neuter from ἔμπορος; a mart ("emporium"):--merchandise.
Transliteration:empórion
Pronunciation:em-por'-ee-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G1712}}` (empórion), transliterated as *empórion*, is a neuter noun derived from the word `{{G1713}}` (emporos), meaning "traveling merchant" or "trader." Fundamentally, `{{G1712}}` signifies "a mart," "an emporium," or "a place of trade." It denotes a commercial center, a market, or a trading post where goods are bought and sold. Its semantic range thus encompasses the physical location of commerce, the activity of trade itself, and by metonymy, the very goods or merchandise exchanged within such a place. The core concept is one of commercial transaction and the accumulation or exchange of material wealth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1712}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Revelation.
* **[[Revelation 18:11]]**: "And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise (`{{G1712}}`) anymore."
In this sole occurrence, `{{G1712}}` is translated as "merchandise." The context is the lament of the "merchants of the earth" over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of a powerful, idolatrous, and commercially driven worldly system. While the base meaning of `{{G1712}}` is a "place of trade," its use here is clearly metonymical, referring to the *goods* or *wares* that are traded in such a place. The cessation of trade in these goods signifies the complete economic collapse and divine judgment upon this worldly system. The merchants weep not for the loss of a physical market building, but for the loss of their ability to profit from the vast array of luxurious and valuable commodities that constituted their trade. This highlights the deep entanglement of this worldly power with material wealth and commercial exploitation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G1712}}` is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* `{{G1713}}` (emporos): The "merchant" or "trader" who conducts business in the `{{G1712}}`. This is the direct etymological root and the agent associated with the place of trade.
* `{{G1711}}` (emporia): This noun refers to "trade," "traffic," or "business," representing the activity or enterprise of commerce.
* `{{G58}}` (agora): A more general term for a "marketplace" or "public square," which could include commercial activity but also other public gatherings. `{{G1712}}` is more specific to a commercial trading center.
* `{{G4453}}` (pōleō): To sell.
* `{{G60}}` (agorazō): To buy.
* Concepts of wealth, luxury, materialism, economic power, and the pursuit of worldly gain are all intimately connected with `{{G1712}}` as it appears in Revelation. The passage in [[Revelation 18]] lists an extensive catalog of goods, further illustrating the nature of this "merchandise."
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{G1712}}` in [[Revelation 18:11]] carries profound theological weight. It is situated within the dramatic depiction of divine judgment against "Babylon," which symbolizes the epitome of worldly power, idolatry, and materialism opposing God's kingdom. The "merchandise" (`{{G1712}}`) represents the entire economic system and the vast array of material possessions that characterized this fallen entity.
The lament over the cessation of buying this "merchandise" underscores several theological points:
1. **The Ephemeral Nature of Worldly Wealth**: The sudden and complete collapse of Babylon's commercial activity demonstrates the transient and ultimately worthless nature of earthly riches when confronted by divine judgment. All that was valued by the world is rendered useless.
2. **Judgment on Materialism and Greed**: The passage implicitly condemns a system built on excessive luxury, exploitation, and the idolatry of wealth. The merchants' sorrow is not for spiritual loss but for the loss of their means to accumulate more riches, highlighting their misplaced priorities.
3. **Contrast with God's Kingdom**: The destruction of Babylon's `{{G1712}}` stands in stark contrast to the values of God's eternal kingdom, which are not founded on economic prosperity, trade, or material goods, but on righteousness, justice, and spiritual communion.
4. **Divine Sovereignty**: The passage affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly systems, including the most powerful economic empires. He can bring them to nothing in an instant.
Thus, `{{G1712}}`, though appearing only once, serves as a powerful symbol of the material wealth and commercial enterprise that defines the fallen world system, which is ultimately subject to God's righteous judgment.
### Summary
The Greek term `{{G1712}}` (empórion) primarily denotes a "mart" or "place of trade." Derived from `{{G1713}}` (emporos), a merchant, it signifies a commercial center. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Revelation 18:11]], where it is used metonymically to refer to "merchandise" or "goods." In this context, `{{G1712}}` symbolizes the vast material wealth and commercial activity of "Babylon," representing a worldly system condemned by God. The cessation of trade in this "merchandise" signifies the complete economic collapse and divine judgment upon a system characterized by materialism and the pursuit of worldly gain, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly riches in contrast to eternal spiritual values.
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