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ἐνδημέω (endēmeō)

endēmeō

be home

G1736 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb endēmeō describes the state of being at home or dwelling among one’s own people. Its construction combines the preposition for "in" with a term meaning "of the land," creating a sense of rooted presence in a specific place. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, where it serves as a key part of his discussion on life and death.

Paul uses endēmeō to contrast two distinct modes of existence: living in the physical body versus being present with the Lord. He notes that while they are "at home" in their bodies, they are simultaneously "away from" the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6). This creates a tension for believers who feel physically grounded yet spiritually oriented elsewhere. The term highlights the current earthly condition as a temporary residence rather than a permanent destination.

The theological weight of the word lies in this duality. Paul expresses a desire to no longer be at home in the body, but to be at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). This shift is not viewed as a loss, but as a transition to a more direct communion. The term thus frames earthly life as a sojourn, emphasizing that the believer’s true citizenship and ultimate rest are found in the presence of Christ.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

This word paints a picture of where you currently reside. When Paul writes about being endēmeō, he is describing the familiar comfort of our physical bodies and earthly lives. It is the state of feeling at home in the world around us, grounded in our daily routines and relationships. This sense of belonging is not bad, but it is temporary. We live here while our hearts are already oriented toward heaven.

There is a gentle tension in this truth. You can feel safe in your body yet know that your truest home is with Jesus. Paul does not see leaving the body as a loss, but as coming home to the Lord. This perspective helps us live with courage today, knowing that our present struggles are just a season. Our ultimate rest is waiting for us there.

So take heart in your current journey. Whether you feel settled or displaced, your spirit knows where it belongs. We aim to please God in this temporary stay, trusting that the final destination is peace with Him. May you find comfort in knowing that no matter where you are physically, you are never far from His love.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • being at home2×
  • to be at home1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἐνδημοῦντες2×
  • ἐνδημῆσαι1×

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 core tension of the word, contrasting physical presence with spiritual absence from the Lord.

  • 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 marks the believer's ultimate desire to leave earthly residence for direct communion with Christ.

  • II Corinthians 5:9
    Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.

    This occurrence shows that our aim to please God remains constant, regardless of whether we are at home or away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word endēmeō mean?

It literally means to be at home or to dwell among one's own people. In the New Testament, it describes our current state of living in physical bodies while awaiting our eternal home with God.

How is endēmeō different from other words for 'home'?

While other words might mean a house or country, this term specifically emphasizes the state of being resident among one's own kind. It highlights the temporary nature of our earthly existence compared to our spiritual destination.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only three times, all in 2 Corinthians chapter 5. Paul uses it to explain the Christian hope of being with the Lord after death.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

II Corinthians 3 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;

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.

II Corinthians 5:9

Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.