Lexical Summary apodémos: To go away, to be absent, to travel abroad Original Word: ἀποδημέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance taking a far journey. From apo and demos; absent from one's own people, i.e. A foreign traveller -- taking a far journey. see GREEK apo see GREEK demos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and démos Definition gone abroad NASB Translation away on a journey (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 590: ἀπόδημοςἀπόδημος, ἀποδημον (from ἀπό and δῆμος the people), away from one's people, gone abroad: Mark 13:34 (R. V. sojourning in another country). (From Pindar down.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Strong’s Greek 590 appears once in the New Testament and depicts a person who is “away from home” or “on a journey.” The lone occurrence in Mark 13:34 situates the expression within a parable that Jesus uses to exhort alertness and faithfulness while the master is absent. Usage in Mark 13:34 Mark 13:34: “It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his servants in charge, each one with his own work; and he commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.” 1. The “man going on a journey” graphically illustrates Christ’s physical departure (ascension) and eventual return. Historical Background In first-century Judea a well-to-do landowner often traveled for trade or political matters, entrusting his estate to slaves or stewards. Roman legal documents (papyri, inscriptions) confirm that absent landlords expected their households to maintain production and order. Jesus draws on this social reality, using an image His audience could readily grasp to communicate spiritual responsibility during His physical absence. Parables of Vacancy and Stewardship Although the precise word occurs only in Mark 13:34, the motif recurs: These parallels amplify the emphasis on readiness, industry, and fidelity in expectation of the master’s return. Theological Themes 1. Eschatological Watchfulness: The term frames the Olivet Discourse’s call to “keep watch” (Mark 13:35-37), reinforcing that end-time vigilance is not passive speculation but active obedience. Christological Insights The single use of Strong’s 590 subtly affirms the two-stage mission of Jesus: incarnation and earthly ministry, followed by departure, heavenly session, and guaranteed return. The phrase helps listeners picture Christ as both currently absent in body (John 14:2-3) and imminently present through the Spirit, sustaining the tension of the “already/not yet.” Implications for Discipleship • Faithful Labor: The parable insists that every believer has “his own work,” disallowing idleness while awaiting Christ. Practical Ministry Applications Pastoral teaching can employ the imagery to: 1. Encourage congregations to evaluate ministries against the certainty of divine audit. Related Scriptural Motifs • Exodus 33:14—The promise of the Lord’s presence while absent from the Promised Land prefigures Christ’s spiritual presence. Conclusion Though Strong’s 590 appears but once, it encapsulates a vital biblical pattern: an absent yet sovereign master entrusts work to His servants, who must labor and watch until His certain return. The word therefore enriches Christian hope, shapes responsible living, and anchors discipleship in the promise of Christ’s triumphant reappearing. Forms and Transliterations απεδίδρασκεν απέδρα απέδρας απέδρασαν αποδημος απόδημος ἀπόδημος αποδιδράσκει αποδιδράσκειν αποδιδράσκω αποδιελείς απόδραθι apodemos apodēmos apódemos apódēmosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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