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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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WAY wa ('orach, orcha', 'erets, bo', derekh, halikhah, ma`galah, nathibh; hodos, parodos, poreia, tropos; "highway," mecillah, meclul; diexodoi ton hodon): The list just cited contains only a portion of the words translated "way" or "highway" in the King James Version. Most of them have the primary meaning of "road," "customary path," "course of travel" (Gen 3:24; Ex 23:20; Nu 20:17, etc.). By a very easy and natural figure "way" is applied to the course of human conduct, the manner of life which one lives (Ex 18:20; 32:8; Nu 22:32; 1 Sam 8:3; 1 Ki 13:33, etc.; Acts 14:16; 1 Cor 4:17; Jas 5:20). "The way of an eagle .... of a serpent .... of a ship .... and of a man" (Prov 30:19) agree in that they leave no trace behind them (compare The Wisdom of Solomon 5:10,11). In some cases the language may be such as to leave it indeterminate whether the way or course of conduct is good or bad (Dt 28:29; 1 Sam 18:14; 2 Ch 27:7; Job 13:15; Prov 3:6; 6:6; Jas 1:8), though in most cases the Bible writers attach to every act an ethical evaluation. Sometimes this way of conduct is of purely human choice, without reference to either God or good (Jdg 2:19; Job 22:15; 34:21; Ps 119:9; Prov 12:15; 16:2). Such a course is evil (2 Ch 7:14; Ps 1:6; 119:101,104,128; Prov 1:19, etc.) and will obtain such punishment as its lack of merit warrants (1 Ki 8:32,39; 2 Ch 6:23; Job 30:12; 34:11; Jer 17:10; Ezk 7:3,9; Hos 12:2). At the opposite extreme from this is the good way (Ps 1:6; Prov 8:20; 12:28; 15:10; Isa 26:7), which is that course of conduct enjoined by God and exemplified in His perfect conduct (Gen 6:12; 18:19; Dt 8:6; 26:17; 1 Ki 2:3; Job 23:11; Ps 51:13, etc.). These two ways briefly but graphically described by the Lord (Mt 7:13,14; compare Lk 13:24) became the subject of extended catechetical instruction in the early church. See the Epistle of Barnabas, xviii, and the Didache i.1. Frequently the way in this metaphorical sense is characterized by that quality which is its outstanding feature, e.g. mention is made of the way of life (Prov 15:24; Jer 21:8; Acts 2:28); of truth (Ps 119:30; 2 Pet 2:2); of peace (Isa 59:8; Lk 1:79; Rom 3:17); of justice (Prov 17:23; Dan 4:37); of righteousness (Mt 21:32; 2 Pet 2:21); of salvation (Acts 16:17); of lying (Ps 119:29), and of death (Jer 21:8). Frequently God's purpose or His customary action is described as His way (Ps 103:7; Isa 26:8; Mt 22:16; Acts 13:10). Since all of God's plans and purposes tend toward man's salvation, His provisions to this end are frequently spoken of as His Way, and inasmuch as all of the divine plans center in Christ He is preeminently the Way (Jn 14:6). Out of this fact grew the title, "The Way," one of the earliest names applied to Christianity (Acts 9:2; 18:25,26; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:22). The word highway is used to denote a prominent road, such a one for example as was in ancient times maintained for royal travel and by royal authority. It is always used in the literal sense except in Prov 15:19; 16:17, where it is a course of conduct. See also PATH, PATHWAY. W. C. Morro |
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Definition for 'WAY'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". bible-history.com - ISBE; 1915.
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