of a location, sometimes expressing a sense of integration or permanent establishment compared to plain κατοικέω ('to dwell, settle'). English translations such as 'dwell among' or 'inhabit' generally capture its basic sense, but may not always reflect the nuance that the term emphasizes dwelling within a place, often as part of its population rather than merely alongside or adjacent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and κατοικέω; to settle down in a place, i.e. reside:--dwell among.
Root Family
ἐγκατοικέω (enkatoikeō) — to dwell, to inhabit, to reside within
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1460-01 |
ἐνκατοικῶν | enkatoikon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
dwelling among them | one dwelling within | dwelling within | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1460-01 |
2 Peter 2:8 | ἐνκατοικῶν | enkatoikon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
dwelling among them | one dwelling within | dwelling within |