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Introduction
Understanding the Greek words found in the Bible is crucial for anyone looking to delve deeper into the nuances of Scripture. The word ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai) is particularly significant as it relates to commerce, trade, and by extension, the journey or path taken to achieve a certain goal. In ancient Greek culture, trade was not just an economic activity but also a metaphor for life’s journey, making this word rich with meaning. In the New Testament, this word is used in contexts that shed light on the material and spiritual pursuits of individuals, highlighting the importance of intention and focus in one’s life journey.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai) [em-po-REU-oh-my]
- Etymology: The word is derived from the root “ἐν” (en, meaning “in”) and “πορεύομαι” (poreuomai, meaning “to journey” or “to travel”). The combination suggests an action of journeying with a specific purpose, often in the context of trade or commerce.
- Part of Speech: Verb (Present Middle Indicative).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To trade or do business: The primary meaning of ἐμπορεύομαι is to engage in commerce or trade. It refers to the act of buying and selling goods, often involving travel or a journey to a marketplace.
- To journey or travel for trade: By extension, it can also mean to embark on a journey with the purpose of doing business, emphasizing the connection between physical movement and economic activity.
Similar Words:
- πορεύομαι (poreuomai) [po-REU-oh-my]: A related verb meaning “to travel” or “to go.” While ἐμπορεύομαι specifically refers to travel for the purpose of trade, πορεύομαι is a more general term for any kind of journey.
- ἀγοράζω (agorazō) [a-go-RAH-zo]: This verb means “to buy” or “to purchase,” particularly in a marketplace setting. It is related to ἐμπορεύομαι in the sense that both involve commercial activities, but ἀγοράζω focuses more on the act of purchasing rather than the journey or process of trade.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: As a middle voice verb, ἐμπορεύομαι emphasizes the subject’s participation in the action for their benefit. This highlights the personal involvement and interest of the trader in the process.
- Linguistic Features: The compound nature of ἐμπορεύομαι, combining “ἐν” (in) and “πορεύομαι” (to journey), underscores the idea of being “in the journey” or actively engaged in the process of trading. It conveys a sense of purpose and intentionality in the activity.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG explains ἐμπορεύομαι as a verb primarily used in commercial contexts, describing the act of engaging in trade or business. It also notes its metaphorical use in certain New Testament passages to describe spiritual or moral pursuits.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the use of ἐμπορεύομαι in both literal and figurative senses, where it can refer to physical commerce or metaphorical journeys of life and purpose.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the importance of intention in the use of ἐμπορεύομαι, particularly in its New Testament occurrences, where it often reflects the moral implications of one’s pursuits.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon notes the common use of ἐμπορεύομαι in classical Greek to describe trading activities, especially those involving long-distance travel to foreign markets.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἐμπορεύομαι as relating to trade, commerce, and the associated journeys, with its New Testament appearances often linked to discussions on wealth, materialism, and spiritual focus.
Scripture References
- James 4:13 – “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade (ἐμπορευσόμεθα) and make a profit.’”
- 2 Peter 2:3 – “And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep (ἐμπορεύονται).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “They journeyed (ἐμπορεύονται) far to trade in the distant lands, seeking profit and adventure.” |
| Plato | Republic | “The merchants (ἐμπορευόμενοι) sailed to foreign ports to exchange goods, enriching their city.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “Those who engaged in trade (ἐμπορεύεσθαι) found both danger and wealth on the open seas.” |
Summary of ἐμπορεύομαι (G1710: emporeuomai)
The Greek word ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai) is a verb that encapsulates the concepts of trade, commerce, and purposeful journeying. It is derived from the idea of journeying for the purpose of conducting business and is used in the New Testament to highlight both literal and metaphorical pursuits. The word carries with it implications of intention, involvement, and the personal stakes involved in one’s actions. Understanding ἐμπορεύομαι helps to illuminate New Testament passages that discuss the moral and spiritual dimensions of trade and material pursuits, offering a richer perspective on the text.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greece, traders (ἐμπορεύομαι) were often seen as adventurers who took significant risks to acquire wealth. Their journeys were fraught with danger, but they were also crucial to the economic and cultural exchange between distant lands. The word ἐμπορεύομαι thus carries a dual sense of both opportunity and peril, reflecting the broader human experience of pursuing goals amidst uncertainty.
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