Form and Scriptural Occurrence

Ὁδεύω appears once in the New Testament, Luke 10:33, portraying a Samaritan who “was journeying.” The term evokes purposeful movement along a road, introducing the parable’s turning point.

Context in Luke 10:25–37

“But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he had compassion” (Luke 10:33). Three travelers descend the perilous Jericho road. Priestly and Levitical passers-by embody religious privilege without mercy. The Samaritan, though scorned, interrupts his itinerary, provides first aid, mounts the wounded man on his own animal, delivers him to an inn, and pledges ongoing care. Ὁδεύω underscores that life’s ordinary travels become divine appointments for love of neighbor.

Theology of the Journey

1. Covenant Pilgrimage: From Abraham’s call (Genesis 12:1) to Israel’s exodus (Exodus 13:21), God’s people advance by faith, “seeking a homeland” (Hebrews 11:14).
2. Messiah on the Way: Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), then defined Himself as “the way” (John 14:6).
3. Pilgrim Identity: Believers remain “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11), pressing toward the “city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Journey and Mission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The verb go assumes movement; ὁδεύω illustrates it. Acts records extensive itineration—Paul’s three missionary journeys, Philip on the Gaza road (Acts 8:26–40), and the gospel’s spread to Rome. Travel becomes a conduit for proclamation, church planting, and relief (Romans 15:25).

Historical Setting of the Jericho Road

Seventeen miles of steep descent, dotted with caves, invited brigands. Listeners grasped danger and urgency. Roman roads enabled commerce yet still imperiled solitary travelers. The Samaritan’s stop risked ambush and social censure, amplifying the parable’s moral force.

Ministerial Lessons Drawn from ὁδεύω

• Compassion Over Calendar: Ministry often arises in interruptions.
• Cross-Cultural Mercy: Ethnic animosity bows to imago Dei dignity.
• Holistic Care: The Samaritan binds wounds, provides transport, lodging, and financial follow-up—an integrated model of word and deed.
• Collaborative Service: Engaging the innkeeper exemplifies strategic partnership.

The Pilgrim Motif for Christian Living

Disciples navigate a fallen world en route to the heavenly Zion (Revelation 21:2). Along the path, they embody kingdom ethics, witness to grace, and anticipate the consummation where “the nations will walk by its light” (Revelation 21:24).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 3593, though rare, captures the dynamism of biblical discipleship. The traveler in Luke 10 mirrors God’s people—ever en route, compelled by compassion, transforming ordinary journeys into avenues of redemptive love.