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Δημήτριος (Dēmḗtrios), pronounced day-MAY-tree-os, is a masculine noun that originates from the Greek name Δημήτηρ (Dēmḗtēr), which refers to the Greek goddess of agriculture, Demeter. The name Dēmḗtrios literally means “belonging to Demeter” or “devoted to Demeter.” It was a common name in ancient Greece, often used to honor the goddess of the harvest, fertility, and agriculture.

Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine.

Primary Meanings:

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• A personal name, Demetrius, derived from the name of the goddess Demeter, indicating someone who is dedicated to or associated with her.
• In a broader cultural context, it represents an individual who carries the qualities or characteristics associated with Demeter, such as fertility, growth, or abundance.

Scripture References

1. Acts 19:24: “For a certain man named Demetrius (Δημήτριος), a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen.”
2. 3 John 1:12: “Demetrius (Δημήτριος) has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.”

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) describes Dēmḗtrios as a proper noun referring to individuals bearing the name derived from the Greek goddess Demeter. BDAG highlights that the name was commonly used in ancient Greek society and carried cultural significance, particularly in relation to agricultural practices and fertility rites. In the New Testament, two individuals named Demetrius are mentioned: one is a silversmith in Ephesus (Acts 19:24), and the other is a Christian commended by the Apostle John (3 John 1:12).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon concurs with BDAG, noting that Dēmḗtrios was a popular name in antiquity, especially among those who lived in agrarian societies. Thayer’s also points out that the name was often given to children in honor of the goddess Demeter, reflecting the importance of agriculture in Greek culture.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance emphasizes the etymology of the name, linking it to the goddess Demeter. Strong’s also provides the references in the New Testament where individuals named Demetrius are mentioned, noting the historical and cultural context of their roles.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon) provides a broader classical perspective, indicating that Dēmḗtrios was not only a common personal name but also used in various contexts, such as in the names of places, statues, and coins, all of which were associated with the worship of Demeter.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus: In his Histories, Herodotus mentions individuals named Demetrius, often highlighting their association with religious and cultural practices related to Demeter.
2. Plutarch: Plutarch, in his biographies, refers to several notable individuals named Demetrius, including Demetrius Poliorcetes, a prominent Hellenistic ruler. The name’s use reflects the continued reverence for the goddess Demeter and the cultural importance of agriculture.
3. Pausanias: In his work Description of Greece, Pausanias records the names of various individuals named Demetrius who were involved in religious activities, particularly those related to the Eleusinian Mysteries, which were closely associated with Demeter.

Summary

Δημήτριος (Dēmḗtrios) is a Greek proper noun that carries significant cultural and religious connotations. Derived from the name of the goddess Demeter, Dēmḗtrios was a popular name in ancient Greece, symbolizing devotion to the goddess of agriculture and fertility. In the New Testament, the name appears in two contexts: as a silversmith in Ephesus and as a Christian praised by the Apostle John. The name’s prevalence in classical literature underscores its importance in Greek society, where it was often associated with religious and cultural practices centered around Demeter.