Brief Overview of πλάτος (Strong’s G4114: platos)

Strong’s G4114: A noun meaning breadth or width, derived from πλατύς (platys). In ancient Greek, it was used for physical measurements. In New Testament usage, particularly in Ephesians and Revelation, it takes on metaphorical significance describing the vastness of God’s love and the dimensions of the New Jerusalem.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλάτος embodies both literal and metaphorical dimensions in Scripture. While its primary meaning refers to physical width or breadth, Paul elevates it to express the immeasurable extent of Christ’s love. In Revelation, it forms part of the precise measurements of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the perfect completeness of God’s dwelling place. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both the vastness of divine love and the perfection of God’s eternal kingdom. Today, it continues to help us grasp the boundless nature of God’s love and His perfect design for eternity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλάτος, platos, /PLAH-tos/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLAH-toss (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλατ- (plat-) meaning “broad, wide”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) neuter noun ending
• Related to πλατύς (platys), “broad”

D – Defining Meanings

• Width, breadth
• Expanse
• Lateral dimension

For compound words: Not a compound word, but represents the abstract noun form of the concept of breadth

Translation Options:

• Breadth – Most common biblical usage, especially in metaphorical contexts
• Width – More technical term for physical measurement
• Expanse – Captures the sense of vastness in metaphorical usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μῆκος (mēkos) /MAY-kos/ – length, often paired with πλάτος
  See G3372
• εὖρος (euros) /EW-ros/ – breadth, alternative term
  See G2117

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular (rarely used in plural)
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples:
Nominative/Accusative: πλάτος
Genitive: πλάτους
Dative: πλάτει

• Cross-references to adjective πλατύς and abstract noun πλατεῖα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG highlights both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s emphasizes its geometric precision. LSJ documents extensive usage in mathematics and architecture. Vine’s notes its spiritual significance in Ephesians. Strong’s connects it to spatial measurement. LEH provides Septuagint usage in temple measurements. Moulton and Milligan cite technical usage in land surveys.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth” Ephesians 3:18

Additional References:
Revelation 21:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλάτος helps us grasp the immensity of God’s love in Christ. When Paul uses it alongside other dimensions in Ephesians, he’s painting a picture of love that extends in every direction without limit. In Revelation, it represents the perfect proportions of our eternal home, reminding us that God’s plans are both vast and precise.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used extensively in ancient Greek mathematics and architecture.
2. Early Christian mystics used this term in discussions about the “dimensions of the spiritual life.”
3. The proportions described using πλάτος in Revelation 21 form a perfect cube, symbolizing divine perfection.

Strong’s G4114: A noun denoting breadth or width, used both literally for physical measurements and metaphorically to describe the vastness of divine love and the perfect dimensions of heavenly realities. Particularly significant in expressing the immeasurable nature of Christ’s love.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: measurements, dimensions, divine love, New Jerusalem, Ephesians, Revelation, biblical Greek, spiritual dimensions, God’s love, architectural terms, heavenly city, divine perfection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​