ἐκδημέω (ekdēmeō)
ekdēmeō
be away
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekdēmeō describes the state of being away from home or living in a foreign land. Its components literally mean "out" and "home," capturing the physical reality of exile or travel rather than just a temporary visit. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.
Paul uses it to contrast his current earthly existence with his future heavenly destiny. He speaks of being "at home in the body" while simultaneously "away from the Lord," framing life on earth as a period of temporary displacement. This usage highlights a theological tension: believers are physically present in their mortal bodies but spiritually oriented toward a different, eternal dwelling.
Translators typically render ekdēmeō as "being away from home" or "living abroad." The word emphasizes the provisional nature of earthly life, suggesting that for the Christian, the current world is not the final destination. It serves as a linguistic bridge between physical absence and spiritual presence, grounding Paul’s hope in the promise of returning to his true home.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life on earth often feels like a temporary stay in a foreign land. This Greek word captures that feeling of being away from our true home. It reminds us that our current physical existence is not the final destination, but a season of waiting and walking by faith.
Paul uses this idea to encourage believers who feel displaced or uncertain. He points out that while we live in these mortal bodies, we are spiritually oriented toward God. This perspective brings comfort, knowing that every step here is leading us back to where we truly belong.
This hope keeps us steady. We can face daily challenges with confidence, not because our circumstances are perfect, but because our ultimate home is secure. It invites us to live with purpose, aiming to please God in this brief season until we return to His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we are absent1×
- to be absent1×
- being away,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκδημῆσαι1×
- ἐκδημοῦντες,1×
- ἐκδημοῦμεν1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 5:6
Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;
This verse establishes the tension of being physically present in the body yet spiritually absent from the Lord, defining the Christian's current state.
-
II Corinthians 5:8
We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
Here the word expresses the believer's eager desire to leave earthly life and be immediately present with Christ, showing it as a positive transition rather than a loss.
-
II Corinthians 5:9
Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.
Paul connects this state of being away or at home to a consistent moral aim: pleasing the Lord regardless of our physical location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekdēmeō mean in the Bible?
Where does this word appear?
How is it different from just traveling?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
II Corinthians 3 verses
Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;
II Corinthians 5:8We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
II Corinthians 5:9Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.