[Greek] θύρα (thyra), [Latin] foris, [Old English] dor: door, entrance, gate portal; Mt.6:6, Mt. 24:33, Mt.25:10, Mt.27:60, Mt. 28:2, Mk.1:33, Mk.2:2, Mk.11:4, Mk.13:29, Mk.15:46, Mk.16:3, Lk.11:7, Lk.13:25, Jn.10:1,2,7,9, Jn.18:16, Jn.20:19:26, Act: 3:2, Act:5:19,23, Act 12:6,13, Act 14:27, Act 16:26,27, Act 21:30
The original door (thyra) of the Temple of Divus Romulus (built in the 4th century A.D in Rome)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means door, double doors, folding doors, outer gate, residence, window shutters, royal court, trap door, stone door, and sluice-gate, and soul entrance. This term can be used in a literal, figurative, and metaphorical sense. The figurative (metaphorical) sense provides a spatial image to denote time. In Greek literature this term is found in epiphanies, securing (and releasing) of doors, miracles of liberation, freeing of chains, and belief in prodigies. The plural form references two doors at the front entrance of a residence or temple building. The singular form references a folding door. A bolt (bar) was typically used to secure the door. The means to bolt (lock) or unbolt (unlock) was accomplished by the pulling of a leather cord which was inserted through a hole in the door. A loop, ring or hook was used to pull or release the cord. The bolt becomes an ancient precursor to the key.
Homer’s Odyssey 1.442 states “She then went forth from the chamber, drawing the door to by its silver handle, and driving the bolt home with the cord.” Homer’s Odyssey 1.255 states “Would that he might come now and take his stand at the outer gate of the house.” Xenophon’s Anabasis 6.5.23 states “Soldiers, remember how many battles you have won, with the help of the gods. Remember that we are at the doors of Greece.” Homer’s Odyssey 9.243 states “Then he lofted on high and set in place the great stone-door, a mighty rock, such a towering mass of rock he set in the doorway.” Plato’s Phaedrus 233e states “At private entertainments, you ought not to invite your friends, but beggars who need a meal, for they will love you and attend you and come to your doors.”
Door: The Latin word for door is foris. Interestingly, foris can also mean out of doors, outside, or abroad. In a sense, the door provides an entrance and (exit) to the outside.
Forest: This term derives from the early Latin forestis silva (outside woods). This is a region outside the main or central area of administration of a leading ruling authority. This region typically consists of woodland, scrub, agricultural land, and pastures. This phrase later becomes shortened into forest, still retaining a sense of separation and exclusion.
Foreign:This term pertains to places outside the boundaries of a country. This is a region out of doors or outside.
Forum: This is a marketplace, public place, or open space. The Roman Forum was an outside public area for commercial, religious, social, and political activities.
Thyroid: This is a oblong door shaped endocrine gland regulating the body’s metabolism.
Old Testament: This term can mean door, gate, entrance, something swinging, and window. In a figurative sense, the door speaks of both God and man opening doors. The man opens the door to God by repenting. God opens the door to man by giving him opportunities for intercession, repentance, and grace. This term has a missionary sense. God opens a door for an opportunity for the missionary. God opens a door of faith to those who come to believe.
Uriah slept at the entrance of the royal palace with the officers (2Sam.11:9). The Ammonites came out and drew up in battle formation at the entrance of the city gate (2Sam. 10:8). The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple (Psa. 119:130). Lot went out to meet them at the entrance (Gen.19:6). Go, my people, enter your chambers (Isa.26:20). All the cities were fortified with high walls and gates (Deut.3:5). Each door had two movable leaves (Ezek. 41:24). And who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb (Job 38:8). This is nothing else but an abode of God, and that is the gateway to heaven (Gen.28:17).
New Testament: This term is also used in a literal and figurative sense. Literal examples include the house door, outer-door (leading into the courtyard), the door of a walled in area (field), temple gate, inner court gate, and tomb entrance. The figurative examples include the door of heaven which controls access to heaven and Jesus. Door miracles, occurring in Acts, make reference to earthquakes, liberation at night, falling off of chains, and the bursting open of doors. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the gate (door) to the sheep. This sheep imagery, coming from the Old Testament, points to Jesus as the Messianic mediator, the Way (and the truth and the light), and as the one who allows one to come to the Father.
Scripture:
“So Jesus said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.’” Jn.10:7
Jesus is the Good Shepherd leading His sheep. When Jesus says, ‘Truly, truly…”, Jesus means to say something very important.
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” Lk.13:24
The narrow door may offer a difficult. Not many will be able to enter
“But during the night the angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison.” Acts 5:19
The God (through the angel) provided a door (opening) of freedom.
Conclusion:
Thyroid, door, forest, forum foreign, door
Perhaps it is not surprising that this term has been used literally, figuratively, and metaphorically throughout history. Doors have historically been associated with liberation and freedom. The door can provide an entrance (exit) into either safety or danger. It was interesting to discover the ancient precursor of locking and unlocking a door.
It was really interesting to discover the Latin meaning of door. The door is defined by the outside and its access to the outside. The forest is also defined by being outside. What is foreign is also outside.
It is significant to note that a door is used to illustrate the relationship between God and man. The door can provide access (or closure) to grace, salvation, and missionary work. Doors and gates provide an important role in providing access to temples and courts.
The miracle door stories in Acts contain themes of liberation from bondage. They emphasize that God can overcome these human obstacles. Besides being the Good Shepherd, Jesus is also considered the gate (door) to the sheep. This imagery illustrates that Jesus guides and becomes the Way man knows about the Father in heaven.
Update: coronavirus pandemic: We as a nation are slowly beginning to open our doors for business. This process will vary based on “your neck of the woods” (region). We all must be careful in how we get back to work as we are not “out of the woods” yet. To be honest, I can sympathize with both sides about concerns about going back to work. Many cannot afford worrying about “not seeing the forest before the trees” (getting too involved with the details). They need to get back to work! On the other hand, many are not yet ready. From our doors we are entering into this foreign brave new world.