### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **emporía**, represented by `{{G1711}}`, refers to **traffic** or **merchandise**. According to usage statistics, this term is quite specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text. Its sole appearance defines it as a form of commerce or business.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only use of `{{G1711}}` is in [[Matthew 22:5]], where individuals who were invited to a gathering "made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his **merchandise**". In this context, **merchandise** represents a worldly pursuit or daily business that takes precedence over a significant invitation. It is portrayed as a distraction that leads a person away from a matter of importance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words used in the same verse help clarify the meaning and consequence of prioritizing **merchandise**:
* `{{G272}}` **ameléō** (to be careless of): This word is translated as "made light of" or "neglect." It is directly linked to the choice to pursue one's farm or **merchandise**, indicating that preoccupation with such things can lead to carelessness toward more vital matters ([[Matthew 22:5]], [[Hebrews 2:3]]).
* `{{G565}}` **apérchomai** (to go off): This term, meaning to depart or go away, describes the physical action taken by those who chose their worldly affairs. They "went their ways" to their farm and **merchandise**, illustrating a literal turning away [[Matthew 22:5]]. This act of departing can also signify that former things have "passed away" [[Revelation 21:4]].
* `{{G68}}` **agrós** (a field): Translated as "farm," this word is presented as a parallel distraction to **merchandise**. It represents land and agriculture, another common form of earthly possession and work that can divert a person's attention ([[Matthew 22:5]], [[Luke 14:18]]).
### Theological Significance
Though rare, the theological weight of `{{G1711}}` is clear from its single context.
* **Preoccupation with Worldly Affairs:** The primary lesson from the use of **merchandise** is the danger of allowing business and commerce to become an all-consuming focus. The choice to attend to one's **merchandise** is framed as an act of rejection [[Matthew 22:5]].
* **Grounds for Neglect:** Turning to one's **merchandise** is explicitly tied to the act of neglect `{{G272}}`. This establishes a theological principle where attachment to worldly enterprise can result in disregarding spiritual invitations or duties, as seen in warnings not to "neglect the gift that is in thee" [[1 Timothy 4:14]].
* **An Earthly Distraction:** Paired with "farm" `{{G68}}`, **merchandise** symbolizes the spectrum of earthly possessions and responsibilities that can stand in the way of a higher calling. Other passages reinforce this, citing "a piece of ground" as an excuse [[Luke 14:18]] or "lands" as things to be forsaken for a greater reward [[Matthew 19:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1711}}` **emporía** is a highly specific term for **merchandise** or traffic. Its singular appearance in scripture serves as a powerful illustration of how daily commerce and worldly business can become a significant spiritual distraction. Associated with neglect and a deliberate turning away, it stands as a symbol for the earthly concerns that can cause one to "make light of" matters of eternal importance.
TRV