### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Hierichṓ**, represented by `{{G2410}}`, is the name for **Jericho, a place in Palestine**. This name, which is of Hebrew origin, appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses**. In the New Testament, Jericho serves as a significant geographical setting for events in Jesus's ministry and as a historical symbol of faith's power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Jericho is primarily depicted as a city on Jesus's path, often as he travels toward Jerusalem. It is a place of significant encounters and teachings. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus "entered and passed through{G1330} Jericho{G2410}" [[Luke 19:1]], and upon departing, a "great{G4183} multitude{G3793} followed{G190} him" [[Matthew 20:29]]. The road leading down from Jerusalem to Jericho is the setting for the parable of the Good Samaritan, where a man "fell among{G4045} thieves{G3027}" [[Luke 10:30]]. Jericho is also the location where Jesus shows compassion to the blind, healing a man who sat begging by the roadside as he came near the city [[Luke 18:35]] and another, Bartimaeus, as he left [[Mark 10:46]]. The city's Old Testament history is recalled as an example of faith, where "the walls{G5038} of Jericho{G2410} fell down{G4098}" [[Hebrews 11:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the events surrounding Jericho:
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): This word describes the journey of the man who "went down{G2597} from{G575} Jerusalem{G2419} to{G1519} Jericho{G2410}" in the parable, highlighting the physical descent in elevation [[Luke 10:30]]. It is also used to describe divine action, such as the Holy Ghost descending on Jesus [[Luke 3:22]].
* `{{G5038}}` **teîchos** (a wall): This word is directly connected to Jericho’s most famous historical event, noted in the New Testament as the moment when "by faith{G4102} the walls{G5038} of Jericho{G2410} fell down{G4098}" [[Hebrews 11:30]].
* `{{G4319}}` **prosaitéō** (to beg): This action characterizes the state of human need found on the outskirts of Jericho, where a "blind man{G5185} sat{G2521} by{G3844} the way side{G3598} begging{G4319}" [[Luke 18:35]].
* `{{G3027}}` **lēistḗs** (a brigand): The road to Jericho is portrayed as a dangerous place, where thieves stripped and wounded a traveler [[Luke 10:30]]. Jesus also uses this term when cleansing the temple, declaring that it had been made a "den{G4693} of thieves{G3027}" [[Matthew 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The scriptural use of `{{G2410}}` highlights several key themes:
* **A Place of Passage and Ministry:** Jericho is often a transitional point in Jesus's travels. While passing through, his ministry is on full display as he heals the blind and attracts a "great{G2425} number of people{G3793}" [[Mark 10:46]].
* **A Setting for Mercy:** The infamous road to Jericho becomes the stage for the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating what it means to be a neighbor to someone who has "fell among{G4045} thieves{G3027}" and was left for dead [[Luke 10:30]].
* **An Emblem of Faith:** The city's history provides a powerful illustration of the effectiveness of belief. The New Testament looks back to the event as a definitive example of how "by faith{G4102} the walls{G5038} of Jericho{G2410} fell down{G4098}" [[Hebrews 11:30]].
* **A Site of Human Need:** Jericho is consistently framed as a place where Jesus confronts human brokenness and offers restoration. From blind men begging [[Luke 18:35]] to a traveler wounded by robbers [[Luke 10:30]], the city and its surroundings are settings for divine compassion to intersect with human suffering.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2410}}` Hierichṓ is more than a point on a map. It serves as a narrative backdrop for Christ's healing power, the setting for one of his most important parables on mercy, and a historical touchstone for the power of faith. From its fallen walls to the restored sight of the blind, Jericho is a place in scripture where God's power and human need repeatedly converge.
TRV