Brief Overview of πλατύς (Strong’s G4116: platys)

Strong’s G4116: An adjective meaning broad, wide, or spacious. In ancient Greek, it described physical dimensions. In New Testament usage, particularly in Jesus’s teachings, it takes on metaphorical significance in describing the wide path leading to destruction, contrasting with the narrow way to life.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλατύς carries profound theological significance in its New Testament context. While its primary meaning denotes physical width or breadth, Jesus employs it metaphorically in His teaching about the two paths of life. The term appears in His crucial teaching about the broad way leading to destruction, contrasting with the narrow path to life. Early church fathers frequently used this metaphor to discuss moral choices and spiritual direction. Today, it continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the clear distinction between worldly ease and discipleship.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλατύς, platys, /plah-TOOS/
• Detailed pronunciation: plah-TOOS (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πλατ- (plat-) meaning “broad, wide”
• Suffix: -ύς (-ys) primary adjective ending
• Proto-Indo-European root *pleth- meaning “flat, to spread”

D – Defining Meanings

• Wide, broad
• Spacious
• Extensive

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

Translation Options:

• Wide – Most common biblical usage, especially in spatial contexts
• Broad – Emphasizes the expansive nature
• Spacious – Captures the sense of roominess and ease

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εὐρύχωρος (eurychōros) /ev-ROO-kho-ros/ – spacious, roomy
  See G2149
• μέγας (megas) /MEG-as/ – great, large
  See G3173

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

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

Examples:
Masculine: πλατύς, πλατέος, πλατεῖ, πλατύν
Feminine: πλατεῖα, πλατείας, πλατείᾳ, πλατεῖαν
Neuter: πλατύ, πλατέος, πλατεῖ, πλατύ

• Cross-references to verb πλατύνω and noun πλάτος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in Matthew. Thayer’s notes its contrast with narrow/confined spaces. LSJ documents extensive usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its ethical implications. Strong’s connects it to the concept of breadth. LEH provides Septuagint usage in physical descriptions. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage in measurements and architecture.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” Matthew 7:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλατύς serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face in following Christ. While the broad way may seem appealing and easy, Jesus calls us to the narrow path of discipleship. This word challenges us to consider whether we’re choosing comfort and popularity over faithful obedience to Christ, reminding us that true life often requires difficult choices.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced modern scientific terminology, particularly in platypus (broad-footed).
2. Early Christian art often depicted the two paths using this word’s imagery.
3. Ancient Greek city planners used this term as a standard measurement for main streets.

Strong’s G4116: An adjective describing width or breadth, used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Most significantly appears in Jesus’s teaching about the broad way leading to destruction, serving as a warning about the deceptive appeal of worldly ease.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: width, broad way, narrow path, discipleship, Jesus’s teachings, Matthew, biblical Greek, moral choices, spiritual direction, two paths, salvation, destruction​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​