ἄμφοδον (amphodon)
amphodon
street
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun amphodon refers to a street or open thoroughfare, literally defined as "a road around anything." This etymology suggests a path that encircles a central structure, such as a village square or a public building, rather than a simple linear route. The term appears in the New Testament to describe the bustling areas where daily life and commerce intersect.
Its usage is rare, occurring only twice in the Gospels and Acts (Mark 11:4; Acts 19:28). In Mark’s account, it denotes the specific street leading to Jerusalem, grounding the narrative in a tangible urban setting. The word highlights the physical space of community interaction, contrasting with secluded or private locations.
Translators typically render amphodon as "street" or "open street," emphasizing its public nature. This distinguishes it from narrower lanes or interior spaces, capturing the essence of a communal artery where events unfold in full view.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amphodon points to an open thoroughfare, often encircling a central gathering place like a town square. In Mark 11:4, Jesus sends His disciples to find a donkey tied in the open street. This detail grounds the narrative in a real, public setting where daily life unfolds.
For your faith, this reminds us that God works in plain sight. He does not hide in secluded corners but chooses public spaces for significant moments. Your own life has its 'open streets'—moments of visibility and community interaction. Trust that these are not distractions from spiritual matters, but the very places where grace meets you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- street1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμφόδου1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 11:4
They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him.
This occurrence specifies the exact location where the donkey was found, highlighting that Jesus' entry into Jerusalem began in a public, accessible space rather than a private residence.