from a compound of ἐκ and δῆμος; to emigrate, i.e. (figuratively) vacate or quit:--be absent.
Transliteration:ekdēméō
Pronunciation:ek-day-meh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1553}}` (ekdēméō) is a compound word derived from the preposition `{{G1537}}` (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and `{{G1218}}` (dēmos), which refers to "people," "district," or "home." Literally, therefore, ekdēméō signifies "to be out of one's country," "to emigrate," or "to go away from one's home or people." In its New Testament usage, however, the word consistently takes on a profound figurative sense, denoting "to be absent from" a particular state or location, specifically in contrast to being "at home" or "present." This nuanced meaning highlights a temporary separation from one's true or desired dwelling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1553}}` (ekdēméō) appears exclusively in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, specifically within a pivotal passage concerning the believer's earthly existence and heavenly hope. Its usage is intrinsically linked to its antonym, `{{G1747}}` (endēméō), meaning "to be at home" or "to be present."
In [[2 Corinthians 5:6]], Paul states, "So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord." Here, ekdēméō describes the believer's current state on earth: physically "at home" in the mortal body (`{{G1747}}` ἐνδημοῦντες), but spiritually "absent" (`{{G1553}}` ἐκδημοῦμεν) from the direct presence of Christ. This sets up a tension between the temporal, physical dwelling and the eternal, spiritual reality.
The thought is further developed in [[2 Corinthians 5:8]]: "We are confident, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." This verse expresses the Apostle's fervent desire. To be "absent from the body" (`{{G1553}}` ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος) implies the cessation of earthly life, while simultaneously signifying a transition to being "at home with the Lord" (`{{G1747}}` ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν κύριον). This highlights the believer's longing for ultimate union with Christ, which death facilitates.
Finally, [[2 Corinthians 5:9]] concludes this thought, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the believer: "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." Regardless of whether one is "at home" in the body (`{{G1747}}` ἐνδημοῦντες) or "absent" from it, and thus "at home" with the Lord (`{{G1553}}` ἐκδημοῦντες), the ultimate goal remains the same: to live a life that pleases Christ. This underscores the continuity of Christian purpose across different states of being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{G1553}}` (ekdēméō) is its direct antonym, `{{G1747}}` (endēméō), which signifies "to be at home" or "to be present." The interplay between these two terms in 2 Corinthians 5 is crucial for understanding Paul's theological argument about life, death, and resurrection hope.
Other related concepts include:
* `{{G4983}}` (sōma): The physical body, which serves as the temporary "home" for the spirit on earth.
* `{{G2962}}` (kyrios): Lord, referring to Jesus Christ, who represents the believer's ultimate, eternal "home."
* `{{G2222}}` (zōē): Life, particularly in its spiritual and eternal dimensions, contrasted with the transient nature of physical existence.
* `{{G2288}}` (thanatos): Death, viewed not as an end, but as a passage from one state of "absence" to another of "presence."
* Pilgrimage: The concept of the Christian life as a journey or sojourn, where believers are strangers and exiles on earth, longing for their true homeland.
* Eschatology: The study of last things, as ekdēméō speaks directly to the believer's future state and hope beyond physical death.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1553}}` (ekdēméō) is profound, particularly within Pauline eschatology and anthropology. It encapsulates the Christian understanding of existence as a temporary sojourn, a "being absent" from one's ultimate home and Lord.
1. **Pilgrim Status:** The word underscores the New Testament theme that believers are "strangers and exiles on the earth" ([[Hebrews 11:13]]), not truly "at home" in this present world. Our true citizenship is in heaven ([[Philippians 3:20]]), making our earthly life an "absence" from our ultimate dwelling place with Christ.
2. **Hope in Death:** Ekdēméō transforms the perception of death for the believer. Instead of being an ultimate separation, death becomes the means by which one transitions from being "absent from the Lord" (while in the body) to being "at home with the Lord" (absent from the body). This offers immense comfort and hope, reframing death as a desired spiritual homecoming.
3. **Christ-Centered Existence:** The ultimate "home" is not a geographical location but a personal presence: "with the Lord." This highlights the centrality of Christ in the believer's hope and destiny. The longing to be "absent from the body" is fundamentally a longing to be "present with the Lord."
4. **Motivation for Living:** Despite the longing for ultimate presence with Christ, [[2 Corinthians 5:9]] stresses that whether "at home" in the body or "absent" from it, the overriding ambition is "to be pleasing to Him." This means the hope of future glory does not negate present responsibility but rather fuels a life of diligent service and obedience to Christ. The interim period of "absence" is not passive but purposeful.
### Summary
`{{G1553}}` (ekdēméō) literally means "to emigrate" or "to be out of one's country." In the New Testament, specifically in 2 Corinthians 5, it takes on a rich figurative meaning, denoting the believer's state of "being absent from" their true spiritual home with the Lord while they reside in the physical body. It stands in direct contrast to `{{G1747}}` (endēméō), "to be at home" or "present." The word powerfully articulates the Christian's earthly life as a temporary pilgrimage, a period of "absence" from the immediate presence of Christ. Yet, this "absence" is imbued with profound hope, as death is presented as the transition from being "absent from the body" to being fully "at home with the Lord." Ultimately, ekdēméō reinforces the Christ-centered nature of Christian hope and the enduring call to live a life pleasing to Him, whether in this temporary dwelling or in the eternal presence of our true home.
TRV