Strong’s Greek 2731 (κατοίκησις) denotes a settled dwelling, a fixed habitation. Scripture uses the idea of “dwelling” both materially—where a person lives—and spiritually—what or whom a heart or community hosts.

Biblical Occurrence

Mark 5:3 records the term’s single appearance: “He had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could bind him, not even with chains.” (Berean Standard Bible)

Here the word describes the horrifying living conditions of the Gerasene demoniac, a man whose habitation was not a home but the tombs, underscoring the destructive dominance of demonic powers.

Narrative and Theological Significance

1. Symbol of uncleanness. Tombs were ceremonially defiling to Jews (Numbers 19:16). The man’s κατοίκησις in such a place highlights the depth of his impurity and alienation.
2. Contrast of dwellings. Scripture often contrasts places of death with places of life. While this man “dwelled among the tombs,” believers are called to be “a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).
3. Revelation of Christ’s authority. Jesus’ liberation of the demoniac demonstrates His sovereign power to reclaim any habitation—individual or communal—for the kingdom of God.

Historical Background

The region east of the Sea of Galilee contained limestone hills honey-combed with caves used as burial chambers. The demoniac’s residence there likely reflects both the social ostracism imposed on him and the demons’ preference for unclean places (compare Matthew 12:43). Archaeological evidence confirms that such tombs were spacious enough to serve as makeshift shelters for the destitute.

Ministry and Pastoral Applications

1. Deliverance from bondage. The passage reminds pastors and missionaries that no habitation is beyond Christ’s reach. Whether physical locales marked by violence or hearts dominated by sin, Christ’s word can reclaim and cleanse.
2. Care for the marginalized. The demoniac’s isolation cautions the church against abandoning those in spiritual or mental torment. Intentional engagement reflects the Savior who “stepped ashore” specifically for one tormented soul (Mark 5:2).
3. Spiritual house-cleaning. Believers must renounce any foothold that allows sin or the demonic to “dwell” (Ephesians 4:27), yielding every room of life to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying presence.

Connections to Broader Biblical Themes

• God’s dwelling with humanity: Exodus 25:8; Revelation 21:3.
• Christ’s indwelling presence: John 14:23; Colossians 1:27.
• The believer as Spirit-filled temple: 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16.
• Warning against unclean dwellings: Isaiah 34:13-15 portrays ruined cities as haunts for demons—an Old Testament parallel to Mark 5.

Practical Reflection

Every habitation—be it a physical location, a community atmosphere, or the inner life—will host either life or death, holiness or uncleanness. Mark 5:3 invites the follower of Christ to ensure that the only lasting κατοίκησις is the indwelling Lord who transforms tombs into testimonies and exile into evangelists (Mark 5:19-20).