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G4116 (πλατύς)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4116
Original Word: πλατύς
Transliteration: platýs
Pronunciation: plat-oos'
Part of Speech: adjective
Category: Warnings in Love
Root / Etymology: from G4111 (πλάσσω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1011

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 spread out "flat" ("plot"), i.e. broad

wide

from G4111 (πλάσσω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4116: An adjective meaning broad, wide, or spacious. In ancient Greek, it described physical dimensions. In New Testament usage, particularly in Jesus's teachings, it takes on metaphorical significance in describing the wide path leading to destruction, contrasting with the narrow way to life.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλατύς carries profound theological significance in its New Testament context. While its primary meaning denotes physical width or breadth, Jesus employs it metaphorically in His teaching about the two paths of life. The term appears in His crucial teaching about the broad way leading to destruction, contrasting with the narrow path to life. Early church fathers frequently used this metaphor to discuss moral choices and spiritual direction. Today, it continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the clear distinction between worldly ease and discipleship.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: πλατύς, platys, /plah-TOOS/
Detailed pronunciation: plah-TOOS (emphasis on second syllable)
Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

Root: πλατ- (plat-) meaning "broad, wide"
Suffix: -ύς (-ys) primary adjective ending
Proto-Indo-European root *pleth- meaning "flat, to spread"

D - Defining Meanings

Wide, broad
Spacious
Extensive

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as a root for many compound derivatives

Translation Options:

Wide - Most common biblical usage, especially in spatial contexts
Broad - Emphasizes the expansive nature
Spacious - Captures the sense of roominess and ease

E - Exploring Similar Words

εὐρύχωρος (eurychōros) /ev-ROO-kho-ros/ - spacious, roomy
See G2149
μέγας (megas) /MEG-as/ - great, large
See G3173

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

Adjective Features:

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular, Plural
Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
Declension: Third

Examples:
Masculine: πλατύς, πλατέος, πλατεῖ, πλατύν
Feminine: πλατεῖα, πλατείας, πλατείᾳ, πλατεῖαν
Neuter: πλατύ, πλατέος, πλατεῖ, πλατύ

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Cross-references to verb πλατύνω and noun πλάτος

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in Matthew. Thayer's notes its contrast with narrow/confined spaces. LSJ documents extensive usage in classical literature. Vine's highlights its ethical implications. Strong's connects it to the concept of breadth. LEH provides Septuagint usage in physical descriptions. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage in measurements and architecture.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many." Matthew 7:13

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	"They reached the broad waters of the Hellespont"
Herodotus: Histories	"The wide plain stretched before the army"
Plato: Republic	"The city required broad streets for its citizens"

N - Noteworthy Summary

πλατύς serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face in following Christ. While the broad way may seem appealing and easy, Jesus calls us to the narrow path of discipleship. This word challenges us to consider whether we're choosing comfort and popularity over faithful obedience to Christ, reminding us that true life often requires difficult choices.

D - Did You Know?

The word influenced modern scientific terminology, particularly in platypus (broad-footed).
Early Christian art often depicted the two paths using this word's imagery.
Ancient Greek city planners used this term as a standard measurement for main streets.

Strong's G4116: An adjective describing width or breadth, used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Most significantly appears in Jesus's teaching about the broad way leading to destruction, serving as a warning about the deceptive appeal of worldly ease.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: width, broad way, narrow path, discipleship, Jesus's teachings, Matthew, biblical Greek, moral choices, spiritual direction, two paths, salvation, destruction

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