Brief Overview of στρωννύω (Strong’s G4766: strōnnyō)

Strong’s G4766: To spread out, strew, or make ready by spreading. In NT contexts, particularly significant in describing crowds spreading garments and branches before Jesus during His triumphal entry, symbolizing honor and royal recognition. Also used for preparing rooms by spreading couches.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στρωννύω represents both practical preparation and symbolic honor. While its basic meaning involves spreading or strewing, it takes on profound significance in the triumphal entry narratives where people spread their garments before Jesus, acknowledging His messianic kingship. Early church fathers saw in this act a fulfillment of ancient royal protocols and messianic prophecies. Today, στρωννύω reminds us of both practical service and proper honor due to the King of kings.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στρωννύω, strōnnyō, /strone’-nu-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: STRONE-new-oh (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: στορ- (stor-) – “to spread”
• -νυ (-ny) – present tense formative element
• -ω (-ō) – first person singular ending
  A basic verb of spreading or strewing

D – Defining Meanings

• To spread out
• To strew or scatter
• To make ready by spreading
• To furnish by spreading

For compound words: Not applicable as στρωννύω is a simple verb.

Translation Options:

1. “To spread” – Most common general usage
2. “To strew” – Emphasizes scattered spreading
3. “To prepare” – Focuses on preparatory aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. στρώννυμι (strōnnymi) /strone’-noo-mee/ – alternate form of same word. See G4766
2. καταστρώννυμι (katastrōnnymi) /kat-as-trone’-noo-mee/ – to spread down. See G2693
3. ὑποστρώννυμι (hypostrōnnymi) /hoop-os-trone’-noo-mee/ – to spread underneath. See G5291

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, στρωννύω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present/Imperfect/Aorist
• Voice: Active/Passive
• Mood: Indicative/Participle
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

Examples of conjugation:

• Present: στρωννύω (I spread), στρωννύεις (you spread)
• Aorist: ἔστρωσα (I spread)
• Perfect: ἔστρωκα (I have spread)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both practical and ceremonial uses. Thayer’s notes its use in honorific contexts. LSJ documents its broad range of applications. Vine’s highlights its significance in the triumphal entry. Strong’s connects it to preparation. Moulton and Milligan show its common domestic usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“Most of the crowd [στρωννύω] spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road.” Matthew 21:8

Additional References:
Mark 11:8
Mark 14:15
Luke 22:12
Acts 9:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στρωννύω beautifully captures both practical service and spiritual worship. When people spread their garments before Jesus, they recognized Him as King. Today, this word reminds us to honor the Messiah both through practical acts of service and public acknowledgment of His kingship.

D – Did You Know?

1. Spreading garments before rulers was an ancient Near Eastern custom of submission.
2. The word was used for both royal ceremonies and everyday household tasks.
3. Early Christians saw the spreading of garments as prophetic recognition of Jesus’ kingship.

Strong’s G4766: To spread out, strew, or make ready by spreading. In NT contexts, particularly significant in describing crowds spreading garments and branches before Jesus during His triumphal entry, symbolizing honor and royal recognition. Also used for preparing rooms by spreading couches.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: spreading, preparation, triumphal-entry, honor, worship, service, royal-recognition, palm-sunday, messianic-kingship, greek-verb​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​