Lexical Summary trochia: Path, track, course Original Word: τροχιά 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 Originfrom trochos Definition the track of a wheel, hence a track, path NASB Translation paths (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5163: τροχιάτροχιά, τροχιάς, ἡ (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 Topical Lexicon Imagery of the TrackThe 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). 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 trochiàsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |