STRONGS NT 1327a: διερμηνείαδιερμηνεία, διερμηνειας, ἡ (διερμηνεύω, which see), interpretation: of obscure utterances, 1 Corinthians 12:10 L text (not yet found elsewhere.)

The noun διέξοδος (plural in Matthew 22:9) appears only once in the Greek New Testament. Jesus employs it in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet: “Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find” (Matthew 22:9). The word pictures more than a single road; it is the converging network of thoroughfares that lead out of a city—places where travelers from every direction may be found.

Historical Setting of Ancient Roadways

In first-century Judea major highways were engineered by Rome to connect provincial centers, while countless byroads branched off toward villages and fields. Crossroads (διέξοδοι) functioned as social hubs: merchants traded, news circulated, and itinerant teachers addressed passers-by. Thus the setting chosen by Jesus is vivid: servants dispatched to the very points where the nations flow past, announcing a royal invitation.

Theological Significance

1. Universal reach of the gospel
• The royal banquet typifies the kingdom of heaven. By commanding servants to go to the crossroads, the king extends grace beyond the initially invited guests (Israel’s leaders) to “as many as you can find,” foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles (Romans 9:24; Acts 13:46).
2. Urgency and openness
• Crossroads represent decisive moments. Travelers must choose a direction; hearers of the gospel must respond. The term underscores both the openness of the offer and the accountability of every listener (Hebrews 2:3).
3. Echo of prophetic highway imagery
• Isaiah foretold a highway for the redeemed (Isaiah 35:8) and commanded, “Build up the highway for the people” (Isaiah 62:10). Jesus puts sandals on that prophecy: the way is now open, and messengers are sent.

Implications for Evangelistic Ministry

• Strategic engagement

Early Christians followed the pattern, planting churches along major routes—Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth—so that the gospel “sounded forth” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Modern application includes bringing Christ to today’s intersections: universities, marketplaces, digital platforms.
• Inclusive compassion

At the crossroads the servants encounter the poor, foreigners, and social outcasts. Luke’s parallel parable expands the list: “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame” (Luke 14:21). Authentic mission refuses partiality (James 2:1-4).
• Persevering invitation

The king’s banquet remains prepared; the servants keep inviting until the hall is filled (Matthew 22:10). Evangelism is sustained, not sporadic, confident that “many will come from east and west” (Matthew 8:11).

Connections with the Ministry of Jesus and the Apostles

• Jesus Himself taught in synagogues, coastal villages, and along roads (Mark 10:46-52).
• Philip meets the Ethiopian at a desert road (Acts 8:26-39), illustrating divine appointments at literal crossroads.
• Paul’s missionary routes trace the Roman road system; the Via Egnatia carried the gospel deep into Macedonia and Achaia.

Practical Application for the Church Today

1. Identify crossroads—places of movement and diversity—and be present with a clear gospel message.
2. Equip believers as “servants” who carry the royal invitation with humility and authority (2 Corinthians 5:20).
3. Cultivate an atmosphere within the local church that mirrors the banquet hall: joy, grace, and readiness to welcome all who enter.
4. Maintain theological fidelity; the invitation is gracious, yet those who spurn it face judgment (Matthew 22:7,13).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1327, διέξοδος, though occurring only once, encapsulates the expansive heart of God’s mission. From a single Jerusalem parable it radiates outward, urging Christ’s followers in every generation to stand at the converging paths of humanity and proclaim, “Everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.”