πλατύς
platýs
G4116 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having great breadth, being wide or broad in extent. The primary lexical meaning refers to physical width or spaciousness. In extended or figurative use, it can denote 'spacious,' 'ample,' or 'broad-minded' (metaphorically), though the latter is rare in biblical contexts.
Semantic Range
broad, wide, spacious, having great breadth, open (of roads or spaces), extended (in contrast to narrow); rarely, metaphorically generous or expansive
Root / Etymology
From the root πλατ-; related to the verb πλατύνω ('to make broad, enlarge') and ultimately connected with the root πλᾶν ('to form' or 'spread'). The word is of Indo-European origin, with parallels in other ancient languages referring to breadth or flatness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πλατύς commonly denoted physical width or the flatness of surfaces, as with roads, rivers, or lands. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it typically describes something with notable breadth—such as a 'broad road' in contrast to a 'narrow way' (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). While the general English translation 'wide' adequately renders the term in most contexts, it may not capture the visual or spatial quality often implied in Greek, especially when juxtaposed with terms for 'narrow,' e.g., στενός. In few instances in ancient Greek literature, πλατύς could be applied metaphorically, indicating expansiveness of thought, but this is not attested in biblical usage. The term does not carry the sense of 'wide' in a moral or theological sense; its meaning remains consistently physical or spatial within biblical texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πλάσσω; spread out "flat" ("plot"), i.e. broad:--wide.
Root Family
πλατύς (platys) — wide, broad, flat
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4116-01 |
πλατεῖα | plateia | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
wide | broad | broad | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4116-01 |
Matthew 7:13 | πλατεῖα | plateia | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
wide | broad | broad |