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Demetrius

Greek: Δημήτριος —transliteration: Démétrios or Demetrios —meaning: “belonging to Demeter” or “devoted to Demeter”

This is the name of 2 men in the Bible. Demetrius is a Greek name that comes from the Greek Δημήτριος (Dēmḗtrios), meaning Demeter who was the Greek goddess of agriculture, grain, and the harvest (her Roman counterpart was Ceres).

The name was widespread in the Hellenistic and Roman worlds, especially in Greek-speaking regions of the eastern Mediterranean such as Asia Minor (now Turkey). Macedonian and Seleucid kings bore it, and it appears among ordinary people as well. Early Christians often kept Greek names even after conversion.

Demetrius, an Ephesian silversmith

The primary business of this silversmith of Ephesus was the making of “silver shrines of Artemis (aka Diana), Acts 19:24, i.e., models either of her temple or her statue.

This trade brought to him and his fellow-craftsmen “no little business,” for these shrines found a ready sale among the countless thousands who came to this pagan temple from all parts of Asia Minor.

The success of their market was greatly endangered by the progressive spreading of the Gospel, and so Demetrius roused the tradesmen employed in the manufacture of these shrines, and caused so great a tumult that “the whole city was filled with confusion.”

This man is is mentioned by name in Acts 19:24; 19:38.

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Demetrius, a Christian

He is a Christian man who is spoken of as having a good reputation from all.

Demetrius has received a good witness from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our witness, and you know that our witness is true. —3 John 1:12 LSB

He is mentioned only by the Apostle John. He is commended as a faithful example in contrast to Diotrephes.

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Article Version: September 18, 2026