πλάτος (platos)

The noun plōtos simply means width or breadth. In Scripture, it appears only three times, primarily in the writings of John. It describes physical dimensions, specifically the vastness of space. For instance, Revelation 21:16 uses it to measure the New Jerusalem, noting that its length and width are equal, creating a perfect cube shape. This usage highlights the immense scale of the holy city.

Another key occurrence is in Ephesians 3:18. Here, Paul prays for believers to grasp how wide the love of Christ is. While this love has spiritual depth, plōtos emphasizes its expansive reach. It suggests a breadth that encompasses all people and situations, extending beyond ordinary human understanding. The word conveys a sense of open, unbounded space.

The term also appears in Revelation 20:9 to describe the earth’s expanse. When Satan gathers nations for battle, they cover the broad plains of the earth. In this context, plōtos underscores the sheer magnitude of the gathering. It is not just about size, but about the wide, open area that can be filled. This physical measurement serves as a backdrop for spiritual events.

Etymologically, plōtos derives from the root related to spreading or extending. Its consistent use in Revelation and Ephesians ties it to themes of divine revelation and cosmic scale. Translators typically render it as "width" or "breadth," preserving the literal sense of horizontal extension. The word remains a straightforward descriptor of spatial dimensions.

By focusing on physical width, plōtos grounds abstract theological concepts in tangible reality. Whether measuring a city, an emotion, or a battlefield, it provides a clear image of extent. This concreteness helps readers visualize the scale of God’s actions and attributes.