Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the meanings and nuances of Scripture. The word ἐμπορία (emporia) is particularly significant because it relates to trade and commerce, essential activities in the ancient world that also serve as metaphors for spiritual and moral exchanges. This word’s relevance extends beyond its literal meaning, providing a window into the economic and cultural contexts of the New Testament, as well as the broader Greco-Roman world. By exploring ἐμπορία, we can better appreciate the biblical writers’ references to material wealth, spiritual transactions, and the moral implications of commerce.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμπορία (emporia) [em-po-REE-ah]
• Etymology: The word ἐμπορία is derived from the root verb ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai), which means “to travel for trade” or “to engage in commerce.” The noun form ἐμπορία specifically refers to the business or activity of trade itself.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Commerce or Trade: ἐμπορία primarily refers to the act of trading or engaging in business. It encompasses all aspects of commercial activity, from the exchange of goods to the broader marketplace context.
• Merchandise or Goods: In some contexts, the word can also refer to the goods or merchandise that are being traded, highlighting the material aspect of commerce.

Similar Words:

• ἐμπόριον (emporion) [em-PO-ree-on]: A related word that specifically refers to a marketplace or trading post. While ἐμπορία refers to the activity of trade, ἐμπόριον refers to the physical location where trade occurs.
• καπηλεία (kapēleia) [ka-PEE-lei-ah]: Another related word that means “retail trade” or “huckstering,” often with a negative connotation. It contrasts with ἐμπορία, which carries a more neutral or even positive connotation in its association with legitimate trade.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The noun ἐμπορία is feminine and belongs to the first declension, which is typical for nouns ending in -α. This declension influences its grammatical behavior in sentences, particularly in terms of agreement with adjectives and verbs.
• Linguistic Features: The compound nature of the word, combining ἐν (en, “in”) with πορεία (poreia, “journey”), underscores the idea of being “in the trade” or actively engaged in commerce. It emphasizes not just the act of trading but the ongoing activity or process of commerce.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐμπορία as trade or commerce, emphasizing its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It notes that the word can imply a sense of wealth accumulation or the pursuit of material gain.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the use of ἐμπορία in the New Testament to describe the business activities of merchants, as well as its metaphorical application to spiritual exchanges, such as the selling of wisdom or knowledge.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary elaborates on the moral implications of ἐμπορία, especially in contexts where it is used to critique the pursuit of wealth or the exploitation of religious practices for financial gain.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon notes the historical usage of ἐμπορία in classical Greek literature, where it commonly referred to large-scale trade and the accumulation of goods, often with an emphasis on the economic power of merchants.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἐμπορία as a term for trade, noting its specific New Testament appearances in contexts related to material wealth and spiritual admonition against greed.

Scripture References

• Matthew 22:5 – “But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business (ἐμπορίαν).”
• John 2:16 – “And he told those who sold the doves, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade (ἐμπορίας).'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμπορία (G1711: emporia)

The Greek word ἐμπορία (emporia) is a noun that encapsulates the concept of commerce, trade, and the exchange of goods. It is rooted in the idea of journeying for the purpose of conducting business and is used in the New Testament to illustrate both literal and metaphorical exchanges. The word carries with it implications of wealth, materialism, and the moral dimensions of commercial activity. Understanding ἐμπορία provides valuable insights into the economic and cultural contexts of the ancient world, as well as the spiritual teachings of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greece, ἐμπορία was not just a means of economic survival but also a way for city-states to establish and maintain power. The wealth generated from trade allowed for the flourishing of arts, culture, and military might, making merchants some of the most influential figures in society.