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Demas

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Early Christian who later abandoned Paul for “this present world”

Detailed Definition
Demas is first noted as a fellow worker with Paul (Philemon 24; Colossians 4:14) but later deserted him (2 Timothy 4:10). His apostasy serves as a cautionary tale. In poetry, Demas embodies the fragility of commitment, the seduction of worldly comfort over costly discipleship, and the pathos of unrealized potential in faith.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Demas’s desertion (2 Timothy 4:10) warns against love of the world; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Demas models the danger of worldly distraction; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Demas symbolizes the fair-weather friend; In John Keble’s "Lyra Apostolica," Demas represents the cost of divided loyalty; In Christina Rossetti’s "Later Life," Demas’s choice inspires vigilance; In T.S. Eliot’s "The Waste Land," Demas’s love of present things echoes modern materialism.
Additional Notes
Demas: Companion of Paul who “loved this present world” and deserted him (Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:10). In poetry, Demas symbolizes the allure of the world, the fragility of commitment, and the pathos of abandonment. His name invites reflection on the cost of discipleship—ideal for poems on temptation, loyalty tested, or the quiet tragedy of turning back. Contrast with faithful companions like Luke.
Also Known As
Demas the Fellow Worker Demas who deserted Paul
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