### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4115 (πλατύνω, *platýnō*) is derived from the adjective πλατύς (*platýs*), meaning "broad" or "wide." At its most basic, it signifies "to make wide," "to broaden," or "to enlarge." This can be understood in both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it refers to the physical expansion or increase in size of an object. Figuratively, its semantic range extends to:
* **Emotional or Spiritual Expansion:** An opening or enlarging of one's heart, affections, understanding, or capacity. This implies a greater receptivity, generosity, or spiritual insight.
* **Deliverance and Freedom:** To be brought out of a narrow, confined, or distressed state into a spacious, unconstrained, or liberated condition. This often carries the connotation of divine intervention bringing relief and room to breathe.
* **Inclusion and Acceptance:** An expansion of one's relational boundaries to embrace or receive others without reservation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4115 appears a few times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Matthew 23:5]]**: "But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments." Here, platýnō is used in its most literal sense, describing the physical act of making something wider or larger. In this context, it is employed critically by Jesus to expose the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who outwardly *enlarge* their religious symbols (phylacteries and tassels) not out of genuine piety, but to draw attention to themselves and appear more devout. The physical enlargement serves as a symbol of their spiritual emptiness and performative religiosity.
* **[[2 Corinthians 6:11]]**: "Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is enlarged." This is a profoundly significant figurative use. Paul employs platýnō (specifically, the perfect passive participle πεπλατύνται, *peplatýntai*) to describe the state of his heart towards the Corinthian believers. His heart has been "enlarged," signifying an expansive, unreserved affection, openness, and readiness to receive them. It implies a generous outpouring of love and a lack of any emotional or relational restriction on his part. This stands in stark contrast to the "restricted" (στενοχωρεῖσθε, *stenochōreisthe*, from `{{G4729}}`) affections of the Corinthians towards him, which he mentions in the following verse ([[2 Corinthians 6:12]]).
* **[[2 Corinthians 6:13]]**: "Now as a reciprocal response—I speak as to children—you also be enlarged." Following his declaration of an "enlarged heart," Paul exhorts the Corinthians to reciprocate this openness. The imperative "be enlarged" (πλατύνθητε, *platýnthēte*) is a call for them to expand their own affections, to open their hearts fully to him and to the message of reconciliation he preaches. It is an appeal for them to overcome any narrowness, suspicion, or reservation that might hinder their fellowship and spiritual growth.
The Septuagint (LXX) provides crucial background for understanding G4115. It often translates Hebrew words related to "breadth" or "spaciousness," such as `{{H7337}}` (rachav, "to be wide") or `{{H7342}}` (rachav, "width").
* **[[Psalm 4:1]] (LXX 4:2)**: "You have enlarged me when I was in distress." Here, platýnō describes God's action of bringing the psalmist out of a narrow, confined state of distress into a place of broadness, relief, and freedom. This illustrates a common biblical motif of divine deliverance.
* **[[Psalm 119:32]]**: "I will run the way of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart." This usage is particularly close to Paul's in 2 Corinthians, depicting God's work in expanding one's spiritual capacity, understanding, and willingness to obey His precepts.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πλατύς (platýs):** The root adjective (`{{G4116}}`), meaning "broad" or "wide," from which G4115 is derived.
* **στενός (stenós):** The antonym (`{{G4728}}`), meaning "narrow" or "confined." This concept of "narrowness" often implies distress, restriction, or lack of freedom, and is explicitly contrasted with "enlargement" in 2 Corinthians.
* **στενοχωρέω (stenochōreō):** To be in a narrow place, to be distressed, to be restricted (`{{G4729}}`). Used in [[2 Corinthians 6:12]] to describe the Corinthians' "restricted" affections, providing a direct semantic contrast to platýnō.
* **Deliverance:** The theological concept of God bringing His people into a "wide place" (e.g., [[Psalm 18:19]]) is a pervasive motif in the Old Testament, signifying salvation, relief from affliction, and the provision of ample space and freedom.
* **Affection and Love:** In the Pauline context, platýnō becomes a powerful descriptor of expansive, unreserved love, acceptance, and spiritual generosity within the Christian community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4115 is multifaceted:
* **Divine Deliverance and Provision:** Drawing from its Old Testament background, platýnō highlights God's character as the Deliverer. He is the one who "enlarges" or "makes broad" the path for His people, bringing them out of constricted circumstances, distress, or bondage into a spacious place of freedom, safety, and flourishing. This speaks to God's ability to create room and provide relief where there was none, demonstrating His sovereignty and care.
* **Spiritual Capacity and Obedience:** The "enlargement of heart" in the Septuagint ([[Psalm 119:32]]) points to a divine work of grace that expands one's spiritual capacity, understanding, and willingness to embrace and obey God's commandments. It signifies an internal transformation that enables a deeper and more willing walk with the Lord.
* **Pauline Ethics of Open-Hearted Love:** In 2 Corinthians, platýnō becomes a cornerstone of Pauline ethics regarding Christian relationships. Paul's "enlarged heart" for the Corinthians models the kind of Christ-like, expansive, and unreserved love that believers are called to embody. It is a love that breaks down barriers, overcomes suspicion, and embraces others fully. The exhortation for the Corinthians to "be enlarged" is a powerful call to reciprocate this generous love, fostering genuine fellowship, reconciliation, and mutual acceptance within the body of Christ, free from the narrowness of human limitations or prejudices.
* **Warning Against Hypocrisy:** The use of platýnō in [[Matthew 23:5]] serves as a stark theological warning. While God "enlarges" for good, humans can "enlarge" for self-glorification. The act of outwardly "enlarging" religious symbols for show, rather than out of sincere devotion, exposes the danger of hypocrisy and the emptiness of religious performance devoid of true inward transformation.
### Summary
The Greek verb G4115 (πλατύνω, *platýnō*), meaning "to widen" or "to enlarge," carries significant theological weight beyond its literal meaning. While it can describe physical expansion, as seen in Jesus' critique of the Pharisees' ostentatious religious displays in [[Matthew 23:5]], its deeper biblical significance lies in its figurative applications. Rooted in the Old Testament concept of God bringing His people into a "broad place" of deliverance from distress ([[Psalm 4:1]]), it signifies divine liberation and the provision of ample space for life and flourishing. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, platýnō takes on a crucial relational meaning. Paul's "enlarged heart" ([[2 Corinthians 6:11]]) exemplifies an open, unreserved affection and acceptance, contrasting sharply with the "restricted" affections of the Corinthians. His subsequent exhortation for them to "be enlarged" ([[2 Corinthians 6:13]]) is a powerful call to reciprocal, expansive love within the Christian community, fostering deep fellowship and overcoming narrowness. Thus, platýnō encapsulates the profound concepts of divine deliverance, spiritual capacity, and the ethical imperative for generous, open-hearted love among believers, standing as a counterpoint to self-serving outward displays.
TRV