ὁδός (hodos)
hodos
road
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 99 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word hodos primarily denotes a physical road or path used for travel. In the Gospels, it appears in concrete scenes such as Jesus walking along the sea coast (Mark 1:16) or travelers moving between towns (Luke 10:38). This literal sense carries over into descriptions of journeys, where the focus is on the distance covered or the act of proceeding toward a destination.
Beyond geography, hodos frequently describes a manner of life or conduct. The sources highlight its use in phrases like "the way of truth" (2 Peter 2:2) or "the way of peace" (Romans 3:17). This metaphorical usage reflects the Hebrew concept of derech, linking physical direction with moral orientation. Early Christians even referred to their faith simply as "the Way" (Acts 9:2), emphasizing that following Jesus was a specific path of action and belief.
A notable feature is how hodos connects divine instruction with human movement. John the Baptist quotes Isaiah to describe preparing "the way of the Lord" (Matthew 3:3), blending the image of a cleared road with spiritual readiness. This dual meaning allows the word to bridge the gap between physical travel and the theological journey of faith, showing that where one goes is defined by how one lives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hodos describes a physical road, but in Scripture it often points to something deeper: the direction of your life. When Jesus speaks of the narrow way or the broad way, He is not just talking about geography. He is describing the habits, choices, and commitments that shape who you become. Every step you take either aligns with truth or drifts away from it.
This word reminds us that faith is not a static state but a journey. Early Christians called their movement “the Way,” showing that following Jesus meant walking in a specific direction of love and obedience. You do not need to have the whole map figured out. You only need to keep your eyes on the One who clears the path ahead.
When life feels confusing or heavy, remember that you are never walking alone. The same God who prepared the way for Israel in the wilderness walks with you now. Trust His guidance, one step at a time, and let your daily choices reflect the peace and truth of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 99 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- way37×
- road15×
- ways9×
- road,6×
- [the] way5×
- way.4×
- Way4×
- road.3×
- journey2×
- highways2×
- a way2×
- way;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὁδὸν37×
- ὁδῷ16×
- ὁδοῦ7×
- ὁδοὺς6×
- ὁδόν,5×
- ὁδόν5×
- ὁδὸς5×
- ὁδόν.3×
- ὁδοῖς3×
- ὁδῷ.¶2×
- ὁδῷ.2×
- ὁδῷ,2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:14
How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
This verse contrasts the narrow way leading to life with the broad way to destruction, defining hodos as the moral path of discipleship rather than just a physical route.
-
Matthew 3:3
For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the way of the Lord ready! Make his paths straight!”
Here John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord, linking the physical act of clearing a road with the spiritual preparation of hearts for Jesus’ arrival.
-
Matthew 21:8
A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
The crowd spreads clothes on the road as an act of royal honor, showing how hodos can serve as a stage for public recognition of Jesus’ kingship.
-
Mark 4:4
As he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.
Seeds falling by the roadside illustrate how distraction and hardness of heart prevent the word from taking root, using the physical path to teach spiritual vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hodos mean in the Bible?
How is hodos different from other Greek words for road?
Why did early Christians call their faith 'the Way'?
Where does hodos appear most often?
Every Occurrence (99 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 21 verses
Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Matthew 3:3For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the…
Matthew 4:15“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
Matthew 5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the…
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…
Matthew 7:14How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 10:5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of…
Matthew 10:10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Matthew 11:10For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before…
Matthew 13:4As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them.
Matthew 13:19When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which…
Matthew 15:32Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…
Matthew 20:17As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 21:8A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
Matthew 21:19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 21:32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the…
Matthew 22:9Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’
Matthew 22:10Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…