ἐκδημέω

I go abroad, am absent

Definition

The verb ἐκδημέω means to be away from home, to travel abroad, or to be absent from one's native land. In its three New Testament occurrences, all in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, it is used metaphorically by the Apostle Paul to describe the Christian's temporary existence away from the Lord while living in the earthly body. The word carries the sense of being a sojourner or exile, emphasizing the believer's present state of separation from their true, heavenly dwelling with Christ. This contrasts with being 'at home with the Lord' (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:6, 5:8, and 5:9. In all three instances, it describes the spiritual condition of the believer during earthly life. Paul uses it to contrast our current bodily existence ('away from the Lord') with our future hope of being 'at home with the Lord' after death or at Christ's return. The pattern is consistently theological and eschatological, framing the Christian life as a period of pilgrimage.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, 'out of') and the verb δημέω (dēmeō, 'to be at home' or 'among one's people'). The compound literally means 'to be away from home' or 'to be out of one's own people/country.' It is the opposite of ἐνδημέω (endēmeō, 'to be at home'), which Paul uses in the same passage (2 Corinthians 5:6, 5:8).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the New Testament theme of the believer's life as a pilgrimage or exile (cf. 1 Peter 2:11). It underscores the 'already but not yet' tension of the Christian experience: we are saved and have the Spirit, yet we are physically absent from Christ's direct presence. This shapes a biblical worldview that is hopeful for the future (heaven) yet engaged in faithful service in the present world (2 Corinthians 5:9). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the profound metaphor of 'home' in Paul's theology.

In the Greco-Roman world, travel was difficult and often dangerous. Being 'away from home' (ἐκδημέω) could imply vulnerability, dislocation, and a longing for one's homeland and family. Paul taps into this universal human experience to describe the spiritual longing of the Christian for their ultimate home with God. The metaphor would have been immediately relatable to his original audience, many of whom were familiar with the perils and loneliness of travel or living as foreigners.

παροικέω (paroikeō, G3939) — to dwell as a foreigner or stranger; emphasizes resident alien status. ἀποδημέω (apodēmeō, G589) — to go on a journey or travel to a distant country; focuses more on the act of departing.

Word Details

Scripture References