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Δημᾶς

Dēmâs

G1214 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Demas (personal name). Refers to an individual mentioned in early Christian texts, specifically as a companion of Paul; usage is strictly as a proper noun, with no other lexical or semantic development as an appellative or common noun.

Semantic Range

personal name (Demas), used only as a proper noun; no wider semantic range

Root / Etymology

Derived from the Greek root δημ-, possibly related to δῆμος ('people', 'community'), but Δημᾶς is likely an abbreviated or hypocoristic form of longer names such as Δημήτριος (Demetrios) or Δημοδότος (Demodotos). Etymology reflects common Greek practices of name shortening; precise derivation is uncertain but linked to Greek naming conventions.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Δημᾶς is attested in the New Testament, specifically in Colossians 4:14, Philemon 24, and 2 Timothy 4:10, always referring to the same individual, a companion of Paul. The name occurs as a personal name only in these texts and is not used more generally in Greek literature or the Septuagint. In the Roman period, such abbreviations of longer names were common in the Greek-speaking world, especially as the use of personal names expanded and diversified. English Bibles simply transliterate the name as 'Demas'; there is no meaningful translation beyond this transliteration. There is no evidence that the name Δημᾶς carried particular connotations other than as a proper name during the Second Temple or New Testament periods.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably for Δημήτριος; Demas, a Christian:--Demas.

Root Family

Δημᾶς (Dēmas) — personal name; derived from δημ- (people, community)

Root δημ- of the people, community-related (when seen in related terms; as a name, functions only as a proper noun)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1214-01 Δημᾶς demas N NOM M SG Demas Demas Demas 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1214-01 Colossians 4:14 Δημᾶς demas N NOM M SG Demas Demas Demas
G1214-01 2 Timothy 4:10 Δημᾶς demas N NOM M SG Demas Demas Demas
G1214-01 Philemon 1:24 Δημᾶς demas N NOM M SG Demas Demas Demas
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