### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G589 apodēméō (ἀποδημέω) is derived from the compound word ἀπόδημος (apodēmos), which literally means "away from one's own people" or "away from one's own country." It combines ἀπό (apo), signifying "from" or "away from," and δῆμος (dēmos), referring to "people" or "country."
At its core, apodēméō signifies the act of traveling or journeying to a foreign land, going abroad, or being absent from one's native country. It implies a departure with the intention of residing or staying in a distant place for a period, rather than a mere transient visit. The semantic range thus encompasses the physical act of travel to a foreign land, but more importantly, the state of being absent from one's familiar environment, often with an implied future return.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term apodēméō appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, used by Jesus primarily within His parables to convey profound spiritual truths. Its consistent usage highlights a key thematic element: the departure of a master or landowner, creating a period of absence and entrusting responsibility to others.
* In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, the landowner "went into a far country" ([[Matthew 21:33]], [[Mark 12:1]]). His departure establishes a period during which the tenants are expected to manage the vineyard and yield its fruit. His eventual return brings a reckoning.
* The Parable of the Talents begins with a man "traveling into a far country" ([[Matthew 25:14]]), entrusting his property and varying sums of money (talents) to his servants. His absence tests their faithfulness and stewardship, culminating in a strict accounting upon his return.
* Similarly, the Parable of the Doorkeeper describes a man "going to another country" ([[Mark 13:34]]), leaving his servants in charge and commanding the doorkeeper to stay awake. Here, the emphasis shifts to vigilance and readiness for the master's unexpected return.
* In the poignant Parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son "took his journey into a far country" ([[Luke 15:13]]). In this context, apodēméō signifies a willful departure from the father's house, representing a self-imposed separation and a descent into spiritual and physical destitution, highlighting the consequences of estrangement from God.
* Perhaps the most theologically significant use is in the Parable of the Minas (or Pounds), where a nobleman "went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return" ([[Luke 19:12]]). This instance directly parallels Christ's ascension to the Father and His future return to fully establish His kingdom.
Across these occurrences, apodēméō consistently sets the stage for themes of stewardship, accountability, and the anticipation of a master's return, often serving as an allegorical framework for understanding the interim period between Christ's first and second comings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by apodēméō is intertwined with several related biblical words and theological ideas:
* **Journeying/Travel:** Other Greek terms for travel or journeying include `{{G3597}}` (hodos - way, journey), `{{G3598}}` (hodoiporia - journeying), and `{{G1330}}` (diodeuō - to travel through). While these focus on the act of travel, apodēméō specifically emphasizes the destination being a *foreign* place and the resulting *absence*.
* **Absence/Presence:** The antonymic concept of being present is implied. `{{G548}}` (apeimi) means "to be absent," directly contrasting with the implied presence of the one who has gone abroad upon their return.
* **Return:** The concept of return is crucial to apodēméō in the parables. Verbs like `{{G5290}}` (hypostrephō - to return) and `{{G344}}` (anastrephō - to return) describe the master's anticipated or actual reappearance, which triggers the period of accountability.
* **Stewardship (οἰκονομία, oikonomia):** The master's absence necessitates faithful management by those left behind. This relates to the concept of `{{G3622}}` (oikonomia), meaning "stewardship" or "administration," underscoring the responsibility given to servants during the master's apodēméō.
* **Accountability (λόγος, logos):** The return of the one who apodēméō always leads to a reckoning, a demand for an account (`{{G3056}}` logos), where servants are judged on their faithfulness.
* **Eschatology:** The "far country" often serves as a parabolic representation of heaven, and the master's return as a metaphor for Christ's Second Coming, linking apodēméō directly to eschatological themes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G589 apodēméō in Jesus' parables is profound and multifaceted, primarily serving as an allegorical framework for understanding the period between Christ's ascension and His glorious return.
1. **Christ's Ascension and Return:** The most significant theological implication is its portrayal of Christ's departure (ascension) to the Father's "far country" (heaven) and His promised future return. [[Luke 19:12]] is particularly illustrative, where the nobleman goes to receive a kingdom and then returns, directly mirroring Christ's current heavenly reign and future establishment of His full kingdom on earth. This establishes the "interim period" or "church age."
2. **The Church's Mission and Stewardship:** During this period of the Master's "absence," believers (the "servants" or "tenants") are entrusted with the resources, gifts, and responsibilities of the Kingdom of God. The parables emphasize the imperative for faithful stewardship ([[Matthew 25:14-30]]), productive labor ([[Luke 19:13-27]]), and diligent management of the "vineyard" ([[Matthew 21:33-41]]).
3. **Vigilance and Readiness:** The temporal nature of the master's apodēméō and the uncertainty of his return underscore the necessity for constant vigilance and spiritual readiness among believers ([[Mark 13:34-37]]). This calls for a lifestyle of expectant waiting, unburdened by sloth or complacency.
4. **Judgment and Accountability:** The inevitable return of the master signifies the certainty of divine judgment. Upon His return, Christ will demand an account from those to whom He has entrusted His Kingdom's affairs. This highlights the reality of future rewards for faithfulness and consequences for unfaithfulness.
5. **The Human Condition and Redemption:** In the Parable of the Prodigal Son ([[Luke 15:13]]), the son's journey into a "far country" symbolizes humanity's fallen state—a self-imposed separation from God, leading to spiritual destitution and alienation. This use of apodēméō powerfully sets the stage for the Father's unconditional love and the redemptive act of repentance and return.
### Summary
The Greek word G589 apodēméō (ἀποδημέω) signifies "to go abroad" or "to journey to a foreign land." In the New Testament, it is almost exclusively employed by Jesus within His parables, serving as a crucial narrative device. Its primary function is to establish a period of a master's or landowner's *absence*, thereby creating a context for the *responsibility*, *stewardship*, and *accountability* of those left behind.
Theologically, apodēméō carries profound implications, most notably serving as a parabolic representation of Christ's ascension to heaven and His promised future return to earth. During this "interim" period, the Church is called to faithful stewardship of God's resources, diligent labor for His Kingdom, and constant vigilance in anticipation of the Master's return. The word also underscores the certainty of future judgment and the necessity of being prepared to give an account. Furthermore, in the parable of the prodigal son, it poignantly illustrates the consequences of willful separation from the divine Father. Thus, apodēméō functions as a powerful linguistic and theological bridge, connecting earthly narratives to eternal spiritual realities concerning the Kingdom of God and the believer's vital role within it.
TRV