### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὁδεύω (hodeúō), Strong's number `{{G3593}}`, derives directly from the noun ὁδός (hodós) `{{G3598}}`, meaning "way," "road," or "journey." Consequently, ὁδεύω carries the fundamental meaning "to travel," "to journey," or "to be on a road." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily denoting the physical act of moving along a path or route. It describes the state of being en route, emphasizing the journey itself rather than merely the act of walking or going. It implies purposeful movement from one place to another by means of a designated path or thoroughfare.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ὁδεύω (hodeúō) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 10:33]]**: "But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion."
* In the context of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, ὁδεύω describes the Samaritan's action: "as he journeyed" (Samaritanos de tis hodeuōn). This simple verb sets the scene for one of the most profound acts of compassion in the Gospels. The Samaritan is not merely walking aimlessly but is engaged in a specific journey. It is precisely *because* he is on this journey that he encounters the man who had fallen among robbers. The act of "journeying" is presented as an ordinary, everyday activity that, in this instance, becomes the very means by which divine mercy is demonstrated. Unlike the priest and the Levite who "passed by" (ἀντιπαρέρχομαι - antiparerchomai), the Samaritan's journey brings him directly to the point of need, enabling his response of radical love. The verb underscores the active, physical presence of the Samaritan on the road, making him available to the suffering stranger.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and foundational related word is ὁδός (hodós) `{{G3598}}`, the noun from which ὁδεύω is formed. Hodós itself is a rich term in the New Testament, referring not only to physical roads but also metaphorically to a "way of life" or "doctrine" (e.g., "the Way" as an early term for Christianity, [[Acts 9:2]], [[Acts 19:9]], [[Acts 24:14]]).
Other Greek verbs of motion that share some semantic overlap but possess distinct nuances include:
* πορεύομαι (poreúomai) `{{G4198}}`: A very common verb meaning "to go," "to travel," "to journey." It often implies a purposeful or directed movement and is much broader in its application than ὁδεύω. While ὁδεύω emphasizes being *on a road*, πορεύομαι simply means "to proceed."
* ἔρχομαι (érchomai) `{{G2064}}`: A general verb meaning "to come" or "to go," without necessarily implying a journey or a specific path.
* περιπατέω (peripatéō) `{{G4043}}`: "To walk around," often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe one's conduct or way of life ("to walk in truth," "to walk in the Spirit"). While it involves movement, its primary emphasis is often on behavior rather than travel.
ὁδεύω stands out by specifically highlighting the act of traveling *along a way* or *road*, making it particularly apt for the narrative of the Good Samaritan, where the setting is explicitly a road from Jerusalem to Jericho.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of ὁδεύω in [[Luke 10:33]] is profound. It underscores that acts of divine compassion and neighborly love are often manifested not in static, isolated moments, but *while one is actively engaged in the ordinary course of life's journey*. The Samaritan's journey was not specifically undertaken to find someone in need, yet it placed him in the position to act. This suggests several implications:
1. **Divine Encounters in Mundane Travel:** The parable teaches that opportunities for radical obedience and service can arise unexpectedly in the midst of routine travel. God's call to compassion is not confined to sacred spaces but permeates the "roads" of everyday existence.
2. **Proximity as Prerequisite for Compassion:** The act of "journeying" brought the Samaritan into physical proximity with the injured man, making his compassionate response possible. This highlights the importance of being present and available to those in need, rather than avoiding them.
3. **The "Way" of Discipleship:** While ὁδεύω is not explicitly used metaphorically for the Christian life, its root ὁδός is. The Christian life is often depicted as a "way" or a "journey" (ὁδός). The Samaritan's act of journeying and responding to need can thus be seen as an exemplar for discipleship: one's spiritual journey should lead to active engagement with suffering and a willingness to interrupt one's own plans for the sake of others. The very path we tread becomes a potential site for demonstrating God's kingdom values.
### Summary
ὁδεύω (hodeúō) `{{G3593}}` is a straightforward Greek verb meaning "to journey" or "to travel along a road," directly derived from ὁδός (hodós) `{{G3598}}`, "way" or "road." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 10:33]] is remarkably impactful. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan's act of "journeying" is the crucial action that places him in a position to encounter the injured man and demonstrate profound compassion. This highlights that opportunities for embodying divine love and fulfilling the command to love one's neighbor often arise not in extraordinary circumstances, but in the midst of life's ordinary travels. The simple act of being on a journey becomes the context for radical mercy, underscoring that our paths, however mundane, can become avenues for God's purposes to unfold.
TRV