5163. trochia
Lexical Summary
trochia: Path, track, course

Original Word: τροχιά
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: trochia
Pronunciation: tro-khee-AH
Phonetic Spelling: (trokh-ee-ah')
KJV: path
NASB: paths
Word Origin: [from G5164 (τροχός - course)]

1. a track (as a wheel-rut)
2. (figuratively) a course of conduct

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
path.

From trochos; a track (as a wheel-rut), i.e. (figuratively) a course of conduct -- path.

see GREEK trochos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from trochos
Definition
the track of a wheel, hence a track, path
NASB Translation
paths (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5163: τροχιά

τροχιά, τροχιάς, (τροχός, which see), a track of a wheel, a rut; a track, a path: τροχιάς ὀρθάς ποιήσατε τοῖς ποσίν ὑμῶν, i. e. follow the path of rectitude, do right, Hebrews 12:13 after Proverbs 4:26 (where for מַעְגָּל, as in ; in some of the later poets equivalent to τροχός).

Topical Lexicon
Imagery of the Track

The word conveys the picture of a well-worn groove left by a wheel or a runner. Such tracks offer reliable guidance: where wheels have safely gone before, new travelers may follow without swerving. Hebrews 12 draws on this ordinary image to portray the Christian’s ordered, disciplined course—one already blazed by Christ, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Biblical Occurrence

Hebrews 12:13: “Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame will not be disabled, but rather healed.”

Placed after the call to “strengthen your limp hands and weak knees” (Hebrews 12:12), the verse urges believers to clear a level, direct track for themselves and for others who are spiritually injured. A community that walks in straight courses becomes an instrument of healing rather than an obstacle that aggravates weakness.

Old Testament Resonance

The author echoes Proverbs 4:26-27, “Make a level path for your feet… do not swerve to the right or to the left,” and Isaiah 35:3-4, “Strengthen the weak hands, steady the knees that give way.” In Isaiah 35 the straightened highway ushers the redeemed safely back to Zion (Isaiah 35:8-10). Hebrews re-applies this Exodus-like hope to the church’s pilgrimage toward the heavenly Jerusalem.

First-Century Context

Greco-Roman roads often displayed parallel ruts cut by countless carts. Staying within those grooves minimized danger on uneven terrain. Runners in Greek stadia likewise depended on cleared lanes. The writer capitalizes on images familiar to readers accustomed to games, military marches, and commerce: salvation’s journey requires purposeful alignment within an established course.

Theological Significance

1. Perseverance in Holiness

Hebrews 12 links the “track” to the Father’s discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11). Accepting correction keeps believers within the safe channel of righteousness, preventing drift into apostasy.

2. Communal Responsibility

The “lame” are those weakened by persecution or sin. The straight track becomes a tangible expression of corporate love: mature believers remove stumbling stones (Romans 14:13) and model consistent obedience, enabling the frail to regain strength.

3. Christ as Forerunner

Because Jesus has successfully run the course (Hebrews 6:19-20), the path is trustworthy. Walking in His footsteps aligns the church with His completed work and ongoing intercession.

Pastoral and Practical Application

• Personal Discipline: Order daily habits—prayer, Scripture intake, confession—so that life forms a groove directing heart and body toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
• Ethical Straightness: Refuse deviations that might entice weaker saints to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9).
• Restoration Ministry: Come alongside the spiritually lame with patience, encouragement, and doctrinal clarity, ensuring the path promotes healing rather than further crippling (Galatians 6:1-2).
• Eschatological Focus: Keeping eyes fixed on the finish line (Philippians 3:13-14) supplies motivation to stay within the ordained track until the race is complete.

Related Themes and Cross-References

Paths of righteousness — Psalm 23:3; Psalm 119:105

Highway of holiness — Isaiah 35:8

Running the race — 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:7

Removing stumbling blocks — Isaiah 57:14; Romans 14:13

Corporate edification — Ephesians 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25

Forms and Transliterations
τροχιαί τροχιαίς τροχιας τροχιάς τροχιὰς τροχίσκους trochias trochiàs
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Hebrews 12:13 N-AFP
GRK: καὶ τροχιὰς ὀρθὰς ποιεῖτε
NAS: straight paths for your feet,
KJV: make straight paths for your feet,
INT: and paths straight make

Strong's Greek 5163
1 Occurrence


τροχιὰς — 1 Occ.

5162
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