εὐθύνω (euthunō)
euthunō
to straighten
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb euthunō means to make something straight or level, often with a focus on direction rather than just physical surface. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, carrying the sense of preparing a clear path for movement. This usage aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint, where it translates Hebrew words meaning to direct or turn toward God.
A key example is found in John 1:23, where the speaker quotes Isaiah to describe a voice crying out to "make straight the way of the Lord." Here, the word implies removing obstacles so that travel can proceed without deviation. It suggests an active effort to align a path with a specific destination.
The term also appears in James 3:4, where it describes how a small rudder steers a large ship in whatever direction the pilot wants. This metaphor highlights control and guidance. The word connects physical steering with spiritual direction, emphasizing that true straightness involves purposeful movement toward a goal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word euthunō carries the simple but powerful image of making a path straight. It is not about smoothing out every bump in the road, but about removing the major obstacles that block movement toward a destination. When we read this in John 1:23, it describes a voice preparing the way for the Lord by clearing away confusion and resistance. This suggests that spiritual readiness involves active choices to align our lives with God’s direction.
James 3:4 offers another angle, comparing the tongue to a small rudder that steers a huge ship. Just as a pilot uses the rudder to ensure the vessel moves exactly where intended, our words and attitudes steer the course of our lives. The word implies control and purposeful guidance. It reminds us that even small actions can determine whether we drift or move steadily toward God’s will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is steering1×
- do make straight1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐθύνοντος1×
- εὐθύνατε1×
Key Verses
-
John 1:23
He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
This verse uses the word to describe removing spiritual obstacles so that people can encounter the Lord without deviation.
-
James 3:4
Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
Here the term illustrates how a small rudder directs a large ship, showing that minor inputs can control major outcomes.