εὐρύχωρος (euruchōros)
euruchōros
broad
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective euruchōros describes something that is broad or spacious in extent. It combines words for "wide" and "space," pointing to a physical openness that allows for easy movement or large capacity. This term appears only once in the New Testament, where it modifies the path Jesus describes as wide.
In Matthew 7:13, this word characterizes the gate and road that lead to destruction. The sources note its connection to the Hebrew concept of spaciousness found in the Septuagint, emphasizing a literal breadth. By using this specific term, the text contrasts the expansive, accessible nature of the way to ruin with the narrowness of the alternative path.
Its singular usage highlights the stark choice presented in the Sermon on the Mount. The word underscores that the route leading away from life is not hidden or difficult to find; it is openly wide and inviting. This concrete imagery serves as a clear warning about the ease with which many might choose a direction that ultimately leads to loss.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word euruchōros describes a path that is wide and spacious. In Matthew 7:13, Jesus uses this specific term to describe the road leading to destruction. It is not hidden or difficult to find; it is openly broad and inviting. This imagery highlights how easy it can be to follow the crowd without realizing the destination.
Understanding this word helps us see the contrast in Jesus’ teaching. The wide way feels accessible because many walk it, but it leads away from life. Recognizing this choice invites us to consider our own direction. We are encouraged to look for the narrower path that requires more intentionality but offers true hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- broad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐρύχωρος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:13
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it.
This is the only New Testament occurrence where euruchōros describes the broad way to destruction, emphasizing its accessibility and the large number of people who choose it.