διέξοδος
diéxodos
G1327 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Route or passage leading out or through; in broader contexts, specifically a thoroughfare, road, or a point of exit such as a highway or crossroad. Primarily refers to a place where paths diverge outward from a central location (e.g., a main road or public square leading to several exits), and by extension, a location facilitating movement or passage to other places.
Semantic Range
thoroughfare, outlet, exit point, highway, road leading out, crossroad, a point of egress or divergence
Root / Etymology
Compound of the preposition διά ('through') and ἔξοδος ('way out, exit, departure'); thus, literally 'a way out through [something]' or 'a thorough exit.' Both elements are well attested in Greek; the sense of thoroughfare or crossroad comes from the imagery of departing via diverging routes.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διέξοδος is a rare Koine term, not attested in Classical Greek literature, but found in some Hellenistic contexts and in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 14:21) where it describes locations outside a settled area or main city—notably exit roads or places on the outskirts where paths branch off. The Septuagint does not commonly use this word. In its New Testament use, διέξοδος refers to highways or major roads leading out from a city, potentially signifying city gates, crossroads, or points on the periphery important for travel or gathering of people. Standard translations as 'highway' do not capture the nuance that these were often branching points or exits, not necessarily main roads but places of transition or thoroughfare. Related terms such as ἔξοδος ('exit, departure') emphasize departure more than location; διέξοδος uniquely highlights the infrastructural or urban feature. The word may also carry a sense of accessibility or openness where several routes are available, distinguishing it from more singular or narrower exits (ἔξοδος).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and ἔξοδος; an outlet through, i.e. probably an open square (from which roads diverge):--highway.
Root Family
διέξοδος (diexodos) — thoroughfare, outlet, exit point, diverging road
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1327-01 |
διεξόδους | diexodous | N ACC F PL |
highways | diverging thoroughfares | diverging thoroughfares | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1327-01 |
Matthew 22:9 | διεξόδους | diexodous | N ACC F PL |
highways | diverging thoroughfares | diverging thoroughfares |