Brief Overview of εὐρύχωρος (Strong’s G2149: eurýchōros)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for grasping the full meaning and context of Scriptures. The Greek word εὐρύχωρος (eurýchōros) is particularly significant because it describes something spacious or wide, often with an implication of freedom or abundance. This word provides insight into both the physical and metaphorical descriptions in the Bible, where space, breadth, and expansiveness carry deeper spiritual connotations. Knowing the context in which εὐρύχωρος is used can help illuminate passages related to spiritual growth, freedom, and the contrasts between narrow and broad paths.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐρύχωρος (eurýchōros) [yoo-REE-khoh-ros]
• Etymology: Derived from two Greek root words: εὐρύς (eurýs), meaning “wide” or “broad,” and χῶρος (chōros), meaning “space” or “place.” Together, they convey the idea of a broad or spacious place.
• Part of Speech: Adjective; describes something that is broad or spacious.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Spacious
• Wide or Broad
• Having Ample Room

Similar Words: The word εὐρύχωρος (eurýchōros) is related to other Greek terms like πλατύς (platýs), which also means “broad” or “wide,” and πλατεῖα (plateia), which means “a broad street” or “a wide place.” While εὐρύχωρος emphasizes the spaciousness of an area or the breadth of space, πλατύς and πλατεῖα can specifically refer to the width of streets or pathways, with a focus more on literal width rather than figurative spaciousness or openness.

Further Insights:
Morphologically, εὐρύχωρος is an adjective describing the quality of being spacious or wide. This word is often used metaphorically in Greek literature to imply a sense of freedom, abundance, or lack of restriction. Since it is an adjective, εὐρύχωρος follows the standard declension patterns for Greek adjectives. Below is a table showing the full declension of εὐρύχωρος in the singular and plural forms:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines εὐρύχωρος as “spacious, wide,” often referring to a place that is ample or open. It can be used literally to describe physical space or figuratively to depict freedom or lack of constraint.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon explains εὐρύχωρος as “spacious, wide,” noting that it can imply a broad or ample space. The lexicon suggests that the term carries the connotation of freedom from narrowness or limitation.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary mentions εὐρύχωρος briefly, focusing on its literal sense of being “broad” or “spacious.” It suggests that the term can be used both literally and metaphorically in biblical texts.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon describes εὐρύχωρος as “spacious, wide.” It emphasizes that this adjective is often employed to depict not only physical breadth but also a more abstract sense of expansiveness, such as freedom or an unrestricted area.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists εὐρύχωρος as meaning “spacious” or “wide.” It emphasizes the adjective’s potential for both literal and metaphorical use, depending on the context in which it appears in Scripture.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 7:13: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide (εὐρύχωρος) is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of εὐρύχωρος (G2149: eurýchōros)

The Greek word εὐρύχωρος (eurýchōros) is an adjective meaning “spacious” or “wide.” Derived from εὐρύς (broad) and χῶρος (space), it conveys the sense of ample room or a broad place, often used metaphorically to describe freedom, abundance, or a lack of restriction. In biblical contexts, εὐρύχωρος contrasts with narrower terms to describe spiritual or moral paths, such as in Matthew 7:13, where it is used to depict the broad road leading to destruction. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s provide comprehensive insights into the term’s usage and connotations, showing its relevance in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Classical and Septuagint literature similarly utilize the term to describe wide physical spaces and metaphorical expansiveness, enriching our understanding of ancient perspectives on space and freedom.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word εὐρύχωρος is not just about physical space? In ancient Greek culture, a “spacious” place often symbolized freedom, opportunity, and abundance. In contrast, narrow spaces symbolized constraint and difficulty, making the term εὐρύχωρος a powerful metaphor in biblical literature for describing choices and paths in life!