διέξοδος (diexodos)
diexodos
thoroughfare
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diexodos refers to a thoroughfare or an outlet where paths intersect and exit. In the New Testament, it appears only once, describing the specific locations where country roads meet the city limits. This usage aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint, where it translates Hebrew terms for the boundaries or exits of territories.
Its structure combines a prefix meaning "through" with a word for "way," emphasizing movement and passage rather than a static point. The sources note that it denotes the places before the city where roads from the countryside terminate, serving as both entry points and exit routes for travelers. Translators render this in Matthew 22:9 as "the highways," capturing the idea of busy junctions outside the urban center.
This single occurrence highlights how Jesus used familiar geographical features to illustrate spiritual truths. By pointing to these busy intersections, the imagery suggests a place of gathering and decision, where people from various directions converge before entering the city. The word grounds the parable in the tangible reality of ancient travel routes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diexodos points to a busy intersection where country roads meet the city limits. In ancient times, these were not just empty spaces but active places where travelers paused before entering town. Jesus uses this image in Matthew 22:9 to describe the 'highways' where people gather. It reminds us that faith is not about staying in one place but moving toward a gathering.
For your daily life, this word suggests that every crossroad you face can be an opportunity for connection. Just as roads converge at these exits, your interactions with others are chances to share hope. You do not need to wait for perfect conditions; the invitation goes out wherever people are found walking their paths.
When you feel uncertain about where to go next, remember that these intersections are meant for meeting, not just passing through. God’s call often comes in the midst of ordinary movement and decision. Let this truth encourage you to see your daily routes as places where grace can be shared with those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thoroughfares1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διεξόδους1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 22:9
Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’
This verse uses the word to describe the specific highways outside the city where the master sends servants to gather guests for the wedding feast.