The Greek word eurýchōros, represented by G2149, means spacious or broad. It is formed from the words for "wide" and "spacious". This specific term is rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, yet its singular use carries significant metaphorical weight.
The sole appearance of G2149 is in Matthew 7:13, where it describes the path leading to damnation. The verse contrasts two paths: one entered through a "strait" gate and the other through a "wide" gate. The word broad is used to characterize the "way" that leads to destruction. This imagery suggests a path that is easy, accommodating, and popular, as the verse concludes that many (polýs, G4183) choose to travel it.
Several related words in the immediate context help clarify the meaning of G2149:
- G4116 platýs (wide): Used in parallel with eurýchōros, this word describes the gate leading to the broad way, reinforcing the theme of an open, unrestrictive entrance Matthew 7:13.
- G4728 stenós (strait): This word provides a direct contrast, describing the gate that leads to life as narrow and difficult, implying that it is not the easy or popular choice Matthew 7:13.
- G3598 hodós (way): This is the noun that eurýchōros modifies. It refers to a road or a route, but here it is used figuratively to mean a mode of life or a spiritual journey Matthew 7:13.
- G684 apṓleia (destruction): This word defines the ultimate destination of the broad way, signifying ruin, loss, and perdition Matthew 7:13.
The theological weight of G2149 is found entirely within its metaphorical context of the two ways.
- The Allure of an Easy Path: The broadness of the way signifies a life with few moral or spiritual restrictions. It represents a path of worldly conformity that is easy to follow and accommodates the masses.
- The Deception of Popularity: The passage explicitly states that many (polýs, G4183) travel this broad road. The word eurýchōros contributes to the idea that the popular, widely accepted path is not the path of life, but one that "leadeth to destruction" (apṓleia, G684) Matthew 7:13.
- A Call to Deliberate Choice: By describing one way as broad and the other as narrow, the scripture forces a conscious decision. The spacious road is the default, while the narrow way to life must be intentionally sought and entered Matthew 7:14.
In summary, G2149 eurýchōros is a critically important word despite its single use. It does not simply mean "broad" in a literal sense but serves as a powerful descriptor for the deceptive, easy, and popular path of life that leads to spiritual destruction (apṓleia, G684). Its meaning is inseparable from its contrast to the "strait" gate and "narrow" way, framing a fundamental choice central to biblical teaching.
TRV