Δημᾶς (Dēmas)
Dēmas
Demas
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Demas appears only three times in the New Testament, identifying him as a companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:10). The sources suggest his name likely derives from a longer form meaning "governor of the people," though this etymology does not alter his biblical role as a fellow worker in the early church.
His significance lies in the contrast between his initial service and his later departure. While Paul lists him alongside other trusted colleagues in letters to Colossae and Philemon, the tone shifts sharply in 2 Timothy 4:10. There, Paul notes that Demas has deserted him, having loved the present world, and returned to Thessalonica. This single verse captures a poignant moment of abandonment during Paul’s imprisonment.
Translators typically render this as a simple statement of fact, yet the word carries heavy theological weight regarding loyalty. It serves as a sobering example within the text of someone who was once close to the apostle but ultimately chose worldly comfort over faithful companionship in hardship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Demas appears in the New Testament as a reminder that faithfulness is tested by circumstances. In Colossians and Philemon, he is listed among Paul’s trusted fellow workers, showing that God uses ordinary people to support His mission. This inclusion suggests that proximity to ministry does not guarantee permanent loyalty; it requires daily choice.
Yet 2 Timothy reveals a different path. Paul notes that Demas left him because he loved the present world. This is not merely a historical footnote but a warning about what distracts us from eternal priorities. When comfort or culture becomes more appealing than Christ, we risk drifting away from those who help us stay close to God.
His story invites us to examine our own attachments. Are we holding fast to Jesus even when it costs us? The gospel calls us to love what is unseen and eternal, rather than chasing what fades. May we find strength in Paul’s example of endurance, knowing that true companionship in Christ outlasts every temporary allure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Demas.1×
- Demas,1×
- Demas1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Δημᾶς.¶1×
- Δημᾶς,1×
- Δημᾶς1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 4:10
for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia.
This verse captures the turning point where Demas abandons Paul, illustrating how love for the world can override commitment to Christ's servants.
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Colossians 4:14
Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Here Demas is greeted as a fellow worker, showing his initial role in the early church before his departure.
-
Philemon 1:24
as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
Paul lists Demas alongside other trusted colleagues, highlighting his earlier status as a reliable partner in the gospel.