ἀπόδημος (apodēmos)
apodēmos
absent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective apodēmos describes someone who is away from home or absent from their own country. It literally combines a prefix meaning "away from" with a word for "people" or "nation," pointing to the physical state of being abroad or sojourning in a foreign land rather than simply being unavailable.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 13:34. In this passage, Jesus uses it to describe a master who has traveled far from his household. The image is concrete: the owner is physically distant, leaving his servants in charge of their specific tasks until he returns.
Translators typically render it as "gone abroad" or "absent." The word emphasizes the geographical separation and the resulting vulnerability of those left behind, highlighting the need for vigilance while the authority figure is out of reach.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apodēmos paints a picture of physical distance, describing someone who has traveled far from home and left others in charge. In Mark 13:34, Jesus uses this image to explain spiritual readiness. The master is away, but he has given clear responsibilities to those remaining behind.
When you feel like God seems distant or silent, remember that absence does not mean abandonment. He has entrusted you with specific duties and the call to stay alert. Your faithfulness in the present moment matters deeply, even when the full picture is not yet visible.
This promise encourages you to live with purpose today. You are never truly alone in your tasks, for the One who returns will judge with fairness. Rest in the knowledge that your vigilance is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- going on a journey1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπόδημος1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 13:34
“It is like a man traveling to another country, having left his house and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.
This verse uses apodēmos to depict a master who has physically departed, leaving his household with specific instructions and the need for watchfulness.