ἐμπορία (emporia)
emporia
trade/business
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun emporia refers to commercial activity, encompassing trade, business dealings, and the exchange of goods. Derived from the word for a merchant (emporos), it describes the sphere in which commerce takes place rather than the individual trader. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, marking it as a rare but specific descriptor of economic life.
Its single occurrence is found in Matthew 22:5, where Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast. The invitation goes out to everyone, yet some guests ignore the call because they are preoccupied with their fields or their emporia. Here, the word highlights how daily business concerns can distract people from significant spiritual invitations.
Translators typically render emporia as "trade" or "business," capturing the routine nature of these activities. The text does not condemn commerce itself but uses it to illustrate a common human tendency: prioritizing immediate economic interests over urgent relational or divine calls. This usage provides a clear snapshot of first-century economic life and its potential to compete for human attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word emporia refers to the sphere of trade or business dealings. In first-century culture, this was not merely a transaction but a daily rhythm of life that demanded attention and energy. When Jesus used this term in Matthew 22:5, He described guests who left a wedding feast to tend their merchandise. This highlights how routine economic activities can become distractions from more significant invitations.
For your faith journey, this word serves as a gentle reminder to examine what holds your focus. Commerce itself is not condemned, but the priority given to it over divine calls is worth considering. You might find that your own 'merchandise'—whether career goals, financial security, or daily responsibilities—sometimes competes with your attention to God's invitation. It invites you to pause and reflect on where your heart truly rests.
Ultimately, this passage encourages a balanced perspective. While we work and engage in business, we are also called to respond to spiritual opportunities. Let this word inspire you to keep your priorities aligned, ensuring that daily tasks do not overshadow the deeper calling of faith. May your work be a source of blessing rather than a barrier to connection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- business1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμπορίαν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 22:5
But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise;
This verse uses emporia to illustrate how immediate commercial concerns can cause people to ignore a significant royal invitation.