πλατύνω (G4115) — Greek Lexicon

πλατύνω

platýnō

G4115 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make broad or wide; to enlarge in extent, width, or scope. In literal contexts, refers to increasing physical dimensions or open space. Used figuratively to denote expansion or growth, as of influence, heart, or mind.

Semantic Range

to make broad, to widen (physically), to enlarge (metaphorically—heart, mind, scope), to open up, to expand

Root / Etymology

Derived from πλατύς (platýs), meaning 'broad' or 'wide,' with the productive verbal suffix -ύνω, forming a verb from an adjective. Related to the Indo-European root *plat-, meaning 'broad' or 'flat.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πλατύνω is attested but relatively rare, generally referring to physical widening or making broad. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the usage expanded to include figurative senses—such as the broadening or enlarging of the heart (e.g., in the Septuagint Psalm 118:32 [LXX], where the psalmist asks for God to 'enlarge' the heart, implying an increase in capacity, understanding, or willingness). In the New Testament, the term is infrequent, with a notable appearance at 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, where Paul uses it metaphorically for 'enlarging' one’s heart towards others, signifying greater affection or openness. Standard English translations often render the word as 'enlarge' or 'make broad,' but do not always capture the nuance of inner or emotional expansion carried by Koine usage. The core verb πλατύνω is closely related to the adjective πλατύς and stands in contrast to words denoting constriction or narrowness (e.g., στενός).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πλατύς; to widen (literally or figuratively):--make broad, enlarge.

Root Family

πλατύνω (platýnō) — to widen, to broaden, to make spacious, to enlarge

Root πλατ- to widen, to broaden, to make spacious

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4115-01`	πεπλάτυνται	peplatuntai	`V PRF PASS IND 3P SG`	is enlarged	has been broadened	has been broadened	1
`G4115-02`	πλατύνουσι	platunousi	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	they make broad	they widen	they widen	1
`G4115-03`	πλατύνθητε	platunthete	`V AOR PASS IMP 2P PL`	be enlarged	Be widened	Be widened	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4115-02`	Matthew 23:5	πλατύνουσι	platunousi	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	they make broad	they widen	they widen
`G4115-01`	2 Corinthians 6:11	πεπλάτυνται	peplatuntai	`V PRF PASS IND 3P SG`	is enlarged	has been broadened	has been broadened
`G4115-03`	2 Corinthians 6:13	πλατύνθητε	platunthete	`V AOR PASS IMP 2P PL`	be enlarged	Be widened	Be widened

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