Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceIn biblical times, roads were essential for travel, trade, and communication. They facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across regions, playing a crucial role in the historical and cultural context of the Bible. Roads connected cities, towns, and villages, enabling the spread of the Gospel and the fulfillment of divine missions.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible contains numerous references to roads, often highlighting their significance in God's plan. In the Old Testament, roads are mentioned in the context of journeys, trade routes, and military campaigns. For example, the "King's Highway" was a major trade route mentioned in
Numbers 20:17, where the Israelites requested passage through Edom: "Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through any field or vineyard or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King's Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory."
In the New Testament, roads are frequently associated with the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. The Roman road system, known for its engineering and efficiency, facilitated the rapid spread of Christianity.
Acts 9:2 describes Saul's journey on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ: "and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem."
Symbolism and MetaphorRoads in the Bible often carry symbolic meaning, representing the journey of faith and the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 3:6 advises, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This verse underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in one's life journey.
The concept of the "narrow road" is a powerful metaphor used by Jesus in
Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This passage emphasizes the challenges and rewards of following Christ.
Historical ContextIn ancient Israel, roads were often simple paths or trails, with major routes connecting key cities and regions. The Roman Empire's extensive road network, built for military and administrative purposes, became instrumental in the early church's missionary activities. Roman roads were constructed with layers of stone and gravel, designed for durability and ease of travel.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceRoads facilitated pilgrimage to Jerusalem, especially during major feasts such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Psalm 84:5 speaks to the blessedness of those who journey to worship: "Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage."
In the prophetic literature, roads are sometimes depicted as being prepared for the coming of the Lord.
Isaiah 40:3-4 proclaims, "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.'" This imagery is echoed in the New Testament with John the Baptist's ministry, preparing the way for Jesus.
ConclusionWhile roads in the Bible serve practical purposes, they also carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. They remind believers of the journey of faith, the call to righteousness, and the mission to spread the Gospel to all nations.
Greek
1327. diexodos -- to consider, reflect... Feminine Transliteration: diexodos Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ex'-od-os) Short Definition:
a public spot in a city Definition: a meeting-place of
roads, a public
...3598. hodos -- a way, road
... word Definition a way, road NASB Word Usage highways (2), journey (7), path (1),
paths (1), road (24),roads (1), streets (1), way (54), ways (9)....
Strong's Hebrew
6563. pereq -- parting of ways, plunder... crossway, robbery. From paraq; rapine; also a fork (in
roads) -- crossway, robbery.
see HEBREW paraq. 6562, 6563. pereq. 6564 . Strong's Numbers.
1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner
... impulses (1), journey (37), line (1), manner (4), mission (2), path (4), pathless*
(2), pathway (1), pathway* (1), practice (1), road (30),roads (5), roadway...
Library
Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House...
... Chapter 4 Travelling in Palestine"Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House
Officers, Taxation, Publicans. It was the very busiest...
March the Eleventh Good and BadRoads
... MARCH The Eleventh GOOD AND BADROADS. PSALM i. There is nothing breaks
up more speedily than a badly-made road. Every season is...
Was it for this He Sent Souls, that Some Should Infest the...
... Book II. 42 Was it for this He sent souls, that some should infest the
highways androads? Was it for this He sent souls, that...
The Gospel Refuge.
... The cities themselves were generally on a height, so as to be seen at a far
distance. Theroads leading to them were carefully kept....
Shod for the Road
... of the foot is carried on into the next words, 'Thy shoes shall be iron and brass,'
the tribe being located upon rocky sea-coast, having roughroads to travel...
Wary Walking.
... It used to be said of old that allroads led to Rome, because she was the
capital of the world.... But allroads do not lead to Heaven....
Returning Our Call.
... on. Then diplomacy entered and broadened theroads.... And in turn the
missionaries have freely used the broader, betterroads. And...
Our God of the Impossible
... The summer holidays at Peitaiho were drawing to a close. Heavy rains had fallen,
making theroads to the station, six miles distant, almost impassable....
First Evangelistic Efforts
... Walking was out of the question, from the state of theroads, so we availed ourselves
of wheel-barrows, the only conveyance to be had in these parts....
The Pathway of the Holy
... One would think that Isaiah was speaking of two separateroads, for his prophetic
eye sees 'a highway and a way' along which the course of God's people runs....
Thesaurus
Roads (34 Occurrences)...Roads (34 Occurrences).
... (WEY). Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the waste land,
Make ready the way of the Lord, make his
roads straight; (BBE).
...Cross-roads (2 Occurrences)
Cross-roads. Crossroads, Cross-roads. Crossway . Multi-Version
Concordance Cross-roads (2 Occurrences). Matthew 22:9...
Side-roads (1 Occurrence)
Side-roads. Side-posts, Side-roads. Side-rooms . Multi-Version
Concordance Side-roads (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 18:15...
Settle (63 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) To restore or bring to a smooth, dry, or passable condition; -- said of
the ground, ofroads, and the like; as, clear weather settles theroads....
Waste (668 Occurrences)
... Matthew 3:3 For this is he of whom Isaiah the prophet said, The voice of one crying
in the waste land, Make ready the way of the Lord, make hisroads straight....
Pisidia (2 Occurrences)
... Friends" in Studies in the History and Art of the Eastern Roman Provinces, 1906.)
The plateau on which Antioch stood commands one of theroads leading from the...
Foot (193 Occurrences)
... foot (reghel, qarcol (only twice in parallel passages: 2 Samuel 22:37 = Psalm
18:36, where it probably means ankle); pous): The dustyroads of Palestine and...
Cart (12 Occurrences)
... With the Arabian conquests and subsequent ruin of theroads wheeled vehicles
disappeared from Syria and Palestine. History is again repeating itself....
Concourse (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An open space where severalroads or paths meet; esp. an open space in a
park where severalroads meet. 5. (n.) Concurrence; cooperation. Int....
Crossroads (3 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord has said: Take your place looking out on the
ways; make search for the oldroads, saying, Where is the good way?...
Resources
What is the right religion for me? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Roman Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the essentials of the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.orgRoads: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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