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G1695 · Greek · New Testament
Ἐμμαούς
Emmaus
Proper Noun
Emmaus, village near Jerusalem

Definition

Emmaus is the name of the village to which two disciples were walking on the day of Jesus's resurrection, when the risen Christ joined them incognito (Luke 24:13-35). It appears once in the NT. Its exact location is disputed, but the distance of 'about seven miles' from Jerusalem places it within easy walking distance.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Road to Emmaus narrative is one of the most theologically rich resurrection appearances in the Gospels. The two disciples, walking in grief and confusion, encounter the risen Jesus but are 'kept from recognizing him' (Luke 24:16). Jesus walks with them, explains the Scriptures ('beginning with Moses and all the Prophets'), and reveals the redemptive plan. The breakthrough comes not in the biblical explanation but in the act of breaking bread (24:30-31) — at which moment their eyes open and He vanishes. This narrative encodes the shape of Christian worship: Scripture opens the heart, the table opens the eyes. Emmaus has become a symbol for the experience of Christ's presence discovered on the ordinary roads of life.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 24:13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them.
Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
Luke 24:35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

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