Brief Overview of πλῆθος (Strong’s G4128: plēthos)

Strong’s G4128: A noun meaning “multitude, great number, or fullness.” From πλήθω (plēthō), meaning “to fill.” In ancient Greek culture, it often referred to gatherings of people. In New Testament usage, it describes both crowds following Jesus and the growing early church community.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλῆθος represents more than just numerical quantity—it embodies the concept of fullness and abundance, particularly in human gatherings. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts of Jesus’s ministry and the early church’s growth, describing both the crowds drawn to Christ and the expanding community of believers. Early church writers saw this term as significant in demonstrating the gospel’s power to draw people together. Today, it reminds us of Christianity’s communal nature and the gospel’s continuing ability to gather people from all backgrounds.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλῆθος, plēthos, /PLAY-thos/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLAY-thoss (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πληθ- (plēth-) meaning “to fill”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) neuter noun ending
• Derived from πλήθω (plēthō), “to fill”

D – Defining Meanings

• Multitude
• Great number
• Fullness, abundance

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as root for many compounds

Translation Options:

• Multitude – Emphasizes gathered group
• Crowd – Focuses on human assembly
• Great number – Highlights quantity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὄχλος (ochlos) /OCH-los/ – crowd, particularly disorganized
  See G3793
• λαός (laos) /lah-OSS/ – people, particularly as a nation
  See G2992

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative: πλῆθος
Genitive: πλήθους
Dative: πλήθει

• Cross-references to verb πληθύνω and adjective πλήρης

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both quantity and gathering aspects. Thayer’s notes its development from fullness to crowd. LSJ documents extensive usage in political contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in church growth narratives. Strong’s connects it to concepts of filling. LEH provides Septuagint usage in community contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from public assembly records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed.” Mark 3:7

Additional References:
Luke 2:13, Acts 2:6, Acts 4:32, Acts 5:16, Acts 6:2, Acts 15:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλῆθος demonstrates how the gospel creates community, drawing diverse people together around Christ. From the crowds following Jesus to the growing early church, this word testifies to God’s desire to gather people into His family. It reminds us that Christianity is not just individual but communal, reflecting God’s heart for unity in diversity.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek political documents used this term for citizen assemblies.
2. Early Christian writers used it to emphasize church unity amid diversity.
3. The word influenced ecclesiastical terminology for congregational gatherings.

Strong’s G4128: A noun denoting multitude or great number, particularly of gathered people. In New Testament usage, it describes both the crowds drawn to Jesus’s ministry and the growing community of believers in the early church.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: crowds, multitude, church growth, community, Acts, Gospel narratives, early church, unity, gathering, biblical Greek, congregation, assembly​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​