from πλήθω; a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace:--bundle, company, multitude.
Transliteration:plēthos
Pronunciation:play'-thos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πλῆθος (plēthos), `{{G4128}}`, derives from the verb πλήθω (plēthō), which signifies "to fill" or "to be full." Consequently, the core meaning of πλῆθος is "fulness" or "abundance," particularly in terms of quantity or number. Its semantic range extends to encompass:
* A large number or quantity of things or people.
* A multitude, throng, or crowd.
* The general populace or a significant portion of a community.
* In specific contexts, it can denote a "company" or "bundle," implying a complete collection or a full contingent. Unlike some synonyms that might carry negative connotations (e.g., a disorderly mob), πλῆθος often maintains a more neutral or even positive sense, especially when referring to the assembly of believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πλῆθος appears frequently in the New Testament, most notably in the Gospels and the Book of Acts, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Large Crowds and Audiences:** It often describes the numerous people who followed Jesus or gathered to hear His teachings and witness His miracles. For example, after the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples collected "twelve baskets full of the broken pieces and of the fish" from the πλῆθος that had eaten [[Matthew 14:20]]. Similarly, large crowds followed Jesus into the wilderness [[Matthew 15:33]]. The "whole πλῆθος of the people" were praying outside the temple during Zechariah's vision [[Luke 1:10]], and a "multitude (πλῆθος) of the heavenly host" appeared to the shepherds at Jesus' birth [[Luke 2:13]].
* **Miraculous Abundance:** The term is used to describe the overwhelming quantity of fish caught in the miraculous draught, "a πλῆθος of fish" [[John 21:6]], underscoring divine power and provision.
* **The Early Christian Community:** In the Book of Acts, πλῆθος frequently refers to the growing body of believers, emphasizing their unity and numerical expansion. "Now the πλῆθος of those who believed were of one heart and soul" [[Acts 4:32]]. When a dispute arose concerning the distribution of food, the twelve apostles summoned "the πλῆθος of the disciples" [[Acts 6:2]]. The "whole πλῆθος" listened intently to Paul and Barnabas recount God's work among the Gentiles [[Acts 15:12]]. This usage highlights the collective identity and the impressive growth of the nascent Church.
* **General Populace:** It can also refer to the general population of a city or region, as seen when "the πλῆθος of the city was divided" over the apostles' preaching [[Acts 14:4]], or when "a great πλῆθος of the people and of women" mourned Jesus' crucifixion [[Luke 23:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
πλῆθος is intimately connected to its verbal root πλήθω (plēthō), `{{G4130}}` (to fill, to be full), and shares semantic space with other words related to quantity and completeness:
* πλήρωμα (plērōma) `{{G4138}}`: This noun, also from πλήθω, means "fullness," "completion," or "that which fills up." While πλῆθος emphasizes the *number* or *quantity* of something, πλήρωμα often denotes the *state of being full* or the *completeness* of something. For instance, the "fullness of time" (πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου).
* πολύς (polys) `{{G4183}}`: An adjective meaning "much" or "many." πλῆθος is the noun form describing the "multitude" itself, whereas πολύς describes a quantity.
* ὄχλος (ochlos) `{{G3793}}`: This noun also translates to "crowd" or "multitude," but it can sometimes carry a connotation of an unorganized, often boisterous, or common crowd. While there is overlap, πλῆθος can be more neutral or even positive, particularly in its description of the unified body of believers in Acts.
* **Concepts:** Abundance, numerical growth, community, collective identity, divine provision, and the widespread impact of the Gospel.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of πλῆθος carry significant theological weight:
* **Divine Provision and Power:** The use of πλῆθος in contexts of miraculous provision, such as the feeding of the multitudes or the immense catch of fish, underscores God's boundless ability to provide abundantly for His people and to work powerfully through His chosen instruments. It points to a God who is not limited by human scarcity.
* **Scope of the Gospel:** The consistent depiction of "multitudes" following Jesus and later embracing the message of the apostles highlights the broad and inclusive nature of the Gospel. It demonstrates that God's redemptive plan is for a vast number of people from all walks of life, fulfilling prophetic visions of a multitude that no one can number.
* **Growth and Unity of the Church:** In Acts, πλῆθος serves as a powerful descriptor of the early Church's rapid expansion and internal cohesion. The "multitude of those who believed" being "of one heart and soul" [[Acts 4:32]] emphasizes the Spirit-empowered unity and collective identity that characterized the nascent Christian community, demonstrating the dynamic growth of God's kingdom on earth.
* **Witness and Impact:** The presence of a πλῆθος often signifies the widespread public impact of Jesus' ministry and the apostles' preaching. Their actions and words were not hidden but observed by many, leading to widespread conviction and conversion.
### Summary
πλῆθος (plēthos), `{{G4128}}`, is a significant Greek noun denoting "fulness" or "abundance," primarily in terms of number, leading to translations such as "multitude," "throng," or "company." It is frequently employed in the New Testament to describe large crowds following Jesus, miraculous quantities, and, most notably, the growing and unified body of believers in the early Church. While related to words like πλήρωμα (plērōma) `{{G4138}}` (fullness) and ὄχλος (ochlos) `{{G3793}}` (crowd), πλῆθος often emphasizes the sheer numerical scale and, particularly in Acts, the collective identity and harmonious growth of the Christian community. Theologically, πλῆθος powerfully illustrates divine provision, the expansive reach of the Gospel, and the Spirit-empowered growth and unity of the Church, portraying God's work in gathering a vast multitude for His purposes.
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