### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en, "in" or "among") and the noun δῆμος (dēmos, "people" or "country"). Literally, it signifies "to be in one's own country" or "to be among one's own people." The base definition provided indicates a primary figurative usage in the New Testament: "to be at home" or "to be present." This figurative sense implies a state of being settled, dwelling, or residing in a particular place or condition, as opposed to being away or a stranger. The nuance of "being at home" suggests familiarity, comfort, and belonging.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`) appears exclusively in Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically in chapter 5. Its usage is crucial for understanding Paul's eschatological anthropology and his perspective on the believer's relationship to the earthly body and the heavenly presence of the Lord.
In [[2 Corinthians 5:6]], Paul states, "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord." Here, "at home in the body" (ἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι) refers to the believer's present existence in their physical, earthly body. It marks the current state of life on earth. This "being at home" is immediately contrasted with "being absent from the Lord" (ἀποδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου), setting up a profound theological tension.
This contrast is further elaborated in [[2 Corinthians 5:8]]: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." While ἐνδημέω itself is not used here, the concept of being "at home" is implicitly linked to the body, and its antonym, "absent from the body" (ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος), is explicitly stated as the desired state, leading to "being present with the Lord" (ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν κύριον). The parallelism between "at home in the body" and "absent from the Lord" in [[2 Corinthians 5:6]] and "absent from the body" and "at home with the Lord" in [[2 Corinthians 5:8]] highlights the fundamental choice and longing of the believer. The physical body, though a dwelling, is not the ultimate "home."
The context of 2 Corinthians 5 reveals Paul's deep reflection on the temporary nature of the earthly tent (the body) versus the eternal dwelling from God. To be "at home" in the body is to be in this mortal, perishable state, whereas true "home" is with the Lord in an imperishable, glorified state.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its direct antonym, ἐκδημέω (ekdēméō, `{{G1621}}`), meaning "to be away from home," "to be absent," or "to go abroad." This word, formed from ἐκ (ek, "out of") and δῆμος (dēmos), appears in direct contrast to ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 5:6]] and [[2 Corinthians 5:8]], forming a pivotal linguistic and theological pair.
Other related concepts include:
* **The Body as a Tent/Dwelling:** Paul often refers to the earthly body as a temporary dwelling, a tent (σκῆνος, skēnos, [[2 Corinthians 5:1]], [[2 Corinthians 5:4]]), in contrast to an eternal building from God. This reinforces the idea that being "at home" in the body is a provisional state.
* **Pilgrimage/Sojourning:** The Christian life is frequently depicted as a journey or a sojourn, where believers are strangers and pilgrims on earth, looking for a heavenly city (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:13-16]]). This aligns with the idea that our true "home" is not here.
* **Presence with the Lord:** The ultimate goal and desire for the believer is to be "at home with the Lord" (ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν κύριον, [[2 Corinthians 5:8]]), signifying intimate communion and full fellowship in His presence.
The root words ἐν (en, `{{G1722}}`) and δῆμος (dēmos, `{{G1218}}`) provide the semantic foundation for understanding the "in-country" or "at-home" aspect of the verb.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`) is profound, primarily shaping our understanding of Christian anthropology and eschatology.
1. **Dual Citizenship and Provisional Dwelling:** The use of ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`) highlights the believer's present reality of being "at home in the body" but simultaneously underscores the provisional and temporary nature of this earthly dwelling. It implicitly asserts a dual citizenship: physically present on earth, yet spiritually longing for and belonging to a heavenly reality.
2. **The Hope of Glory:** Paul's desire to be "absent from the body and at home with the Lord" (`{{G1621}}`...`{{G1736}}`...[[2 Corinthians 5:8]]) reveals the core of Christian hope. It is not merely an escape from suffering but a fervent longing for ultimate communion with Christ. This "being at home with the Lord" represents the fulfillment of the believer's deepest desires and the consummation of their faith.
3. **Redemption of the Body:** While Paul expresses a desire to be "absent from the body," this is not a Gnostic denigration of the physical. Rather, it is a recognition of the body's current fallen state and a longing for its ultimate redemption and glorification. The "being at home with the Lord" implies a spiritual presence that transcends the limitations of the mortal body, anticipating the resurrection body.
4. **Purpose in Present Life:** Despite the longing for the heavenly home, Paul does not advocate for passivity or disengagement from earthly life. Instead, he states, "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him" ([[2 Corinthians 5:9]]). This demonstrates that while our ultimate home is with Christ, our present "being at home in the body" is a time for faithful service and striving to please the Lord.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`), meaning "to be at home" or "to be present," is a key term in Paul's theological discourse in 2 Corinthians 5. It describes the believer's current state of dwelling in the earthly body ("at home in the body," [[2 Corinthians 5:6]]). This earthly "home" is presented in stark contrast to the true and ultimate "home" which is "with the Lord" (`{{G1736}}`...[[2 Corinthians 5:8]]). Paired with its antonym, ἐκδημέω (ekdēméō, `{{G1621}}`, "to be absent from home"), ἐνδημέω (endēméō, `{{G1736}}`) illuminates the temporary nature of earthly existence and the profound Christian hope for eternal, intimate fellowship with Christ. It underscores the provisional nature of our physical dwelling while affirming the ultimate desire for a heavenly, permanent dwelling with our Lord.
TRV