θύρα (thura)
thura
door
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun thura refers to a door or entrance, serving as the primary boundary between inside and outside spaces. In the New Testament, it appears in literal contexts describing physical doors, such as the sealed tomb’s entrance (Matthew 27:60) or the locked room where Jesus appeared to his disciples (John 20:19). It also describes everyday actions like knocking at a house (Acts 12:13) or standing before a gate (Mark 11:4), grounding the word in tangible, historical reality.
Beyond its physical sense, thura carries significant metaphorical weight. Jesus identifies himself as "the door of the sheep" (John 10:7), suggesting he is the exclusive point of entry for safety and sustenance. The term also symbolizes opportunity; Paul speaks of an "open door" for ministry in Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:9) and a door for the word in Colossae (Colossians 4:3). Revelation uses the image of Christ standing at a door and knocking (Revelation 3:20), framing the concept as an invitation to relational intimacy rather than mere architectural structure.
Translators typically render thura simply as "door," though the Greek word can occasionally encompass the idea of a gate or threshold. The sources note its frequent use in the Septuagint for Hebrew terms like petach, linking New Testament usage to Old Testament imagery of temple entrances and city gates. This continuity highlights how early Christians viewed Jesus not just as a teacher, but as the fulfillment of ancient symbols representing access to God’s presence and protection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for door in the New Testament often points to a moment of decision or transition. In Matthew 25:10, the bridegroom arrives and the door is shut, reminding us that some opportunities are time-sensitive. This image encourages believers to remain ready and faithful, knowing that God’s timing is perfect even when it feels sudden.
Jesus uses this familiar object to describe His own role in John 10:9. He calls Himself the door, offering a clear path to safety and provision. For those seeking peace or direction, this metaphor provides comfort: there is a defined way in, guarded by Christ Himself, rather than a maze of uncertain paths.
Revelation 3:20 presents another angle, where Christ stands at the door and knocks. This shifts the focus from our effort to His initiative. It suggests that spiritual intimacy begins with an invitation we can choose to accept. Whether facing closed doors in ministry or open ones for new work, this word grounds our faith in the reality of access to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- door17×
- doors6×
- a door5×
- doors.2×
- door;2×
- door.2×
- door,2×
- gate1×
- doors,1×
- [the] doors.1×
- A door1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θύραν11×
- θύρας8×
- θύρα4×
- θύρᾳ3×
- θυρῶν3×
- θύραν,2×
- θύρας·1×
- θύραν.1×
- θύραις.¶1×
- θύραις.1×
- θύραι.1×
- θύραι1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 25:10
While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.
This verse uses the shutting door to illustrate the finality of judgment and the necessity of readiness for Christ's return.
-
John 10:9
I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out and will find pasture.
Here Jesus identifies Himself as the exclusive point of entry for salvation, emphasizing security and freedom through Him alone.
-
Acts 5:19
But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out and said,
The angel opens prison doors to demonstrate that God’s purposes cannot be contained by human restrictions or legal barriers.
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John 20:19
When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
Jesus appears behind locked doors, showing that physical barriers cannot prevent His presence or His gift of peace to fearful disciples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does thura mean in the New Testament?
How is Jesus described as a door?
What does it mean when Christ knocks at the door?
Why are doors shut in biblical stories?
Every Occurrence (38 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 5 verses
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret;…
Matthew 24:33Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.
Matthew 25:10While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and…
Matthew 27:60and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the door of the…
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…