PILGRIM; PILGRIMAGE

pil'-grim, pil'-grimaj: "Pilgrim" in English Versions of the Bible for parepidemos (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). "Pilgrimage" for maghor (Genesis 47:9 (the Revised Version margin "sojournings"); Psalms 119:54; and (the King James Version) Exodus 6:4 (the Revised Version (British and American) "sojournings")). Both the Hebrew (see GERA ) and Greek words contain the idea of foreign residence, but it is the residence and not travel that is implied. Consequently "pilgrim" is a poor translation, and "sojourner," "sojourning" should have been used throughout. In the New Testament passages heaven is thought of as the contrasted permanent dwelling-place, while the Old Testament usages seem to be without a contrast definitely in mind.

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.