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Δημήτριος

Dēmḗtrios

G1216 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A masculine proper name, Demetrios. In Greek and Hellenistic usage, referring to a male individual named after the goddess Demeter. In the New Testament and associated literature, refers specifically to (1) an Ephesian silversmith noted in Acts who opposed the early Christian movement, and (2) a Christian figure commended in 3 John.

Semantic Range

the personal name Demetrios, referring to (1) an Ephesian silversmith, (2) a Christian commended by the author of 3 John; more generally, any individual bearing the theophoric Greek name

Root / Etymology

From Δημήτηρ (Dēmētēr, the Greek goddess Demeter) with the adjectival suffix -ιος, indicating belonging or relation; thus 'devoted to Demeter' or 'pertaining to Demeter.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The name Δημήτριος was common in the Hellenistic world, especially given the popularity of the goddess Demeter as a patron of agriculture and fertility. The suffix denotes affiliation or connection, a typical formation for theophoric names in Greek. In the New Testament, two figures bear the name: (1) an Ephesian artisan engaged in the manufacture of shrines to Artemis (Acts 19:24–38), whose opposition to Paul's mission is a significant episode reflecting social and religious tensions in Roman Asia; translators sometimes overlook the close connection between the name Demetrios and Greco-Roman religious identity. (2) A Christian commended for good testimony in 3 John 12, with no further specification; his identity and background are left unexplained. The English tradition simply transliterates the name, but the theophoric origin is often lost on modern readers. The name is not used as an ethnic or religious designation but strictly as a proper noun. No significant semantic variation is attested across the Septuagint, New Testament, or extra-biblical Koine usage; the meaning and reference are consistent. Contrast with other Greek proper names derived from deities (e.g., Dionysios, Apollonios).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (Ceres); Demetrius, the name of an Ephesian and of a Christian:--Demetrius.

Root Family

Δημήτριος (Dēmētrios) — pertaining to Demeter, devoted to Demeter, theophoric personal name

Root Δημήτρ- pertaining to Demeter, devoted to Demeter (as a personal name)

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1216-02 Δημήτριος demetrios N NOM M SG Demetrius Demetrios Demetrios 2
G1216-01 Δημητρίῳ demetrio N DAT M SG Demetrius to Demetrios Demetrios 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1216-02 Acts 19:24 Δημήτριος demetrios N NOM M SG Demetrius Demetrios Demetrios
G1216-02 Acts 19:38 Δημήτριος demetrios N NOM M SG Demetrius Demetrios Demetrios
G1216-01 3 John 1:12 Δημητρίῳ demetrio N DAT M SG Demetrius to Demetrios Demetrios
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