### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apodēméō**, represented by `{{G589}}`, means **to go abroad** or **visit a foreign land**. It is translated as "go (travel) into a far country" or to "journey." It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, exclusively within the context of parables.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G589}}` is found entirely within parables to describe a significant departure. In the parable of the talents, a man **travelling into a far country** `{{G589}}` first delivers his goods to his servants [[Matthew 25:14]]. Similarly, in the parable of the wicked husbandmen, a householder prepares a vineyard and then **went into a far country** `{{G589}}`, leaving it to be managed by others ([[Matthew 21:33]], [[Mark 12:1]]). The word is also used to describe the younger son who **took his journey** `{{G589}}` to a distant land where he wasted his inheritance [[Luke 15:13]]. In each case, the journey initiates a period of separation and stewardship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words are contextually linked to the act of journeying away, highlighting the purpose or consequence of the departure:
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi** (to surrender, intrust, transmit): Before a man **took his journey** `{{G589}}`, he first **delivered** his goods to his servants, entrusting them with his property [[Matthew 25:14]].
* `{{G1554}}` **ekdídōmi** (to give forth, i.e. (specially) to lease): A householder **let out** his vineyard to husbandmen before he **went into a far country** `{{G589}}`, establishing a lease agreement [[Matthew 21:33]].
* `{{G1287}}` **diaskorpízō** (to dissipate, squander, waste): This word describes the outcome of the prodigal son's journey `{{G589}}`, as he **wasted** his substance with riotous living in the far country [[Luke 15:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G589}}` is tied to its use as a narrative device in parables.
* **Delegated Stewardship:** The act of going into a far country consistently precedes an act of entrusting resources to others. A man **delivered** `{{G3860}}` goods to his servants before his journey [[Matthew 25:14]], and a householder **let out** `{{G1554}}` his vineyard [[Matthew 21:33]]. This departure establishes a critical period of stewardship.
* **A Test of Character:** The physical separation created by the journey serves to test and reveal the character of those left in charge. It leads to the wickedness of the husbandmen [[Mark 12:9]] and the wastefulness of the prodigal son [[Luke 15:13]].
* **Illustrating Kingdom Principles:** The journeys described by `{{G589}}` are foundational to parables that teach about the "kingdom of heaven" [[Matthew 25:14]]. The departure of the owner creates the circumstances necessary to illustrate lessons on responsibility, faithfulness, and consequence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G589}}` is a specific verb used to describe the act of traveling to a foreign land. Its biblical usage is confined to parables where it functions as a crucial plot device. This act of departure initiates a period of delegated responsibility, setting the stage to reveal the faithfulness or unfaithfulness of those left behind. The word is therefore essential for understanding the narrative framework of key parables concerning stewardship, accountability, and the kingdom of heaven.
TRV