### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πλάτος (G4114) derives from the adjective πλατύς (platys), meaning "broad" or "wide." Its core meaning denotes the physical dimension of "width" or "breadth," referring to the extent of an object or space from side to side. This literal sense is foundational, but in biblical usage, particularly within the New Testament, πλάτος can also carry a metaphorical or theological nuance, signifying expansiveness, comprehensiveness, or the vastness of a concept. It describes an unconfined or extensive quality, distinguishing it from narrowness or limitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πλάτος (G4114) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[Ephesians 3:18]]**: This is arguably the most profound usage. Paul prays that believers "may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth." Here, πλάτος is part of a four-dimensional spatial description used to articulate the immeasurable character of Christ's love. It points to the *all-encompassing reach* or *comprehensiveness* of divine love, extending across all boundaries and embracing all believers. The breadth suggests a love that is universally applicable and expansive in its embrace.
* **[[Revelation 20:9]]**: "And they went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city." In this apocalyptic vision, πλάτος refers to the literal *expanse* or *wide area* of the earth. It emphasizes the global scale of the final rebellion against God's people, indicating a widespread movement across the entire planet.
* **[[Revelation 21:16]]**: Describing the New Jerusalem, John writes, "The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its breadth; and he measured the city with the rod, twelve thousand stadia; its length and breadth and height are equal." Here, πλάτος is used in a precise, literal sense to describe one of the perfect, symmetrical dimensions of the heavenly city. The equality of its breadth, length, and height signifies divine perfection, order, and the boundless capacity of God's eternal dwelling place with humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for πλάτος (G4114) is its root adjective, πλατύς (platys), which directly means "broad" or "wide." This root reinforces the core semantic range of the noun. In the pivotal passage of [[Ephesians 3:18]], πλάτος is found alongside other dimensional terms: μῆκος (mekos - length), ὕψος (hypsos - height), and βάθος (bathos - depth). Together, these terms form a complete spatial metaphor, inviting contemplation of the boundless nature of Christ's love. Conceptually, πλάτος stands in contrast to στενός (stenos - narrow), as seen in the "narrow gate" ([[Matthew 7:13-14]]), highlighting the expansive rather than restrictive nature of what it describes. The word's usage evokes ideas of immeasurability, comprehensiveness, vastness, and the boundless scope of divine realities.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of πλάτος (G4114) is most profoundly felt in [[Ephesians 3:18]]. Here, it is not merely a physical measurement but a profound descriptor of the *boundless and all-encompassing nature* of Christ's love. The prayer that believers might "comprehend... the breadth" of this love suggests that divine love extends universally, embracing all peoples and overcoming all barriers. It signifies that no person or situation is outside the reach of God's redeeming affection. This vastness of love undergirds the mystery of God's plan revealed in Christ, uniting Jews and Gentiles.
In the description of the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:16]]), the perfect πλάτος (breadth) along with its equal length and height symbolizes the divine perfection, completeness, and spaciousness of God's eternal kingdom. It suggests an abundance of life, peace, and glory, a place perfectly prepared for the multitude of God's redeemed people. The "breadth of the earth" in [[Revelation 20:9]] serves to underscore the global scale of the final rebellion, emphasizing the comprehensive reach of divine judgment and ultimate victory. In all its uses, πλάτος points to the *extent* and *magnitude* of whatever it describes, whether it be the immeasurable love of God, the perfection of His eternal city, or the global scope of eschatological events.
### Summary
πλάτος (G4114) fundamentally means "width" or "breadth." While it denotes a literal physical dimension in [[Revelation 20:9]] and [[Revelation 21:16]], its most significant theological application is found in [[Ephesians 3:18]]. There, as part of a four-dimensional metaphor, πλάτος describes the *boundless, all-encompassing nature* of Christ's love, inviting believers to comprehend its immeasurable scope and universal reach. It consistently points to the *extent* or *vastness* of the subject, whether it's the physical world, the perfection of the heavenly city, or the infinite dimensions of divine love and grace.
TRV