### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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