Lexical Summary apeimi: absent, am absent, remain absent Original Word: ἀπείμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be absent. From apo and eimi; to be away -- be absent. Compare apeimi. see GREEK apo see GREEK eimi see GREEK apeimi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and eimi Definition to be away, i.e. to be absent NASB Translation absent (5), am absent (1), remain absent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 548: ἄπειμι (1)ἄπειμι (1); (εἰμί to be); (from Homer down); to be away, be absent: 1 Corinthians 5:3; 2 Corinthians 10:1, 11; 2 Corinthians 13:2, 10; Colossians 2:5; Philippians 1:27; (in all cases except Colossians, the passage cited opposed to πάρειμι). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 548 (ἀπεῖμι) expresses the state of being physically away or absent. While simple in meaning, every New Testament occurrence is tightly woven into Paul’s pastoral strategy, revealing how an apostle shepherded congregations even when separated by distance. New Testament Usage Occurrences are confined to seven verses, all in Pauline epistles: • 1 Corinthians 5:3 Each reference places ἀπεῖμι in deliberate contrast with παρουσία (“presence”) to highlight that physical separation does not diminish spiritual oversight, affection, or authority. Spiritual Presence vs. Physical Absence Paul repeatedly stresses a paradox: “For though I am absent in body, I am present with you in spirit” (Colossians 2:5). By the Spirit, apostolic concern transcends geography. The phrase assures believers that pastoral care is not limited to face-to-face contact; it anticipates the church’s later experience of being nurtured by inspired writings rather than personal visits. Apostolic Authority Exercised From Afar Letter-writing was not a second-rate option for Paul. He reminds Corinth, “Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present” (2 Corinthians 10:11). His epistolary rebukes carry the same weight as his in-person discipline and are backed by eventual visitation if repentance lags (2 Corinthians 13:2, 13:10). Pastoral Concern and Discipline The strongest disciplinary passage, 1 Corinthians 5:3, shows Paul pronouncing judgment on an unrepentant sinner even while “absent.” The church is instructed to act corporately, proving that congregational holiness can and must be safeguarded under apostolic guidance whether or not the overseer is physically present. Call to Consistent Conduct Philippians 1:27 expands the theme from discipline to encouragement: “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear of your affairs…”. The believer’s obligation to walk worthy of the gospel is constant, independent of external supervision. Historical Insight In the first-century Mediterranean world, travel was arduous and slow; yet Paul’s missionary heart could not wait until the next voyage. Papyrus letters, carried by trusted co-workers like Tychicus or Epaphroditus, became crucial instruments for doctrine, correction, and exhortation. The Spirit’s choice to inspire many of those letters for the canon means that ἀπεῖμι is indirectly responsible for a sizable portion of the New Testament we cherish today. Implications for Church Life Today 1. Scriptural letters carry binding authority equal to an apostle’s physical voice. Related Concepts • παρουσία – physical presence, often contrasted with ἀπεῖμι. In every instance, Strong’s 548 reminds believers that Christ’s church, sustained by the Spirit and Scripture, is neither hindered nor fragmented by physical separation. Forms and Transliterations απειμι άπειμι ἄπειμι απέσται απιόντος αποντες απόντες ἀπόντες απων απών ἀπὼν apeimi ápeimi apon apōn apṑn apontes apóntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 5:3 V-PP-NMSGRK: μὲν γάρ ἀπὼν τῷ σώματι NAS: though absent in body KJV: verily, as absent in body, but INT: indeed though being absent in body 2 Corinthians 10:1 V-PP-NMS 2 Corinthians 10:11 V-PP-NMP 2 Corinthians 13:2 V-PP-NMS 2 Corinthians 13:10 V-PP-NMS Philippians 1:27 V-PP-NMS Colossians 2:5 V-PI-1S Strong's Greek 548 |
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