The participle εὐρύχωρος appears once in the New Testament, set within the Sermon on the Mount: “For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13). In the verse the adjective paints a vivid picture—an expansive, inviting roadway contrasted with the confined path of the next verse. The Lord uses the image to warn hearers that spiritual ease and popular approval do not guarantee safety but often mask impending ruin.

Theological Themes

1. Moral Choice: Scripture consistently presents life as a fork between two trajectories—obedience that yields life and rebellion that yields death (Deuteronomy 30:15; Jeremiah 21:8). The single use of εὐρύχωρος epitomizes the choice.
2. Deceptive Popularity: The “many” on the broad road echo other warnings that crowds are unreliable guides to truth (Exodus 23:2; Luke 6:26).
3. Eschatological Consequence: The end of the spacious road is ἀπώλεια, “destruction,” signifying final judgment (Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 2:1–3).
4. Covenant Fulfillment: Jesus, the new and living way (Hebrews 10:20), provides the narrow but sufficient path that fulfills the Law and Prophets announced in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17).

Biblical Motifs of Pathways

• Narrow versus Wide: Psalm 1:6 contrasts the way of the righteous with that of the wicked. Proverbs 4:18–19 draws the same line between the path of the just and the way of the wicked.
• Straight versus Crooked: Isaiah 40:3–4 anticipates John the Baptist’s call to make straight the way of the Lord, preparing hearts for the Messiah’s exclusive path (John 14:6).
• Life versus Death: Proverbs 16:25 observes, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” paralleling Matthew 7:13–14.

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century listeners knew city gates and Roman roads of varying widths. A broad gateway allowed caravans, merchants, and throngs of pilgrims safe, unhurried passage, symbolizing prosperity and ease. Jesus harnesses that everyday sight to invert expectations: what looks secure and prosperous is spiritually lethal unless aligned with God’s revealed will.

Application to Ministry and Discipleship

• Evangelistic Urgency: Preaching must warn of the delusion of cultural consensus and invite hearers to enter through the narrow gate—Christ Himself (John 10:9).
• Pastoral Care: Shepherds guide believers to evaluate decisions not by comfort or numbers but by fidelity to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
• Spiritual Formation: Discipleship involves self-denial (Luke 9:23), cultivating habits that keep believers off the path of destruction.
• Corporate Witness: Churches guard against broad-road compromises—whether doctrinal dilution or moral laxity—to remain a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14).

Christological Implications

The Lord’s contrast anticipates His exclusive claim, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Salvation is not found in spacious religiosity but in personal union with the crucified and risen Savior.

Warning and Hope

Matthew 7:13 offers sober warning, yet the context also gives hope: “Small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). Grace enables sinners to find that gate, and perseverance keeps them on the narrow road (Philippians 2:12–13; Jude 24).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2149 captures a single but potent concept—the seemingly attractive expanse of self-determined living that culminates in destruction. Set in contrast to the narrow way of Christ, it sharpens the call to decisive faith, steadfast obedience, and vigilant ministry in a world enamored with the broad road.