Brief Overview of πλάξ (Strong’s G4109: plax)

Strong’s G4109: A flat surface or tablet, specifically referring to a writing tablet made of stone or other materials. In biblical usage, it primarily refers to the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments, symbolizing divine law and covenant relationship between God and His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλάξ carries deep theological significance in both Old and New Testament contexts. While its primary meaning is a flat tablet or writing surface, it gained sacred meaning through its association with the tablets of the Law given to Moses. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s writings, it becomes a powerful metaphor contrasting the old covenant written on stone tablets with the new covenant written on human hearts. The early church understood this term as representing both the historical tablets of the Law and the transformative nature of the new covenant in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλάξ, plax, /plaks/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLAKS (single syllable, with emphasis)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλακ- (plak-) meaning “flat surface”
• Suffix: -ς (-s) nominative singular ending
• Related to πλατύς (platys), meaning “broad, flat”

D – Defining Meanings

• Stone tablet
• Flat writing surface
• Memorial tablet or inscription

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derives from the Indo-European root *plak- meaning “to be flat”

Translation Options:

• Tablet – Most common biblical usage, especially referring to the Ten Commandments
• Writing slate – Emphasizes its function as a writing surface
• Stone slab – Highlights the material aspect of the term

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δέλτος (deltos) /DEL-tos/ – writing tablet, typically of softer materials
  See G1122
• πίναξ (pinax) /PEE-naks/ – wooden board or tablet
  See G4094

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Various (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples of morphological changes:
Nominative singular: πλάξ
Genitive singular: πλακός
Dative singular: πλακί
Accusative singular: πλάκα

• Cross-references to related adjective πλατύς and verb πλάσσω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to the tablets of the Law. Thayer’s notes its broader usage for any flat surface used for writing. LSJ documents extensive secular usage for inscriptions and monuments. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in Paul’s epistles. Strong’s connects it to the concept of flatness. LEH provides Septuagint usage particularly regarding the Ten Commandments. Moulton and Milligan note its usage in legal documents and inscriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:3

Additional References:
Hebrews 9:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλάξ beautifully illustrates the progression from old to new covenant. While it originally represented the Law written on stone, Paul transforms its meaning to show how God now writes His law on human hearts through the Spirit. This change highlights the personal, internal nature of the new covenant through Christ, emphasizing relationship over regulation.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in ancient Greek architecture to describe flat decorative panels.
2. In early Christian art, the tablets were often depicted with rounded tops, though the word itself simply means “flat surface.”
3. The word influenced the development of terms for flat surfaces in modern medical and technical vocabulary.

Strong’s G4109: A flat surface or tablet, primarily used for writing or inscription. In biblical context, it most notably refers to the tablets of the Law given to Moses, symbolizing divine revelation and covenant relationship. The term later became metaphorical for God’s writing on human hearts.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: tablets, Ten Commandments, covenant, Law of Moses, stone tablets, writing surface, biblical artifacts, Old Testament, New Testament Greek, Paul’s epistles, heart metaphor, divine law​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​