Understanding ἀπόδημος (apodemos) Strong’s G590: The Journey Away from Home in Biblical Times and Its Spiritual Significance

Pronunciation Guide: ah-POH-day-mos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G590: ἀπόδημος describes someone who is away from their own people or homeland, a traveler in foreign parts, or one who journeys to another country. The word combines the prefix ἀπό (away from) with δῆμος (people/population), literally meaning “away from one’s people.”

Etymology and Morphology

• Adjective/Substantive
• Compound word from ἀπό (away from) + δῆμος (people)
• Used primarily in narrative passages
• Found in classical and Koine Greek literature
• Often used metaphorically in teaching passages

ἀπόδημος Morphology:

• ἀπόδημος (nominative singular masculine) – one who is away
• ἀποδήμου (genitive singular masculine) – of one who is away
• ἀποδήμῳ (dative singular masculine) – to/for one who is away
• ἀπόδημον (accusative singular masculine) – one who is away (direct object)

Origin & History

The concept of being away from one’s people was deeply significant in ancient Greek culture. In classical literature, Herodotus uses ἀπόδημος when describing travelers and merchants who ventured beyond their city-states. The term appears in Plato’s Republic when discussing citizens who travel abroad and their relationship to the state.

In the Septuagint, while the exact form ἀπόδημος is rare, related verbal forms (ἀποδημέω) appear in passages describing journeys and sojourns, particularly in wisdom literature. This connection to wisdom literature suggests an understanding that traveling away from home could be both a physical and metaphorical journey of learning and growth.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• One who has left their native land
• A foreigner or stranger in a place
• One who travels abroad
• An absent person from their home country

ἀπόδημος Translation Options:

• “Traveler abroad” – emphasizes the active journey aspect
• “One away from home” – focuses on the state of separation
• “Sojourner” – captures both the journey and temporary nature
• “Absent one” – emphasizes the state of being away from one’s usual place

Biblical Usage

The adjective ἀπόδημος appears most notably in Mark 13:34, where Yeshua tells a parable about a man going on a journey. This usage is particularly significant as it forms part of His teaching about watchfulness and readiness for His return. The related verb form ἀποδημέω appears in several other parables, suggesting this concept was a key teaching tool in Yeshua’s ministry.

The theme of being away from home resonates throughout Scripture, from Abraham’s calling to leave his homeland in Genesis 12:1 to the spiritual reality of believers being “away from the Lord” while in the body (2 Corinthians 5:6).

Key appearances:

• “like a man going away [ἀπόδημος] on a journey” Mark 13:34
• “A nobleman went away [ἀποδημέω] to a distant country” Luke 19:12
• “A man went away [ἀποδημέω] on a journey” Matthew 25:14

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish context, the concept of being ἀπόδημος carried significant weight. Travel was dangerous and complicated by Roman occupation, yet necessary for trade and religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Jewish merchants often traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, establishing communities that became crucial for the early spread of the Gospel.

The cultural practice of leaving a trusted servant in charge while traveling (as depicted in Mark 13:34) was common among wealthy households. This stewardship model deeply influenced early Christian understanding of ministry and service while awaiting the Master’s return.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπόδημος in Yeshua’s parables points to profound theological truths about His ascension and anticipated return. Just as a master going abroad entrusts his household to servants, so the Messiah has entrusted His mission to the Church while He is physically absent from earth.

This concept also connects to the broader biblical theme of exile and return, pilgrimage and homecoming. From Israel’s exile experiences to the Christian understanding of being “strangers and pilgrims” on earth (Hebrews 11:13), the state of being ἀπόδημος reflects the tension between our earthly sojourn and heavenly citizenship.

Personal Application

When we understand the rich meaning of ἀπόδημος, we gain fresh perspective on our role as believers in this world. Like the servants in Yeshua’s parables, we are called to faithful stewardship during our Master’s physical absence. This calls for both diligence in our assigned tasks and watchfulness for His return.

Moreover, embracing our status as temporary residents in this world (ἀπόδημος in a spiritual sense) can help us maintain proper perspective on material possessions and earthly attachments, focusing instead on our eternal home and heavenly citizenship.

Related Words

• ξένος (xenos) – stranger, foreigner, guest – highlights the relationship aspect of being away from home See G3581
• παρεπίδημος (parepidemos) – resident alien, temporary dweller – emphasizes temporary nature of stay See G3927
• παροικέω (paroikeo) – to dwell as a stranger – focuses on the act of temporary dwelling See G3939
• ἀποδημέω (apodemeo) – to go away from home, travel abroad – verbal form emphasizing the action See G589

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀπόδημος played a crucial role in ancient Greek education, where young men were often sent abroad to study with famous teachers – a practice called “theoria” that was seen as essential for personal and intellectual growth.
• In the ancient world, being ἀπόδημος often required carrying letters of recommendation from one’s home community to find welcome in foreign cities – a practice reflected in Paul’s mentions of letters of commendation in his epistles.
• Modern Greek still uses the term αποδημία (apodemía) to refer to emigration or living abroad, showing the enduring relevance of this concept in Greek culture and language.

Remember This

ἀπόδημος reminds us that our earthly journey is temporary, calling us to faithful stewardship while we await our Master’s return and our ultimate homecoming.