from πλάσσω; spread out "flat" ("plot"), i.e. broad:--wide.
Transliteration:platýs
Pronunciation:plat-oos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective πλατύς (platýs), Strong's `{{G4116}}`, fundamentally denotes physical breadth or spaciousness. Derived from the verb πλάσσω (plassō), meaning "to mold," "form," or "fashion," the word carries the sense of something having been spread out or extended, thereby acquiring considerable width. Its primary semantic range is therefore descriptive of spatial dimension, signifying "broad," "wide," or "extensive."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the concept of breadth appears throughout Scripture, the specific lemma πλατύς (platýs) occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the pivotal discourse of [[Matthew 7:13]]: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Here, πλατύς modifies the noun ὁδός (hodos) `{{G3598}}`, meaning "road" or "way." In this context, "broad" serves as a stark descriptor of a path characterized by ease, spaciousness, and popularity, standing in direct opposition to the "narrow" gate and "difficult" way that leads to life. The word is used metaphorically to portray the spiritual path chosen by the majority, which, despite its apparent accessibility, ultimately leads to perdition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant antonym to πλατύς (platýs) in its sole New Testament usage is στενός (stenos) `{{G4728}}`, meaning "narrow" or "confined," which describes the gate and way leading to life in [[Matthew 7:13]]. This pairing highlights a fundamental spiritual dichotomy. Other related concepts include:
* **Ease versus difficulty:** The "broad" way is implicitly easy to traverse.
* **Popularity versus exclusivity:** The "broad" way is chosen by "many," contrasting with the "few" who find the narrow way.
* **Destruction** (ἀπώλεια - apōleia `{{G684}}`) **versus life** (ζωή - zōē `{{G2222}}`): The ultimate destinations of the two paths.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of πλατύς (platýs) is entirely concentrated in its metaphorical application within [[Matthew 7:13]]. It stands as a potent symbol for the path of worldly accommodation, human wisdom, and self-gratification, which, though seemingly unrestrictive and appealing to the masses, is ultimately devoid of divine truth and leads to eternal ruin. This "broad way" represents any belief system, lifestyle, or moral framework that deviates from the demanding, often counter-cultural, and exclusive path of discipleship to Jesus Christ. It underscores the critical choice presented to humanity: to follow the popular, undemanding way of destruction, or the challenging, narrow way that leads to genuine life in God. The word serves as a sobering warning against conformity to the world and a call to discerning adherence to Christ's teachings.
### Summary
The Greek word πλατύς (platýs) `{{G4116}}`, meaning "broad" or "wide," carries profound theological significance despite its singular occurrence in the New Testament. In [[Matthew 7:13]], it powerfully describes the gate and road that leads to destruction, serving as a vivid metaphor for the path of ease, popularity, and worldly conformity. This "broad way" stands in stark contrast to the "narrow" and "difficult" path that leads to life, emphasizing the crucial and often challenging choice presented by Christ. Thus, πλατύς functions as a divine warning, urging believers to shun the path of the many and instead embrace the demanding, yet life-giving, way of true discipleship.
TRV