Δημήτριος (Dēmētrios)
Dēmētrios
Demetrius
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Dēmētrios refers to two distinct individuals in the New Testament: a silversmith in Ephesus and a Christian disciple mentioned in the Third Epistle of John. The name itself means "belonging to Demeter," the Greek goddess of harvest, reflecting its pagan origin before being adopted by early believers.
In Acts 19, Dēmētrios is described as a silversmith who incited a riot because Paul’s preaching threatened the trade of idol-making. His story highlights the economic and social tensions that arose when the gospel challenged local religious practices. In contrast, the Dēmētrius in 3 John 12 is commended for his truthfulness, showing how the same name could belong to someone fully integrated into the Christian community.
These two figures illustrate the diverse backgrounds of early Christians and the cultural context of the first-century church. The name’s meaning, originally tied to pagan worship, was transformed through faith, symbolizing the broader shift from idolatry to devotion to Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Demetrius appears in two very different settings, reminding us that names do not define a person’s heart. In Acts, a silversmith named Demetrius reacts to the gospel with fear for his business, stirring up a crowd against Paul. His actions show how deeply economic and social ties can bind people to old ways of life.
Yet in 3 John, another man with the same name is praised for his integrity. He is known for walking in the truth, earning the trust of those around him. This contrast invites us to look beyond labels and consider how we live out our faith daily. Whether in times of conflict or quiet consistency, our actions speak louder than any title.
It is encouraging to see that the same name can belong to someone who resists change and another who embodies truth. We are not defined by our past or our background, but by how we respond to God’s call. May we strive to be known for our faithfulness, just as the disciple Demetrius was.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Demetrius2×
- To Demetrius1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Δημήτριος2×
- Δημητρίῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 19:24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,
This verse introduces Demetrius as a silversmith whose livelihood depended on making shrines of Artemis, highlighting the economic stakes when the gospel challenges local religious practices.
-
III John 1:12
Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Here, Demetrius is commended for his integrity and alignment with the truth, showing a stark contrast to the other figure with the same name.