Lexical Summary diexodos: Way out, exit, crossroads, highways Original Word: διέξοδος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance an outlet, a way out From dia and exodos; an outlet through, i.e. Probably an open square (from which roads diverge) -- highway. see GREEK dia see GREEK exodos Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1327: διέξοδοςδιέξοδος, διεξοδου, ἡ; from Herodotus down; a way out through, outlet, exit: διέξοδοι τῶν ὁδῶν, Matthew 22:9, literally, ways through which ways go out, i. e. according to the context and the design of the parable places before the city where the roads from the country terminate, therefore outlets of the country highways, the same being also their entrances; (cf. Obadiah 1:14; Ezekiel 21:21; the R. V. renders it partings of the highways). The phrase figuratively represents the territory of heathen nations, into which the apostles were about to go forth (as is well shown by Fischer, De vitiis lexamples N. T., p. 634ff). Used of the boundaries of countries, it is equivalent to the Hebrew תּוצָאות, Numbers 34:4f, 8f, and often in the book of Joshua (cf. Rieder, Die zusammen gesetzten Verba as above with p. 18. Others understand the crossings or thoroughfares here to represent the most frequented spots.) STRONGS NT 1327a: διερμηνείαδιερμηνεία, διερμηνειας, ἡ (διερμηνεύω, which see), interpretation: of obscure utterances, 1 Corinthians 12:10 L text (not yet found elsewhere.) The noun διέξοδος (plural in Matthew 22:9) appears only once in the Greek New Testament. Jesus employs it in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet: “Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find” (Matthew 22:9). The word pictures more than a single road; it is the converging network of thoroughfares that lead out of a city—places where travelers from every direction may be found. Historical Setting of Ancient Roadways In first-century Judea major highways were engineered by Rome to connect provincial centers, while countless byroads branched off toward villages and fields. Crossroads (διέξοδοι) functioned as social hubs: merchants traded, news circulated, and itinerant teachers addressed passers-by. Thus the setting chosen by Jesus is vivid: servants dispatched to the very points where the nations flow past, announcing a royal invitation. Theological Significance 1. Universal reach of the gospel Implications for Evangelistic Ministry • Strategic engagement Early Christians followed the pattern, planting churches along major routes—Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth—so that the gospel “sounded forth” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Modern application includes bringing Christ to today’s intersections: universities, marketplaces, digital platforms. At the crossroads the servants encounter the poor, foreigners, and social outcasts. Luke’s parallel parable expands the list: “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame” (Luke 14:21). Authentic mission refuses partiality (James 2:1-4). The king’s banquet remains prepared; the servants keep inviting until the hall is filled (Matthew 22:10). Evangelism is sustained, not sporadic, confident that “many will come from east and west” (Matthew 8:11). Connections with the Ministry of Jesus and the Apostles • Jesus Himself taught in synagogues, coastal villages, and along roads (Mark 10:46-52). Practical Application for the Church Today 1. Identify crossroads—places of movement and diversity—and be present with a clear gospel message. Summary Strong’s Greek 1327, διέξοδος, though occurring only once, encapsulates the expansive heart of God’s mission. From a single Jerusalem parable it radiates outward, urging Christ’s followers in every generation to stand at the converging paths of humanity and proclaim, “Everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.” |
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