Lexical Summary platunó: To broaden, to widen, to enlarge Original Word: πλατύνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make broad, enlarge. From platus; to widen (literally or figuratively) -- make broad, enlarge. see GREEK platus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom platus Definition to make broad NASB Translation broaden (1), open wide (1), opened wide (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4115: πλατύνωπλατύνω; passive, perfect 3 person singular πεπλάτυνται (see μιαίνω); 1 aorist ἐπλατυνθην; (πλατύς); to make broad, to enlarge: τί, Matthew 23:5; ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν πεπλάτυνται, our heart expands itself namely, to receive you into it, i. e. to welcome and embrace you in love, 2 Corinthians 6:11 (πλατύνειν τήν καρδίαν for לֵב הִרְחִב, to open the heart namely, to instruction, Psalm 118:32 Topical Lexicon Root Meaning and Biblical Imagery The verb expresses the idea of making something wider so that it accommodates more. This broadening can be literal, as in expanding an object’s physical dimensions, or figurative, as in enlarging inner capacity for relationship, affection, or influence. The imagery evokes spaciousness, freedom, and generosity, contrasting cramped self-interest with an expansive spirit open to God and others. Old Testament Background Although the term itself is Greek, the concept of divine or moral “enlargement” is familiar in Scripture. The Lord “brought me out into a broad place” (Psalm 18:19) and gave Solomon “a breadth of understanding, as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (1 Kings 4:29). Spaciousness becomes a metaphor for deliverance and wisdom, preparing readers to grasp the New Testament’s figurative use for a heart opened wide by grace. New Testament Usage Matthew 23:5 – Religious Display “They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.” Here the term exposes the hypocrisy of leaders who magnify religious accessories for public applause. The widening is cosmetic, masking hearts that remain narrow in mercy (Matthew 23:23). Jesus’ warning calls believers away from ostentatious spirituality toward genuine devotion. 2 Corinthians 6:11 – Apostolic Affection “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.” Paul testifies that his love for the church knows no restriction. He has made room for these believers in his inner life, modeling pastoral transparency and sacrificial care. 2 Corinthians 6:13 – Reciprocal Enlargement “As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.” The apostle appeals for mutual openness. Enlargement here is commanded, showing that believers participate actively in cultivating generous affections. It is not merely an emotional state but a Spirit-enabled choice to embrace others. Theological Significance 1. Grace Expands the Heart: Salvation does more than pardon; it enlarges capacity for God’s purposes (Philippians 1:9). Historical Context of Practices Referred Phylacteries (tefillin) were small leather boxes containing Scripture, worn during prayer per Deuteronomy 6:8. By Jesus’ day some Pharisees exaggerated their size to advertise piety. Tassels (tzitzit) were mandated reminders of God’s commands (Numbers 15:38-39) but likewise inflated for show. The Lord’s rebuke underscores that spiritual breadth is measured in mercy, not millimeters. Ministry and Spiritual Application • Personal: Ask the Spirit to enlarge compassion, replacing guardedness with Christlike openness (Romans 5:5). Related Concepts in Scripture – Generosity (Proverbs 11:25) – Liberty in Christ (Galatians 5:1) – The “large place” of divine deliverance (Psalm 31:8) – The “wide gate” of ease that leads to destruction, contrasted with the narrow path of life (Matthew 7:13-14) The verb therefore traces a moral topography: hearts shriveled by pride or fear versus hearts broadened by gospel love. The call echoes still—“open wide your hearts”—inviting every generation to live spaciously for the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations επλάτυναν επλάτυνας επλάτυνάς επλάτυνε επλάτυνεν επλατύνθη πεπλατυνται πεπλάτυνται πλαντύνοντος πλατύναι πλατυνθή πλατυνθήσεται πλατυνθητε πλατύνθητε πλάτυνον πλατύνου πλατυνουσι πλατύνουσι πλατύνουσιν πλατυνώ peplatuntai peplatyntai peplátyntai platunousin platunthete platunthēte platynousin platýnousin platynthete platynthēte platýnthete platýnthēteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:5 V-PIA-3PGRK: τοῖς ἀνθρώποις πλατύνουσιν γὰρ τὰ NAS: by men; for they broaden their phylacteries KJV: they make broad their INT: by men They make broad moreover the 2 Corinthians 6:11 V-RIM/P-3S 2 Corinthians 6:13 V-AMP-2P Strong's Greek 4115 |
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