### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term διέξοδος (G1327), transliterated as *diéxodos*, is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (G1223), meaning "through" or "apart," and the noun ἔξοδος (G1841), meaning "a going out" or "exit." Etymologically, it thus denotes "a way out through" or "an outlet." This foundational meaning extends semantically to describe a physical location: "an open square" or "crossroads" from which various roads or paths diverge. The English translation "highway" in the King James Version captures this sense of a public thoroughfare, though perhaps more accurately it refers to the strategic points where such roads meet or begin, serving as places of convergence and departure. It implies a location accessible to all, a public space where people pass by or gather.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διέξοδος (G1327) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 22:9]]**: "Go therefore to the main roads [διέξοδος] and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find." This verse is part of Jesus' parable of the wedding feast, often interpreted as an allegory for the Kingdom of Heaven. The king, whose initial invited guests refuse to come, instructs his servants to go out into the "highways" or "main roads" and compel everyone they find to attend the feast. In this context, the διέξοδος signifies the public, accessible places outside the initial circle of invitation. It is not merely a path, but a point of significant public traffic and visibility, representing the broader world beyond the confines of the city or the initially chosen guests. The command to go to these "outlets" underscores the universal and inclusive nature of the divine invitation, extending beyond the expected or privileged to encompass all people, regardless of their social standing or background.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of διέξοδος (G1327) is enriched by considering its relationship to other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **ἔξοδος (G1841)**: As the root of διέξοδος, this word itself signifies "a going out" or "departure," famously used for the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. In the context of διέξοδος, it highlights the aspect of movement *out* from a defined space *through* a specific point.
* **ὁδός (G3598)**: This is the general Greek word for "way," "road," or "path." While διέξοδος refers to a specific type of public thoroughfare or crossroads, ὁδός is a broader term, often used metaphorically for a course of life, conduct, or doctrine (e.g., "the Way" in Acts). Διέξοδος specifies a particular *kind* of ὁδός—one that serves as an outlet or main artery.
* **πλατεῖα (G4113)**: Meaning "a broad street" or "public square," this word also describes a public space. While similar in function to διέξοδος in being a place of public gathering, διέξοδος emphasizes the *divergence* or *convergence* of roads, a point of access, whereas πλατεῖα emphasizes the *breadth* of the street or square itself.
* **κλήσις (G2821)**: "A calling, invitation." The command to go to the διέξοδος in [[Matthew 22:9]] is directly tied to the concept of God's universal call and invitation to the Kingdom.
These related terms help to delineate the unique nuance of διέξοδος as a point of public access and departure, distinct from a general road or a broad street.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of διέξοδος (G1327) in [[Matthew 22:9]] carries profound theological weight, particularly within the context of the Kingdom of God and the Gospel invitation:
1. **Universal Scope of the Gospel**: The command to go to the "highways" or "main roads" signifies that God's invitation to His Kingdom is not exclusive but expansive. When the initially invited (often interpreted as Israel) reject the call, the invitation is extended to "as many as you find," without distinction of social status, moral standing, or religious background. This powerfully illustrates the inclusive nature of God's grace and the universal reach of the Gospel message.
2. **Divine Initiative and Outreach**: The king's directive demonstrates God's persistent and proactive desire for all people to partake in His feast. It underscores the missionary imperative to go out to the public spaces, the "outlets" of society, to proclaim the good news to those who might otherwise be overlooked or deemed unworthy.
3. **Accessibility of Salvation**: The "highways" are places of common passage, accessible to everyone. This symbolizes that salvation and entry into God's Kingdom are made available to all who respond to the call, regardless of their previous standing or perceived merit. It challenges any notion of an exclusive or limited invitation.
4. **Judgment and Grace**: While the parable highlights God's expansive grace, it also subtly introduces the theme of judgment (as seen later in the parable with the man without a wedding garment). The invitation is universal, but a proper response is still required. The διέξοδος represents the point where this universal invitation is freely offered.
### Summary
The Greek word διέξοδος (G1327), meaning "an outlet through" or "an open square/crossroads," appears uniquely in the New Testament in [[Matthew 22:9]]. In this pivotal passage, Jesus' parable instructs servants to go to the "highways" to invite guests to the wedding feast. This single occurrence profoundly illuminates the theological truth of the Gospel's universal scope. It signifies God's boundless grace and inclusive invitation, extending beyond any select group to encompass all humanity. The "highways" represent the public, accessible places of the world, symbolizing that the path to God's Kingdom is open to all who will respond to His gracious call. This word, though rare, thus serves as a powerful testament to the expansive and unrestricted nature of God's redemptive plan.
TRV