ἐμπορία

trading, trade, trafficking, business

Definition

The Greek noun ἐμπορία (emporia) refers to the activity of trading, commerce, or business. It specifically denotes the practice of buying and selling goods, often on a larger or merchant scale, involving travel and exchange. In its single New Testament occurrence in Matthew 22:5, it describes the mundane, worldly business that distracts the invited guests from attending the king's wedding feast. The word carries a neutral sense of commercial enterprise but, in this parable, is contrasted with a spiritual invitation.

Biblical Usage

ἐμπορία is used only once in the New Testament, in the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22:5. Here, it describes the secular preoccupations—'one to his farm, another to his business (ἐμπορίαν)'—that the invited guests prioritize over the king's summons. This singular usage highlights a contrast between earthly, profit-driven activities and the call to participate in God's kingdom.

Etymology

Derived from the noun ἔμπορος (emporos, G1713), meaning 'a merchant' or 'one on a journey for business.' The root combines ἐν (en, 'in') and πόρος (poros, 'a journey, passage'), literally conveying the idea of being 'on a journey for trade.' This etymology emphasizes the mobile, traveling nature of commerce in the ancient world.

Semantic Range

In its sole biblical use, ἐμπορία serves a significant parabolic function. It represents the legitimate yet ultimately trivial concerns of daily life that can become idolatrous distractions, causing people to reject God's gracious invitation (Matthew 22:5). The word underscores the theme of misplaced priorities, where worldly business is foolishly chosen over the kingdom of heaven. Understanding this Greek term enriches the parable by highlighting the stark choice between secular commerce and divine communion.

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, ἐμπορία was a respected and common economic activity, vital for the distribution of goods across the empire. Merchants (ἔμποροι) were familiar figures. The parable's audience would have understood the reference to 'business' as a normal, demanding occupation. The shocking element in Matthew 22:5 is not the activity itself, but the profound insult of using it as an excuse to refuse a royal summons, which would have been unthinkable in that honor-shame culture.

πραγματεία (pragmateia, G4230) — affairs, business, or occupation; a broader term for tasks or undertakings. ἐμπόριον (emporion, G1712) — a trading place, market, or fair; focuses on the location of commerce rather than the activity.

Word Details

Scripture References