### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **leîos**, represented by `{{G3006}}`, is a primary word meaning **smooth** or "level." It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in scripture. Its significance comes from its singular, powerful use in a prophecy about preparing the way for the Lord.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3006}}` is in [[Luke 3:5]], which describes a great spiritual and physical reordering. The verse states, "Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made **smooth**." In this context, **leîos** describes the final state of a prepared path, one that is free of obstacles, level, and easy to travel. It is the culmination of a process that involves humbling the high, elevating the low, and correcting what is distorted.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words used alongside `{{G3006}}` in [[Luke 3:5]] clarify its meaning through contrast and parallel action:
* `{{G5138}}` **trachýs** (rough): As the direct antonym, this word means "uneven, rocky". It describes the state of the ways before they are made **smooth** [[Luke 3:5]].
* `{{G4646}}` **skoliós** (crooked): This term, meaning "warped" or "winding," is used in parallel to describe the paths that must be made straight. It is also used figuratively to describe an "untoward generation" [[Acts 2:40]].
* `{{G5013}}` **tapeinóō** (to bring low): This word describes the action taken upon the mountains and hills. Its meaning, "to depress; figuratively, to humiliate," is applied elsewhere to the act of humbling oneself before God [[James 4:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3006}}` is derived entirely from its context of divine preparation.
* **Preparing the Way:** The primary theme is the removal of all obstacles for the Lord's arrival. Making a path **smooth** is a metaphor for creating a clear and direct route, signifying readiness for a divine encounter [[Luke 3:5]].
* **Spiritual Leveling:** The imagery of lowering mountains `{{G3735}}` and raising valleys `{{G5327}}` suggests a radical spiritual reordering. The use of **tapeinóō** (to bring low, humble) in the same passage connects this leveling to the humbling of human pride [[Luke 3:5]].
* **Moral Rectification:** The contrast with **skoliós** (crooked), which is used to describe a "perverse nation" [[Philippians 2:15]], implies that making a path **smooth** and straight involves moral and spiritual correction. It is about removing the twists and perversions of sin to create a righteous path.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3006}}` **leîos**, while appearing only once, carries significant metaphorical meaning. It represents more than a physically **smooth** surface; it symbolizes a state of spiritual readiness achieved through humbling pride, filling what is lacking, and correcting what is crooked. The word is a key part of the biblical imagery for repentance and the removal of every barrier that stands in the way of a relationship with God.
TRV