### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **erēmía**, represented by `{{G2047}}`, refers to a **desert** or **wilderness**. Derived from ἔρημος, it concretely signifies solitude. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, consistently depicting a desolate or uninhabited place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural usage, `{{G2047}}` highlights settings of scarcity and danger. The disciples **say** `{{G3004}}` to him, "Whence{G4159} should we{G2254} have so much{G5118} bread{G740} in the **wilderness**," questioning their ability to **fill** `{{G5526}}` a great **multitude** `{{G3793}}` ([[Matthew 15:33]], [[Mark 8:4]]). This establishes the wilderness as a place lacking provision. It is also a place of trial, as Paul lists "perils{G2794} in the **wilderness**" among the hardships he endured [[2 Corinthians 11:26]]. For the faithful of whom the **world** `{{G2889}}` **was** `{{G2258}}` not **worthy** `{{G514}}`, the **deserts** served as a place of refuge where they **wandered** `{{G4105}}` [[Hebrews 11:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of the wilderness:
* `{{G3735}}` **óros** (a mountain): This term for a **mountain** is directly associated with deserts as a remote location for those wandering in refuge [[Hebrews 11:38]].
* `{{G4693}}` **spḗlaion** (a cavern; by implication, a hiding-place or resort): Paired with deserts and mountains, **dens** are also places where the faithful hid from persecution [[Hebrews 11:38]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (a town): The **city** is presented as a direct contrast to the wilderness, yet both are listed as places of **peril** `{{G2794}}`, showing that danger can be found in populated and desolate areas alike [[2 Corinthians 11:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2047}}` is demonstrated in its various contexts:
* **A Place of Peril and Testing:** The wilderness is a setting for trials. Paul's experience of "perils in the **wilderness**" underscores its nature as a place of danger and hardship [[2 Corinthians 11:26]].
* **A Setting for Divine Provision:** The disciples' inability to provide for the multitude in the **wilderness** [[Matthew 15:33]] creates the context for a miracle, demonstrating that desolation highlights the need for and reality of God's provision.
* **A Refuge from a Hostile World:** For those deemed **worthy** `{{G514}}` by God but rejected by the **world** `{{G2889}}`, the **deserts** became a sanctuary. Their wandering there was a testament to their faith in the face of persecution [[Hebrews 11:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2047}}` is a significant term that defines more than just a physical landscape. It is a place of solitude that serves as a backdrop for testing, divine intervention, and refuge for the persecuted. It illustrates how environments of scarcity and danger are used in the biblical narrative to reveal human frailty and God's power.
TRV