Location
Overview
Emmaus was a village about seven miles from Jerusalem, the destination of two disciples on the first Easter afternoon — and the setting of one of the most beloved resurrection stories.
The walk to Emmaus
Two disciples walked to Emmaus, talking sadly of the crucifixion, when "Jesus himself drew near... But their eyes were holden that they should not know him" (Luke 24:13–16). He opened the Scriptures to them, "beginning at Moses and all the prophets" (Luke 24:27).
Known in the breaking of bread
As he broke bread at the table, "their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." They said, "Did not our heart burn within us... while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:30–32).
The witnesses return
That same hour they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the eleven, "The Lord is risen indeed" (Luke 24:33–35).
Events Here
The risen Jesus is known in the breaking of bread at Emmaus
Scripture References
1 verseLuke1 verse
Luke 24:13
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
Archaeology & History
The exact site of Emmaus is uncertain. The leading traditional candidate is Emmaus-Nicopolis (Imwas) on the road from Jerusalem toward the coast; other proposals (Abu Ghosh, el-Qubeibeh, Motza) reflect different readings of the "threescore furlongs" of Luke 24:13. The event, not the spot, is the heart of the story.
Frequently asked about Emmaus
Where is Emmaus today?
Today, Emmaus corresponds to Emmaus-Nicopolis, Israel (traditional; debated).
What does the name Emmaus mean?
The name Emmaus means “Warm springs”.
What happened at Emmaus in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Emmaus include the risen jesus is known in the breaking of bread at emmaus.
Where is Emmaus first mentioned in the Bible?
Emmaus is first mentioned in Luke 24:13.
How often is Emmaus mentioned in the Bible?
Emmaus is mentioned in 1 verse across 1 book: Luke.
What happened on the road to Emmaus?
On the day of the resurrection, the risen Jesus walked unrecognised with two disciples to Emmaus, explained the Scriptures about himself, and was finally known to them in the breaking of bread.
Where is Emmaus?
A village about seven miles from Jerusalem; its precise location is debated, with Emmaus-Nicopolis the leading traditional site.