εὐρύχωρος

broad, spacious

Definition

The adjective εὐρύχωρος (eyrychōros) means 'broad,' 'spacious,' or 'wide,' describing something with ample room or an expansive area. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Matthew 7:13, it is used metaphorically to describe the 'broad' gate and road that leads to destruction, contrasting with the narrow way that leads to life. This spatial imagery conveys the idea of something that is easily accessible, accommodating, and popular, as opposed to something constrained and difficult. The word emphasizes the physical and moral spaciousness that makes a path attractive yet perilous.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 7:13, within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It appears in a contrasting parallel structure, describing the 'broad' (εὐρύχωρος) gate and road that leads to destruction, set against the 'narrow' gate and constricted road that leads to life. The usage is entirely metaphorical, applying a spatial adjective to spiritual and ethical pathways to illustrate the ease and popularity of the wrong way versus the difficulty and exclusivity of the right way.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek roots εὐρύς (eurys), meaning 'wide' or 'broad,' and χώρα (chōra), meaning 'space,' 'land,' or 'place.' The compound thus literally means 'broad-space' or 'having wide room.' It is a descriptive adjective that combines two common elements to emphasize ample spatial extent. Cognates or related words include εὐρύς (eurys, G2147) for 'wide' and χώρα (chōra, G5561) for 'country' or 'region.'

Semantic Range

Theologically, εὐρύχωρος is significant as it captures a key metaphor in Jesus' teaching about the two ways of life. The 'broad' way represents the default, easy, and culturally popular path of sin and self-indulgence that leads to destruction. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the deliberate contrast: the broad way is not just physically wide but morally permissive and socially crowded. It underscores the biblical theme that the path to salvation is not the easy, majority path but requires deliberate choice and adherence to God's narrow standards (Matthew 7:13-14).

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, broad, well-paved roads (like Roman highways) were associated with ease of travel, commerce, and military movement. A 'broad' way would be the main, populated, and seemingly secure route. Jesus uses this familiar image to subvert expectations: the broad, easy road is actually the dangerous one. This contrasts with modern associations where 'broad-mindedness' can be viewed positively; here, breadth implies moral laxity and danger.

εὐρύς (eurys, G2147) — The root adjective meaning simply 'wide' or 'broad,' without the explicit spatial connotation of 'room' or 'place.' πλατύς (platys, G4116) — Also means 'broad' or 'wide,' used in Matthew 7:13 for the 'broad' way, making it a direct synonym in this context, though εὐρύχωros emphasizes spaciousness more.

Word Details

Scripture References