δημόσιος (dēmosios)
dēmosios
public
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective dēmosios describes something that belongs to the people or the state, carrying the sense of being "public." Derived from the root for "people" (dēmos), it distinguishes what is communal or official from what is private. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, with a notable concentration in the book of Acts.
Its usage highlights two distinct contexts: financial and spatial. In Acts 5:18, the phrase "at the public expense" refers to the cost borne by the community or authorities for imprisoning the apostles. Conversely, in Acts 16:37 and 18:28, it modifies actions taken "publicly" or "in full view," such as Paul’s declaration of his Roman citizenship or Apollos’ vigorous debate in the synagogue. The word underscores visibility and communal ownership.
Translators typically render dēmosios simply as "public," which captures its straightforward nature. Unlike terms that might imply secrecy or private devotion, this adjective anchors events in the open sphere of civic life. It reminds readers that early Christian conflicts and declarations often played out under the scrutiny of the broader community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dēmosios reminds us that our faith is not meant to be hidden away in secret corners. It describes what belongs to the community or stands open for all to see. When we share the gospel, we do so with the same openness as those early believers who spoke without shrinking from any truth.
This visibility brings both courage and accountability. Paul’s insistence on being treated openly as a Roman citizen shows that integrity matters in public spaces too. We are called to live lives that can withstand the light, knowing our actions reflect on Christ before the watching world.
Whether in business or home life, let your words and deeds be clear and honest. There is freedom in transparency, and peace in knowing you have nothing to hide from God or your neighbors.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- publicly3×
- public.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δημοσίᾳ3×
- δημοσίᾳ.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:18
and laid hands on the apostles, then put them in public custody.
This verse shows the apostles being held in official custody, highlighting how their public ministry drew immediate legal attention.
-
Acts 16:37
But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!”
Paul uses this term to demand proper legal treatment, emphasizing that justice must be administered openly rather than in secret.
-
Acts 20:20
how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,
Paul recalls teaching publicly as a key part of his ministry, showing that the gospel was meant for open declaration, not private circles alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dēmosios mean in the New Testament?
Why is this word important for understanding Paul's ministry?
How is dēmosios different from private devotion?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Acts 4 verses
and laid hands on the apostles, then put them in public custody.
Acts 16:37But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly without a trial, men who are Romans, and have cast us into prison!…
Acts 18:28for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 20:20how I didn’t shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,