Path

A worn track or road.

Types of Paths in the Bible

"Path" and "pathway" are used to translate a variety of words used in the Bible:

  1. a well-trodden and much-used roadway (Genesis 49:17; Psalms 16:11; 139:3; Proverbs 2:8, 19)

  2. a thoroughfare or highway (Joel 2:8)

  3. a beaten track as across fields, over hills, and through valleys (Job 30:13; Psalms 119:35; Proverbs 3:17)

  4. a track or passage in which the idea of flowing along is included (Psalms 77:19; Jeremiah 18:15)

  5. a circular path, as in a trench or in a parapet (Psalms 65:11; Proverbs 2:9)

  6. a narrow passage, as through a hole (Numbers 22:24).

Path” is used to translate the Greek words meaning a worn track (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4) and a wheel rut (Hebrews 12:13).

The Bible uses the words "path" or "pathway" to discuss a stretch of ground over which traffic passes. This could be in the form of a crooked mountain path, an unpaved and much-traveled way, or a pavement.

Path as a Symbol

Biblical writers also used "path" and "pathway" symbolically to describe the way human life is lived in relation to God. The idea of a path shows how God directs, enriches, or makes human life poorer. The idea of a path helped writers show human behavior and experiences in action throughout life.

Some symbolic uses of "path" include:

From Tyndale Bible Dictionary, adapted by Mission Mutual. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Scripture References (24)

Scripture References (24)

Genesis

Numbers

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Joel

Matthew

Mark

Luke

Hebrews