### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τρίβος (tríbos, `{{G5147}}`) denotes a "path" or "track," specifically one that is "worn" or "rutted." Its etymological root lies in the verb τρίβω (tribō), meaning "to rub," "to wear away," or "to grind." This etymology is crucial, as it imbues the word with the sense of a way that has been repeatedly traversed, smoothed by frequent use, or deeply grooved by continuous traffic. It is not merely any route, but one that bears the marks of persistent passage. The semantic range thus extends to a "beaten path," a "well-worn track," or even a "highway," emphasizing the established and often-used nature of the route.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, τρίβος (tríbos, `{{G5147}}`) appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, always in direct quotation of Isaiah 40:3 from the Septuagint. These occurrences are found in the accounts of John the Baptist's ministry:
* [[Matthew 3:3]]: "For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
* [[Mark 1:3]]: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
* [[Luke 3:4]]: "As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
In each instance, τρίβος is used in parallel with ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`, "way"), both referring to the preparation for the Lord's arrival. The call to "make his paths straight" (εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ) draws upon the ancient practice of preparing roads for a royal procession. Metaphorically, this signifies the spiritual and moral readiness required for the Messiah's advent. The "paths" represent the lives and hearts of humanity, which, due to sin and waywardness, had become "crooked" and needed to be made "straight" through repentance and moral reform. The "worn" aspect of τρίβος can subtly suggest the well-trodden paths of human sin that needed divine intervention to be redirected towards righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Hebrew equivalents in Isaiah 40:3, from which the Septuagint (and subsequently the New Testament) draws, include מְסִלָּה (mesillah, `{{H4546}}`), meaning "highway" or "raised way," and נָתִיב (nathiym, `{{H5410}}`), meaning "path" or "track." While τρίβος captures the essence of a well-used route, ὁδός (hodos, `{{G3598}}`) is the more general term for "way" or "road" in Greek, with τρίβος specifying a particular kind of ὁδός—one that is worn.
Etymologically, τρίβος is linked to verbs of rubbing or wearing. Its Strong's definition notes kinship with τράγος (tragos, `{{G5139}}`, "goat," perhaps from its habit of rubbing) and τραῦμα (trauma, `{{G5139}}`, "wound," from tearing/rubbing). This shared root emphasizes the concept of friction, wearing down, or impact.
Conceptually, the "straightening of paths" is inextricably linked to John the Baptist's call for μετάνοια (metanoia, `{{G3341}}`, "repentance"). It evokes the idea of moral rectitude, spiritual alignment, and the removal of obstacles (sins, injustices, unrighteousness) that impede a right relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The recurring use of τρίβος in the Synoptic Gospels, quoting Isaiah, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the preparatory nature of John the Baptist's ministry for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
1. **Divine Initiative and Human Responsibility:** God sends His messenger to prepare the way, but humanity is called to *make* the paths straight. This highlights the interplay between divine grace and human responsiveness in salvation history. It is a summons to active participation in spiritual readiness.
2. **Moral and Spiritual Transformation:** The "paths" are not literal but represent the moral and spiritual condition of humanity. "Crooked paths" symbolize sin, rebellion, and deviation from God's righteous standards. "Straightening" them signifies repentance, obedience, and alignment with God's will. It is a call to inner renewal that manifests in outward conduct.
3. **Prophetic Fulfillment:** John the Baptist's ministry precisely fulfills the ancient prophecy, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenants and the progressive unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history. This gives assurance of God's sovereign control over time and events.
4. **The "Way" of Christ:** Ultimately, the prepared "paths" lead to an encounter with Jesus Christ, who Himself declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" [[John 14:6]]. The concept of τρίβος thus points to the necessity of preparing one's heart and life to walk in the Way of Christ, the only path to eternal life and communion with God.
### Summary
The Greek word τρίβος (tríbos, `{{G5147}}`) denotes a "worn path" or "rut," deriving from the concept of "rubbing" or "wearing down." Its primary New Testament usage is found in the Synoptic Gospels ([[Matthew 3:3]], [[Mark 1:3]], [[Luke 3:4]]), where it is used in quotations from Isaiah 40:3 concerning John the Baptist's ministry. In this context, τρίβος metaphorically represents the spiritual and moral condition of humanity, which needs to be "straightened" in preparation for the Messiah's advent. The call to "make His paths straight" signifies a call to repentance, moral rectitude, and the removal of all obstacles to God's will. The term thus highlights both divine initiative in sending a forerunner and human responsibility in responding to the call for spiritual transformation, ultimately leading to the "Way" who is Christ.
TRV