Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insight into the text’s original context and meaning. The word ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō), Strong’s G1927, is particularly significant because it conveys the concept of residing or staying in a place as a visitor or sojourner. This term holds relevance in New Testament interpretation, especially when discussing the themes of travel, temporary residence, and the experiences of early Christian communities. Additionally, it reflects the broader cultural practices of the ancient Greek world, where mobility and hospitality were integral parts of social and economic life.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō) [eh-pee-day-MEH-o]
- Etymology Root Words: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and δῆμος (dēmos, “people” or “land”), meaning “to be among the people” or “to reside temporarily.”
- Part of Speech: Verb. This word follows standard Greek verb conjugation patterns and is used to indicate a state of residing or staying temporarily in a location.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To stay or reside temporarily in a place.
- To dwell among people as a visitor or sojourner.
- To be present in a city or region for a period of time.
Similar Words: Related Greek words include παροικέω (paroikéō) [pa-roi-KEH-o], meaning “to dwell beside” or “to reside as a foreigner,” and κατασκηνόω (kataskēnóō) [ka-ta-ske-NO-o], meaning “to settle” or “to camp.” While παροικέω implies a foreign or temporary residence, ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō) specifically refers to staying or residing among the local population for a period of time.
Further Insights: The verb ἐπιδημέω is formed from the prefix ἐπί (epi-) meaning “upon” and δῆμος (dēmos), which refers to “the people” or “a region.” This combination suggests a state of being present or residing among a community, often temporarily. The word captures the idea of being an outsider or visitor staying among a local population. In the New Testament, it is used to describe individuals or groups who reside temporarily in a location, highlighting themes of travel, mission, and the transient nature of early Christian life.
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐπιδημέω as “to be in a place temporarily, stay as a visitor or resident alien.” It emphasizes the temporary and foreign aspect of the residence, particularly in contexts where someone is present in a city or region for a specific purpose or period.
- Thayers: Defines ἐπιδημέω as “to sojourn” or “to dwell among,” highlighting its use in the New Testament where it describes individuals residing temporarily in a location, such as Paul or other early Christians on their missionary journeys.
- Vines: Points out that ἐπιδημέω refers to “dwelling in a place temporarily,” often in the context of visiting or staying in a foreign land or among different people. It is associated with the concept of sojourning or temporarily residing in a location.
- LSJ: Notes that in classical literature, ἐπιδημέω is used to mean “to be present” or “to stay in a place as a visitor.” It often carries the connotation of being a guest or visitor who resides among locals for a certain period.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “to be among people,” suggesting a temporary dwelling or presence among a group or in a particular city or region. It is commonly used to describe someone staying in a place for a specific time, such as travelers, merchants, or ambassadors.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 2:10: “Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors (ἐπιδημοῦντες) from Rome, both Jews and proselytes.”
- Acts 17:21: “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing (ἐπιδημοῦντες) there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The traders would often stay (ἐπιδημοῦσι) in foreign lands for several months.” |
| Plato | Crito | “He chose to stay (ἐπιδημεῖν) among his friends rather than flee into exile.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “During their campaign, they stayed (ἐπιδημοῦντες) in the enemy territory.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis | “Abraham stayed (ἐπιδημεῖν) in the land of the Philistines many days.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah | “The strangers who stay (ἐπιδημοῦντες) among you shall be as your own people.” |
| Septuagint | Jeremiah | “The exiles who stay (ἐπιδημοῦσι) in Babylon will prosper under its rule.” |
Summary of ἐπιδημέω (G1927)
The Greek word ἐπιδημέω (epidēméō) is a verb meaning “to stay,” “to reside temporarily,” or “to dwell among people.” It plays an important role in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it often describes someone staying in a place as a visitor or sojourner. In the New Testament, it is used to describe those who are temporarily residing in a city or region, particularly during times of travel or missionary activity. Its use in classical literature further underscores its broader application in describing temporary residence and movement among different populations, reflecting the cultural practices of hospitality and travel in the ancient world.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, travelers, traders, and even philosophers often lived as temporary residents (ἐπιδημοῦντες) in cities across the Mediterranean. This transient way of life fostered cross-cultural exchanges, allowing ideas, goods, and customs to spread throughout the ancient world, influencing everything from local dialects to religious practices.
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