from (to gather; probably akin to ἐγείρω); properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare:--market(-place), street.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **agorá**, represented by `{{G58}}`, is derived from a root meaning "to gather." It properly refers to a town-square or other place of public resort, and by implication, a market or thoroughfare. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently denotes a central, open space for commerce, social interaction, and civic life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G58}}` is used to depict several facets of public life. It is portrayed as a social arena where scribes and Pharisees sought public recognition, loving **greetings** in the **markets** ([[Matthew 23:7]], [[Luke 11:43]]). It also served as a civic space for judgment; Paul and Silas were forcefully **drew** into the **marketplace** to face the rulers [[Acts 16:19]]. The **marketplace** was a hub of daily activity, where laborers could be found standing **idle** [[Matthew 20:3]] and from which people returned from their daily business [[Mark 7:4]]. Furthermore, it was a place of public ministry, where the sick were laid in the **streets** to be healed [[Mark 6:56]] and where Paul **disputed** daily [[Acts 17:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the activities and context associated with the **agorá**:
* `{{G1256}}` **dialégomai** (to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss): This word describes the public discourse that took place in the **market**, as when Paul **disputed** there daily with those he met [[Acts 17:17]].
* `{{G1670}}` **helkýō** (to drag): This term highlights the marketplace's function as a place of civil authority, as Paul and Silas were **drew** there by their accusers to be judged by the rulers [[Acts 16:19]].
* `{{G783}}` **aspasmós** (a greeting): This word is repeatedly linked with the **markets** to illustrate the desire for public honor and status sought by religious leaders ([[Luke 20:46]], [[Mark 12:38]]).
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{G58}}` lies in its representation of the public sphere where worldly and divine matters intersect.
* **Arena for Public Ministry:** The **marketplace** was not just for commerce, but a strategic location for evangelism and debate, as demonstrated by Paul's daily reasoning with the people [[Acts 17:17]].
* **Setting for Human Conflict and Pride:** It is the backdrop for displays of human pride, where leaders sought greetings [[Matthew 23:7]], and a place of confrontation, where justice was administered and persecution occurred [[Acts 16:19]].
* **Place of Divine Compassion:** In contrast to its use for judgment and self-aggrandizement, the **agorá** also becomes a place of profound healing, where the sick were laid in the **streets** and **were made whole** by Jesus [[Mark 6:56]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G58}}` signifies much more than a physical location for buying and selling. It is the heart of the biblical city's public life—a dynamic space for social gathering, civil judgment, and commercial activity. As a setting, it frames critical interactions, from Jesus's parables and healings to the apostles' bold proclamation and persecution, illustrating the constant interplay between the sacred and the secular in the open square.
TRV