Brief Overview of πεδινός (Strong’s G3977: pedinos)

Strong’s G3977: From πέδον (ground); meaning level, flat, or plain. Used to describe geographical features, particularly flat or level ground. In NT context, appears in Luke’s account of Jesus teaching, contrasting with Matthew’s mountain setting, emphasizing accessibility of Christ’s teaching.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πεδινός describes level ground or plains, carrying significance beyond mere topography. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus delivers key teachings from a level place, symbolizing the accessibility and universality of His message. Early church writers saw this as representing Christ’s humility and the leveling nature of the gospel. Today, it reminds us that God’s truth is accessible to all, regardless of social status.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πεδινός, pedinos, [pe-dee-NOS]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-dee-NOSS
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πέδον (ground, earth)
• Suffix: -ινος (belonging to, made of)
• Forms adjective describing ground characteristics

D – Defining Meanings

• Level
• Flat
• Plain (as noun when substantive)
• Even ground

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• Level place – Geographic description
• Plain – When used as substantive
• Flat ground – Emphasizing terrain

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁμαλός [homalos, ho-ma-LOS] – smooth, even
• πεδιάς [pedias, pe-dee-AS] – plain (noun)
• λεῖος [leios, LAY-os] – smooth

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First/Second Declension Adjective
• Three Gender Forms:
• Masculine: πεδινός
• Feminine: πεδινή
• Neuter: πεδινόν
• Regular adjectival endings
• Cross-references: πεδίον (plain)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes geographical usage. Thayer’s notes its contrast with mountainous terrain. LSJ traces agricultural applications. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in Luke. Moulton and Milligan show administrative usage in land records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And He came down with them and stood on a level [πεδινός] place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem.” (Luke 6:17)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πεδινός symbolizes how Christ makes His message accessible to all people. Just as He taught on level ground where all could gather, the gospel levels social distinctions and makes God’s truth available to everyone, regardless of status or position.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient land surveys for tax purposes
2. Contrasts with Matthew’s mountain setting for similar teachings
3. Became symbolic in early church of divine accessibility

Strong’s G3977: From πέδον (ground); meaning level, flat, or plain. Used to describe geographical features, particularly flat or level ground. In NT context, appears in Luke’s account of Jesus teaching, contrasting with Matthew’s mountain setting, emphasizing accessibility of Christ’s teaching.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Geography #TeachingsOfJesus #Accessibility #LukesGospel #Terrain #Equality #GospelMessage #BiblicalLocations #Teaching #UniversalMessage​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​