Way
“Derek, connected with 'tread,' signifying a road or path; Greek hodos”
Summary
In Scripture 'way' signifies both an actual road and metaphorically a course of conduct or religious system, with 'the Way' becoming an early title for Christianity.
☩Literal and Figurative Meanings
The Hebrew derek, connected with 'tread,' most frequently signifies an actual road or track. Many passages become clearer when translated 'the road to' rather than 'the way of.' By natural extension, 'way' describes a course of human conduct—the manner of life one lives. Scripture speaks of the way of the righteous versus the way of the wicked, the way of life versus the way of death, the way of truth versus the way of lying.
☩Jesus as the Way
Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.' As the Way, Christ provides the path to union with God, to the Father's home, and to holiness. The Epistle to the Hebrews speaks of the 'new and living way' consecrated through Christ's blood, giving believers access into God's presence. Christ is the Way—the route from humanity's lost condition to reconciliation with God.
☩The Way as Early Christianity
In Acts, 'the Way' became a received term for the new Christian religion. Saul persecuted those who were 'of the Way,' and Apollos was instructed more perfectly in 'the way of God.' Among orthodox Jews it was a term of contempt; among disciples, a term of honor, for had not Jesus claimed to be the Way? The narrow and broad ways of which Jesus spoke became the subject of early church instruction.
Related Verses791 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Way," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Way," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Way," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).