Topical Encyclopedia The term "broader" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of broadness is often used metaphorically to describe paths, ways, or approaches that are contrasted with those that are narrow or specific. In biblical literature, the idea of broadness can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context.Broad Path vs. Narrow Path One of the most notable uses of the concept of broadness is found in the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 7:13-14 , Jesus contrasts the broad and narrow paths: "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." Here, the broad path symbolizes the easy, popular way that many choose, which ultimately leads to destruction. In contrast, the narrow path represents the challenging, disciplined way of following Christ, leading to eternal life. Broadness in Wisdom Literature In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, broadness can also be associated with understanding and wisdom. Proverbs 1:20-21 personifies wisdom as calling out in the streets, in the broad places where people gather: "Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech." Here, the broad places are depicted as areas of public discourse and decision-making, where wisdom seeks to be heard and heeded. Broadness in the Psalms The Psalms occasionally use the concept of broadness to describe a place of safety and freedom. Psalm 18:19 states, "He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." In this context, the broad place is a metaphor for deliverance and security, a spacious area where one is free from the constraints and dangers of enemies. Broadness and Inclusivity In the New Testament, the early church grappled with the concept of broadness in terms of inclusivity and the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10:34-35 records Peter's realization that God's salvation is not limited to a narrow group: "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'" This broadening of the Gospel message reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18). Warnings Against Broadness in Doctrine The New Testament also warns against a broadness in doctrine that leads to false teachings. Paul cautions Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." Here, the broad acceptance of diverse and unsound teachings is seen as a departure from the truth of the Gospel. In summary, while the term "broader" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept of broadness is employed in various contexts to convey ideas of choice, wisdom, safety, inclusivity, and caution against false teachings. These themes are woven throughout Scripture, offering guidance on the path of righteousness and the dangers of straying from it. Strong's Hebrew 7342. rachab -- wide, broad... Word Origin from rachab Definition wide, broad NASB Word Usage arrogant (2), broad (7), broader (1), extensive (1), large* (2), liberty (1), proud (1 ... /hebrew/7342.htm - 6k Library The Theology of Grace. A Message from the Crowned Christ Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament The Larger Part of Womankind, However, have had to Fight for ... That More Might be Given and Gotten. The Altar. The Rings. The Laver. "A Kind of Waterspout" The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation Preliminary Church Thought and Life Thesaurus Broader (3 Occurrences)...Broader (3 Occurrences). Luke 10:10 "But whatever town you come to and they will not receive you, go out into the broader streets and say, (WEY). ... /b/broader.htm - 7k Broaden (1 Occurrence) Enlargement (7 Occurrences) Offset (3 Occurrences) Galilee (73 Occurrences) Ishmaelites (6 Occurrences) Trained (37 Occurrences) Train (17 Occurrences) Thief (41 Occurrences) Enlarge (18 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the critical race theory, and how should a Christian view it? | GotQuestions.org What is sociology? Should a Christian study sociology? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Broader (3 Occurrences)Luke 10:10 Job 11:9 Ezekiel 41:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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