πλατύνω
platunō
to widen
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word πλατύνω (platunō) is a Greek verb that means "to widen." Its root meaning suggests an action of expanding or increasing in size, often spatially. In the Bible, it is used a total of three times. Given its basic meaning, the possible contexts in which πλατύνω is used might include spatial expansions (e.g., a city is spread out or widened), physical growths, or a widening of perspectives (e.g., an increase in understanding). The verb could also be used figuratively, implying the expansion of something intangible like hope or joy. The scarcity of occurrences in the Bible highlights the specialized nature of πλατύνω, emphasizing its unique contribution to the lexicon of biblical Greek.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,
2 Corinthians 6:11Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.
2 Corinthians 6:13Now in return, I speak as to my children: you also open your hearts.