πλατύς

broad

Definition

The adjective πλατύς (platys) primarily means 'broad' or 'wide,' describing physical spaciousness. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Matthew 7:13, it is used substantively (as a noun) to refer to 'the broad way' (ἡ πλατεῖα ὁδός). This contrasts directly with 'the narrow gate' and describes the path that is easy, popular, and leads to destruction. While the word can denote a literal wide street or gate in other ancient Greek literature, its biblical usage is entirely metaphorical, representing a lifestyle or moral choice.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 7:13, within Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. It functions as a key contrasting image in a moral and eschatological warning. The phrase 'the broad way' (ἡ πλατεῖα ὁδός) is set against 'the narrow gate' to illustrate the two fundamental, opposing paths of life—one leading to destruction and the other to life. The usage is purely figurative and central to the passage's teaching on discipleship and choice.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *plat-, meaning 'to spread.' It is the source of the English prefix 'platy-' (as in plateau) and related to words like 'place' (via Latin *plattea). In Greek, it generated related terms like πλατεῖα (plateia), meaning a 'broad street' or 'public square,' which appears in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 6:5, Acts 5:15).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates a central theme of Jesus's ethical teaching: the radical, counter-cultural nature of true discipleship. The 'broad way' represents the default, easy path of worldly conformity and sin that leads to destruction. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Matthew 7:13-14 by highlighting the deliberate, stark contrast Jesus draws. It underscores the doctrine of the two ways, a common motif in Jewish and early Christian moral instruction, emphasizing human responsibility and the demanding, exclusive claim of following Christ.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, broad, paved streets (plateiai) were the main public thoroughfares of a city, associated with heavy traffic, commerce, and public life. Jesus's audience would have immediately pictured a crowded, easy-to-find road. This cultural image makes the metaphor powerful: the path to destruction is the default, well-traveled, and socially acceptable route, in stark contrast to the constricted, less-traveled path of righteousness.

εὐρύχωρος (eurychōros, G2149) — emphasizes spaciousness or roominess, used in Matthew 7:13 for the 'wide' gate. μέγας (megas, G3173) — means 'large' or 'great,' often of size or importance, but not specifically 'broad' in shape.

Word Details

Scripture References