Strong’s G4115: A verb meaning to make broad, widen, or enlarge. From πλατύς (platys), “broad.” In ancient Greek, it described physical expansion. In New Testament usage, it appears both literally regarding religious accessories and metaphorically for spiritual/emotional enlargement.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλατύνω carries both physical and metaphorical significance in Scripture. In Matthew, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees’ practice of enlarging their phylacteries for show, while Paul uses it to describe spiritual and emotional expansion of the heart. The early church understood this term as representing both external religious display and genuine internal spiritual growth. Today, it continues to challenge us about authentic faith versus outward religious demonstration.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλατύνω, platynō, /plah-TOO-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: plah-TOO-noh (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πλατ- (plat-) meaning “broad, wide”
• Suffix: -υνω (-ynō) causative verb ending
• Related to πλατύς (platys), “broad”

D – Defining Meanings

• To make broad or wide
• To enlarge
• To expand emotionally or spiritually

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains the causative suffix -υνω indicating “to make” or “cause to be”

Translation Options:

• To broaden – Emphasizes the process of expansion
• To enlarge – Captures both physical and metaphorical usage
• To open wide – Particularly appropriate for emotional/spiritual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• αὐξάνω (auxanō) /ow-KSAN-oh/ – to increase or grow, emphasizes natural growth
  See G837
• μεγαλύνω (megalynō) /meg-al-OO-no/ – to make great or magnify
  See G3170

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Ongoing or completed action

Examples:
Present: πλατύνω (I broaden)
Future: πλατυνῶ (I will broaden)
Aorist: ἐπλάτυνα (I broadened)
Perfect: πεπλάτυγκα (I have broadened)

• Cross-references to adjective πλατύς and noun πλάτος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its development from physical to spiritual meanings. LSJ documents extensive usage in construction and engineering. Vine’s highlights its emotional implications. Strong’s connects it to the concept of expansion. LEH provides Septuagint usage in both contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from everyday life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“They make broad their phylacteries and lengthen their fringes.” Matthew 23:5

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 6:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλατύνω reminds us that true spiritual growth isn’t about outward display but internal expansion of the heart toward God and others. While the Pharisees physically enlarged religious items, Paul calls for an enlargement of heart in love and compassion. This speaks to the transformative power of the gospel to expand our capacity for love and service.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in ancient architecture for expanding buildings.
2. Early Christian mystics used this word to describe spiritual growth.
3. The contrast between its uses in Matthew and 2 Corinthians became a common sermon topic in early church history.

Strong’s G4115: A verb denoting the act of making broad or enlarging, used both literally for physical expansion and metaphorically for spiritual and emotional growth. In New Testament usage, it contrasts external religious display with genuine spiritual enlargement of heart.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: enlargement, expansion, growth, Pharisees, spiritual growth, heart metaphor, Paul’s epistles, Matthew, biblical Greek, religious practice, authenticity, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​