from a compound of ὁδός and πορεύομαι; to be a wayfarer, i.e. travel:--go on a journey.
Transliteration:hodoiporéō
Pronunciation:hod-oy-por-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3596 (ὁδοιπορέω, *hodoiporéō*) is a compound word formed from `{{G3598}}` (ὁδός, *hodós*), meaning "way," "road," or "journey," and `{{G4198}}` (πορεύομαι, *poreúomai*), meaning "to go," "to proceed," or "to travel." Therefore, its core meaning is "to travel a road," "to journey," or "to be a wayfarer." It denotes the physical act of moving from one place to another, specifically along a path or road, emphasizing the journey itself rather than merely the act of going. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing primarily on literal travel and the physical exertion associated with it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G3596 (ὁδοιπορέω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 4:6]]**: "Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey (ὁδοιπορέω), sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour."
In this sole occurrence, hodoiporéō vividly describes Jesus' physical state. He was "wearied with his journey," indicating the fatigue that comes from traveling on foot. The context is Jesus' passage from Judea through Samaria to Galilee, a journey that would have been arduous and physically demanding. The use of this specific verb underscores the reality of Jesus' human experience, portraying him as one who genuinely felt the effects of travel, including exhaustion. It is not merely that he "went," but that he "journeyed," implying a duration and effort that led to weariness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words illuminate the nuances of G3596:
* `{{G3598}}` (ὁδός, *hodós*): The foundational noun meaning "way," "road," or "journey." It is the direct root of hodoiporéō and defines the path taken.
* `{{G4198}}` (πορεύομαι, *poreúomai*): The general verb "to go" or "to travel." While hodoiporéō specifies a journey on a road, poreúomai is a broader term for movement, often used metaphorically for one's conduct or life's course (e.g., "to walk in truth"). hodoiporéō is a more precise description of the act of traveling.
* `{{G2064}}` (ἔρχομαι, *erchomai*): Another common verb for "to come" or "to go." Like poreúomai, it is more general than hodoiporéō, which highlights the nature of the movement as a journey.
* `{{G4043}}` (περίπατέω, *peripatéō*): "To walk about," often used metaphorically for one's manner of life or conduct (e.g., "to walk in the Spirit"). While involving movement, it typically carries a different semantic emphasis than the literal travel implied by hodoiporéō.
* `{{G2872}}` (κοπιάω, *kopiáō*): "To toil," "to grow weary," "to labor." This verb is directly linked to hodoiporéō in [[John 4:6]], as Jesus' weariness (kopiáō) is a direct result of his journeying (hodoiporéō). This connection highlights the physical toll of travel.
* The broader concept of "journey" or "pilgrimage" is significant in biblical narratives, from Abraham's call to journey (`{{H1980}}` הָלַךְ) to the Exodus, and the disciples' mission trips. While hodoiporéō is specific to physical travel, it resonates with this larger biblical theme of movement and purpose.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G3596 in [[John 4:6]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in its portrayal of Jesus Christ:
1. **The Incarnation and True Humanity:** The most significant theological implication is the vivid demonstration of Jesus' full humanity. He was not merely appearing human but genuinely experienced human physical limitations, including fatigue from a long journey. This detail powerfully affirms the reality of the Incarnation, where God the Son fully entered into human flesh and its attendant vulnerabilities. He shared in the common human experience of weariness, making him relatable and emphasizing his solidarity with humanity.
2. **Identification with the Human Condition:** Jesus' weariness from journeying highlights his complete identification with the human condition, including its frailties and physical demands. This is not a weakness but a testament to his condescension and love, demonstrating that he truly "emptied himself" (`{{G2758}}` κενόω, *kenóō*) to become like us in every way, yet without sin.
3. **Purposeful Travel:** While hodoiporéō itself describes the physical act, the context of Jesus' journey in [[John 4]] is deeply purposeful. His travel through Samaria, a route often avoided by Jews, led directly to his transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. This suggests that even the mundane and physically taxing aspects of Jesus' earthly life were integral to his divine mission and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. His journey was not aimless but directed by divine intention, leading to revelation and salvation.
### Summary
G3596 (ὁδοιπορέω, *hodoiporéō*) is a precise Greek verb meaning "to travel a road" or "to journey," formed from `{{G3598}}` (way) and `{{G4198}}` (to go). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[John 4:6]] is highly significant, portraying Jesus as "wearied with his journey." This singular usage powerfully underscores the reality of the Incarnation, demonstrating Jesus' true humanity and his complete identification with the physical limitations and experiences of humankind. It highlights that even the ordinary act of physical travel was part of Jesus' purposeful mission, leading to pivotal encounters and the revelation of divine truth.
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