Ἐμμαούς (Emmaous)
Emmaous
Emmaus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper noun Emmaous refers to a specific village located sixty stadia (approximately seven miles) from Jerusalem. This location is significant as the setting for Luke 24:13, where two disciples were traveling on the day of the resurrection.
Etymologically, the name likely derives from Hebrew roots meaning "warm baths," suggesting the place was known for its hot springs or thermal facilities. While the exact modern identification of Emmaus remains debated among scholars, the textual tradition consistently places it near Jerusalem as a distinct destination for travelers leaving the city.
The word appears only once in the New Testament, anchoring the narrative of the road to Emmaus. Its inclusion provides a precise geographical marker for the encounter between the risen Jesus and his followers, grounding the theological event in a real, physical place rather than an abstract setting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Emmaus marks a quiet stretch of road just outside Jerusalem, where two followers of Jesus were walking with heavy hearts. They did not recognize Him as He joined them, yet He walked alongside them, explaining the Scriptures until their eyes were opened. This moment reminds us that God often meets us in our ordinary routines and moments of confusion, even when we feel far from home or understanding.
Though the exact location is debated today, the story anchors our faith in real history and physical presence. It assures us that the risen Christ walks with us on our own journeys, bringing clarity and peace to those who seek Him with open hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Emmaus.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἐμμαοῦς.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 24:13
Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
This verse establishes Emmaus as the specific starting point for the resurrection encounter, grounding the theological significance of Jesus' appearance in a tangible geographical context.