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Introduction
Understanding the Greek words used in the New Testament can provide deeper insight into the biblical texts and the thoughts and experiences of early Christians. The word ἐκδημέω (ekdēmeō) is one such term that offers a profound understanding of the concepts of presence and absence, particularly in relation to physical and spiritual realities. This word is significant not only in its theological implications but also in how it reflects ancient Greek culture’s views on travel, presence, and absence. By exploring ἐκδημέω, readers can gain a clearer understanding of how early Christians conceptualized their earthly lives in relation to their ultimate spiritual goals.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκδημέω (ekdēmeō) [ek-deh-MEH-o]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and δῆμος (dēmos), meaning “people” or “country.” The word essentially means “to be away from home” or “to be absent.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To be away: The primary meaning of ἐκδημέω is “to be away” or “to be absent,” especially in the context of being away from one’s home or country.
- To be absent: In a broader sense, it also means “to be absent” from a place or person, highlighting physical separation.
Similar Words:
- ἀποδημέω (apodēmeō) [a-po-deh-MEH-o]: Similar in meaning, this word emphasizes the idea of traveling abroad or going away from one’s homeland, often implying a temporary absence.
- παροικέω (paroikeō) [pa-roi-KEH-o]: While this word also involves the idea of dwelling in a foreign land, it carries the connotation of residing as a stranger or sojourner rather than being completely absent.
Further Insights
- Morphology: ἐκδημέω is a verb that follows the regular conjugation patterns of Greek verbs. It is most commonly used in the present active indicative form, but it can appear in other tenses depending on the context.
| Tense | Person | Singular | Plural | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present | 1st | ἐκδημῶ (ekdēmō) | ἐκδημῶμεν (ekdēmōmen) | “I am away from home.” |
| Present | 2nd | ἐκδημεῖς (ekdēmeis) | ἐκδημεῖτε (ekdēmeite) | “You are absent from the city.” |
| Present | 3rd | ἐκδημεῖ (ekdēmei) | ἐκδημοῦσι(ν) (ekdēmousin) | “They are away from their people.” |
Lexicon Insights
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- BDAG: ἐκδημέω is noted for its use in contexts where physical absence from a place is emphasized, particularly in relation to one’s homeland or familiar surroundings.
- Thayer’s: This lexicon emphasizes the word’s usage in New Testament passages where believers are described as being absent from the body but present with the Lord, highlighting the spiritual and eschatological implications.
- Vine’s: Focuses on the word’s dual connotations of both physical and spiritual absence, particularly in passages discussing the believer’s longing for the heavenly home.
- LSJ: Offers examples from classical literature where ἐκδημέω is used to describe someone being away on a journey or in exile, underscoring the physical aspect of being away from home.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκδημέω as meaning “to be away from” or “to be absent,” with a focus on its usage in Paul’s letters where the apostle speaks of being absent from the body but present with the Lord.
Scripture References:
- 2 Corinthians 5:6 – “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent (ἐκδημέω) from the Lord.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent (ἐκδημέω) from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
- Philippians 1:23-24 – “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart (ἐκδημέω), and to be with Christ; which is far better.”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἐκδημέω was often used to describe individuals who were physically away from their homeland, whether due to travel, exile, or other reasons. Below are examples from classical texts:
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “He was ἐκδημέω (away from his home) during the war, traveling across lands.” |
| Plato | “Phaedo” | “Socrates spoke of ἐκδημέω (being absent) from the body as a state of freedom.” |
| Aristophanes | “The Birds” | “The character was ἐκδημέω (absent) from the city, exploring the skies.” |
Summary of ἐκδημέω (G1553: ekdēmeō)
The Greek word ἐκδημέω holds significant theological and cultural meaning, encompassing the ideas of absence, travel, and separation from one’s home or familiar surroundings. In the New Testament, it is particularly used to describe the spiritual state of being absent from the body but present with the Lord, reflecting early Christian eschatology and the believer’s hope for eternal life. Understanding this word enriches our comprehension of the spiritual journey described in the Bible, as well as the everyday experiences of physical absence in the ancient world.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek society, being ἐκδημέω often meant more than just physical absence—it could imply a temporary state of exile or a journey undertaken with a specific purpose. This word’s rich connotations highlight how deeply the Greeks valued the concept of home and belonging, making ἐκδημέω a term loaded with both personal and communal significance.
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