Brief Overview of στενός (Strong’s G4728: stenos)

Strong’s G4728: An adjective meaning “narrow, strait, confined,” particularly significant in Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate and way leading to life. In New Testament usage, it metaphorically represents the challenging and restricted nature of the path to salvation.

U- Unveiling the Word

στενός represents both physical narrowness and spiritual challenge. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate, where it symbolizes the demanding nature of true discipleship in contrast to the broad way of destruction. Early church fathers extensively used this word to discuss the demanding nature of Christian life and the necessity of self-denial. Today, it continues to challenge believers to embrace the difficult path of authentic discipleship rather than seeking easier alternatives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στενός, stenos, sten-OS
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stay) + en (as in end) + os (as in dose)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From root στεν- (sten-) meaning “narrow”
• Related to στένω (stenō) – to groan from confinement
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form

D – Defining Meanings

• Narrow
• Confined
• Restricted
• Strait
• Limited in space

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

Translation Options:

• “Narrow” – emphasizes physical dimension
• “Strait” – traditional biblical rendering
• “Confined” – suggests restrictive nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θλῖψις (thlipsis) [THLIP-sis] – tribulation, pressure – See G2347
• βραχύς (brachys) [bra-KHOOS] – short, small – See G1024
• ὀλίγος (oligos) [ol-EE-gos] – few, little – See G3641

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this adjective:

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

Examples:

• Feminine nominative singular: στενή (narrow)
• Masculine accusative singular: στενόν (narrow)
• Neuter plural: στενά (narrow things)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes both literal and figurative meanings. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its spiritual application. Strong’s connects it to compression. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show common architectural usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 7:13: “Enter by the narrow [στενός] gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.”

Additional References:
Matthew 7:14, Luke 13:24

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στενός reminds us that following the Messiah requires commitment and sacrifice. It proclaims the good news that while the way is narrow, it leads to life eternal. This word challenges us to embrace the demanding nature of true discipleship, knowing that the restricted path is the way of salvation.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient city planners used this term for defensive narrow streets
• Early Christian writers contrasted it with πλατύς (broad) in moral teachings
• The word appears in ancient military texts describing tactical positions

Strong’s G4728: An adjective meaning “narrow, strait, confined,” particularly significant in Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate and way leading to life. In New Testament usage, it metaphorically represents the challenging and restricted nature of the path to salvation.

Part of speech: Adjective

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