Boy New Testament Rare
Demas
popular
Δημᾶς Dēmas
Demas (Greek: Δημᾶς, Dēmas) means “popular”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 3 verses across 3 books of the Bible. In 2000 it was given to 5 children in the United States. Use is long out of use. Appears in the same passages as Archippus.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Demas
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 3 across 3 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2000 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2000 | 5 | Long out of use |
| All-time total | 5 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 5 in 2000 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Colossians 4:14 |
| Last appears | Philemon 1:24 |
| Cross-references | 102 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Luke co-occurrence Appears with Luke in Philemon 1.
- Crescens co-occurrence Appears with Crescens in 2 Timothy 4.
- Aristarchus co-occurrence Appears with Aristarchus in Philemon 1.
- John co-occurrence Appears with John in Philemon 1.
- Mark co-occurrence Appears with Mark in Philemon 1.
- Archippus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Archippus.
- Epaphras co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Epaphras.
- Titus co-occurrence Appears with Titus in 2 Timothy 4.
Origin & meaning
Δημᾶς, ὁ
(perh. contracted from Δημήτριος),
Demas, a companion of St. Paul: Col.4:14, Phm 24, 2Ti.4:10.†
(AS)
Demas was a companion of Paul who later deserted him because he loved the world.
The biblical story
Demas is mentioned in three of Paul's epistles as a companion and fellow worker in the ministry. In Col.4.14 and Phm.1.24, Paul sends greetings from Demas, along with other believers such as Luke, Mark, and Aristarchus. This suggests that Demas was a valued member of Paul's ministry team during his imprisonment in Rome.
However, in 2Ti.4.10, Paul writes with a tone of disappointment, stating that Demas had forsaken him, "having loved this present world." This statement indicates that Demas had abandoned Paul and the ministry, choosing instead to pursue worldly interests. The exact nature of Demas' desertion is not specified, but it clearly caused Paul distress, especially as he faced his impending martyrdom.
The contrast between Demas' earlier dedication and his later abandonment serves as a warning to believers about the allure of worldly pursuits and the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and His mission. Demas' story is a reminder that even those who have served alongside great leaders like Paul can fall away if they allow their love for the world to supersede their commitment to God.
Key verses
Demas appears in 3 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Colossians 4:14 -
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2 Timothy 4:10 -
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Philemon 1:24
Show all 3 references
Colossians (1)
- Colossians 4:14
2 Timothy (1)
- 2 Timothy 4:10
Philemon (1)
- Philemon 1:24