[Greek] πορεύω (poreuō): to move from one place to another, to go, to cause to go, to go through a passage, to go through something porous, to pass through, to travel on a journey, to behave, to go way, to be sent, to proceed along a road, to die, to walk; (147 New Testament scriptural references)
Arrival of a Caravan Outside the City of Morocco (painting by Edwin Lord Weeks in 1882): Caravans were used to set up trade routes in the desert areas and throughout the Silk Road.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to set into motion, to convey, to lead, to take over, to cause to stumble against someone, to travel, to go, journey, to go to work, and to follow. The sense of following someone rarely occurs in the Greco-Roman world. This term is extensively used with traveling and journeying. Thucydides’ Histories IV,132.2 states, “Ischagoras, a Lacedamonian, was leading an army of foot soldiers unto Brasidas.” Xenophon’s Anabasis 2.2.11 states “We intend to take a route that is longer, to be sure, but one where we shall not lack provisions.” The destination of the soul plays an important role in Greek mythology and literature.
Greek perspective of the afterlife: The Greek world speaks of the dead (soul) journeying into Hades. With further understanding of the concept of the soul, a sharper distinction is made between the mortal body and immortal soul. Only the soul journeys into the world to come. Souls return either to their heavenly home or to Hades, the place of punishment. Plato’s Republic 10.614 states, “He said that when his soul went forth from his body… it came to a mysterious region. The judges were sitting…Every judgment that binds the righteous to the right and upwards…and the unjust to take the road to the left and downward.”
Old Testament: This term, pertaining to one’s conduct (walk in life), conveys the sense of traveling and movement in various ways. This term can be used in a literal sense (going), eschatological sense (passing away), a transferred sense (keeping the commandments), theological sense (to follow someone), and imperative sense (to be sent). The Old Testament worldview originally viewed that after death, one is gathered to his ancestors in the family grave. Then later, the Old Testament worldview accepts that sheol will receive all the dead. Influenced by the Greek view of immortality, sheol becomes the place were souls stay between death and the resurrection.
New Testament: As with the Old Testament, this term is used in various senses. As the Old Testament culture viewed death with resignation, Jesus’ death is divinely appointed for redemptive purposes. The work of Jesus and the disciples involve movement (sending, commissioning, departing, and preaching). Jesus used divine commands of rising and moving in reference to healing miracles and possessions. Jesus must leave the disciples in order for the Holy Spirit to come to them. This term also refers to Jesus’ descent into Hades and ascension into heaven.
Buyers and Sellers: The merchant (emporos) is the person on a journey (poros). This person often moves (travels) while buying and selling merchandise. The venue for commerce, business, and trading is called the emporium. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
Scripture:
“As they continued their journey He entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed Him.” Lk.10:38
Jesus often traveled. Movement was a very important of Jesus’ ministry.
“For the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed.” Lk.22:22
Jesus must die in order to redeem man. Jesus goes to heaven so that the Holy Spirit can come.
“Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.” Lk.1:6
This type of walk pertains to one’s conduct in following the Lord. This was an important value for the Jew.
Conclusion:
Pore, porous, emporium
It is important to note that the cosmopolitan Greco-Roman world was characterized by much movement, such as trade, commerce, and military campaigns. The Roman Empire flourished due its building of roads. The understanding of the fate (movement) of the soul was a very important value in the Greco-Roman world. It was interesting to discover that a sense of judgment exists in the Grecian afterlife.
Likewise, one’s conduct (walk in life) was very important to the Hebrew (Israelite) in the Old Testament. One can either walk with Yahweh or walk in another path. It is important to note that Hellenism contributes in developing the future understanding of one’s soul.
Movement was very important in the work of Jesus and His disciples. Jesus commanded His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. Jesus traveled (moved) to those in need of His healing.
Merchants and moneychangers often gathered in the Temple grounds or the agora (public marketplace). Merchants often traveled in caravans in order to open trade routes. These buyers and sellers become the early precursors to today’s corporate business persons and business travelers. As far as a camel was concerned, merchants didn’t leave home without it.