2050. erémósis
Lexical Summary
erémósis: Desolation, devastation

Original Word: ἐρήμωσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: erémósis
Pronunciation: eh-ray-MO-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (er-ay'-mo-sis)
KJV: desolation
NASB: desolation
Word Origin: [from G2049 (ἐρημόω - laid waste)]

1. despoliation

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
desolation.

From eremoo; despoliation -- desolation.

see GREEK eremoo

HELPS Word-studies

2050 erḗmōsis (from 2049 /erēmóō, "lay waste, make destitute, barren") – desolation (desecration) that results from being cut off (isolated).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from erémoó
Definition
a making desolate
NASB Translation
desolation (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2050: ἐρήμωσις

ἐρήμωσις, ἐρημεως, (ἐρημόω), a making desolate, desolation: Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20; see βδέλυγμα, c. (Arrian exp. Alex. 1, 9, 13; the Sept. several times for חָרְבָּה, שַׁמָּה, etc.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 2050 designates the condition of utter ruin brought about by divine judgment or human hostility. In the New Testament it appears exclusively on the lips of Jesus during the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20), forming a key term in His prophetic warning about Jerusalem and the end of the age.

Old Testament Background

The imagery originates in Daniel, where repeated references to “the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) describe a profanation that leaves the sanctuary deserted. In the Septuagint, the Greek noun ἐρήμωσις renders Hebrew terms for devastation and emptiness after covenantal infidelity (for example, Ezekiel 33:28-29). Jesus therefore draws on a well-established prophetic vocabulary: desolation is never merely social ruin but the visible sign that God has withdrawn His protective presence because of persistent rebellion.

Usage in the Gospels

1. Matthew 24:15 — “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation’ described by the prophet Daniel ….”
2. Mark 13:14 — “But when you see ‘the abomination of desolation’ standing where it should not be ….”
3. Luke 21:20 — “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that her desolation is near.”

Matthew and Mark retain Daniel’s technical phrase, while Luke interprets it for Gentile readers as the military encirclement that precedes devastation. In each Gospel the noun marks the transition from temple-centered Judaism to the new-covenant community that worships in Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

Historical Fulfillment

Within a generation, Roman legions under Titus breached Jerusalem (70 A.D.), razed the temple, and left the city barren. Contemporary Jewish historian Josephus records the horrifying aftermath, confirming Jesus’ words that “not one stone will be left on another” (Matthew 24:2). The precise fulfillment validates prophetic Scripture and underscores that desolation is God’s verdict upon hardened unbelief.

Eschatological Dimension

While the first-century tragedy satisfies the near horizon of the prophecy, Jesus’ discourse deliberately extends beyond. Phrases such as “immediately after the tribulation of those days” (Matthew 24:29) and “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24) point to a future climax when the final man of lawlessness will again desecrate what is holy (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Thus ἐρήμωσις functions as a bridge between the historical fall of Jerusalem and the ultimate consummation, urging every generation to vigilance: “What I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Theological Themes

• Covenant Accountability: Desolation follows idolatry and rejection of God’s messengers (Matthew 23:37-38).
• Holiness of the Sanctuary: Profaning sacred space invites ruin, reminding believers that the church is now God’s dwelling and must remain pure (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
• Sovereign Foreknowledge: Jesus’ precise foretelling confirms that history unfolds under divine decree.
• Hope amid Judgment: Even as desolation falls, the gospel promises redemption to those who heed the warning and flee to Christ (Luke 21:28).

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

1. Watchfulness in Preaching: Faithful exposition should treat both the past fulfillment of Jesus’ words and their future import, cultivating discernment without speculative sensationalism.
2. Discipleship under Pressure: The command to flee (Matthew 24:16) models wise responsiveness; believers today prepare spiritually and practically for trials without panic.
3. Evangelistic Urgency: The fall of Jerusalem foreshadows final judgment; proclaiming salvation in Jesus Christ remains the only refuge from coming desolation.
4. Worship Integrity: Since desecration provokes desolation, pastors guard doctrine and practice so that the church does not invite divine displeasure.

Related Terms and Concepts

• ἐρήμοω (Strong’s 2049) — to make desolate; the verbal root.
• “Abomination” (Greek βδέλυγμα, Strong’s 946) — the detestable act that triggers desolation.
• “Tribulation” (θλῖψις, Strong’s 2347) — the period of distress surrounding the event.

Concluding Reflection

Ἐρήμωσις serves as a sober monument in Scripture: God’s holiness will not be mocked, yet His forewarning is an act of mercy. The past ruin of Jerusalem validates the prophets; the promised future upheaval summons every believer to steadfast faith, holy living, and unwavering hope in the returning King.

Forms and Transliterations
ερημώσεων ερημωσεως ερημώσεως ἐρημώσεως ερήμωσιν ερημωσις ερήμωσις ἐρήμωσις eremoseos eremṓseos erēmōseōs erēmṓseōs eremosis erēmōsis erḗmosis erḗmōsis
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 24:15 N-GFS
GRK: Βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως τὸ ῥηθὲν
NAS: the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken
KJV: the abomination of desolation, spoken of
INT: abomination of desolation which having been spoken of

Mark 13:14 N-GFS
GRK: βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως τὸ ῥηθὲν
NAS: the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing
KJV: the abomination of desolation, spoken
INT: abomination of the desolation which was spoken of

Luke 21:20 N-NFS
GRK: ἤγγικεν ἡ ἐρήμωσις αὐτῆς
NAS: recognize that her desolation is near.
KJV: that the desolation thereof
INT: has drawn near the desolation of her

Strong's Greek 2050
3 Occurrences


ἐρημώσεως — 2 Occ.
ἐρήμωσις — 1 Occ.

2049
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