The Greek noun thyra (θύρα) means a door, gate, or entrance — both the physical opening in a wall or building and, by extension, any point of access or opportunity. It appears 39 times in the New Testament. As a metaphor, it describes both divine invitation and eschatological exclusion.
Jesus uses thyra in some of the most profound theological statements of the Gospels. 'I am the door (thyra)' (John 10:7, 9) — Jesus himself is the exclusive point of access to God and to life. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus stands at the door (thyra) and knocks — a remarkable image of divine patience and invitation. The opened door of mission (Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3) becomes a standard Pauline metaphor for gospel opportunity. Conversely, the parable of the ten virgins depicts the shut door (thyra) of eschatological judgment — once locked by the bridegroom, no appeals from outside can open it (Matthew 25:10).