ἐνοικέω
enoikéō
G1774 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To dwell in; to reside or inhabit internally (with the subject being dwelling, abiding, or taking up residence within a person, group, or place). Most frequently used in Koine Greek to denote an internal or spiritual presence (such as a spirit, virtue, or divine influence) residing within an individual or community. In other contexts, can refer more literally to inhabiting a physical space.
Semantic Range
to reside in, to take up residence within, to dwell internally, to inhabit (literally or figuratively), to indwell, to be present within (spiritually or physically)
Root / Etymology
From ἐν (in, within) + οἰκέω (to dwell, to reside). The verb is a compound emphasizing the action of dwelling within, as opposed to merely dwelling nearby or externally.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐνοικέω is rare and usually literal, referring to inhabiting a house or locale. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the usage expands, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, to include figurative and spiritual senses. In the New Testament, the verb predominantly describes the indwelling of the divine (e.g., God's spirit, Christ, sin, or faith) within individuals or communities, signaling not merely presence but an active, continual abiding with transformative influence. English translations often render the term as 'dwell in,' but the connotation can be missed, as it implies ongoing, internal residence rather than temporary or external presence. The term is distinct from simply οἰκέω or μένω, which can emphasize habitation or remaining that is not necessarily internal.
Translation Consistency
Dwell naturally covers both literal and figurative senses (to reside, to inhabit, to indwell) and is the common, natural English rendering in biblical contexts (e.g., a spirit or person dwelling in someone). It fits the SILEX range and supports consistent, idiomatic translations of all forms of ἐνοικέω.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and οἰκέω; to inhabit (figuratively):--dwell in.
Root Family
ἐνοικέω (enoikeō) — to dwell, to inhabit, to reside within
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1774-03 |
ἐνοικοῦντος | enoikountos | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN N SG |
dwelling | of the one dwelling within | of the one dwelling within | 2 |
G1774-01 |
ἐνοικείτω | enoikeito | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
dwell | let it dwell within | let it dwell within | 1 |
G1774-05 |
ἐνῴκησεν | enokesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
dwelt | dwelt within | dwelt in | 1 |
G1774-04 |
ἐνοικοῦσα | enoikousa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
dwelling | dwelling within | dwelling within | 1 |
G1774-02 |
ἐνοικήσω | enoikeso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will dwell | I will dwell within | I will dwell within | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1774-04 |
Romans 7:17 | ἐνοικοῦσα | enoikousa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
dwelling | dwelling within | dwelling within |
G1774-03 |
Romans 8:11 | ἐνοικοῦντος | enoikountos | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN N SG |
indwelling | of the one dwelling within | of the one dwelling within |
G1774-02 |
2 Corinthians 6:16 | ἐνοικήσω | enoikeso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will dwell | I will dwell within | I will dwell within |
G1774-01 |
Colossians 3:16 | ἐνοικείτω | enoikeito | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
dwell | let it dwell within | let it dwell within |
G1774-05 |
2 Timothy 1:5 | ἐνῴκησεν | enokesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
dwelt | dwelt within | dwelt in |
G1774-03 |
2 Timothy 1:14 | ἐνοικοῦντος | enoikountos | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN N SG |
dwelling | of the one dwelling within | of the one dwelling within |