πλατύς (platus)
platus
street
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word platus primarily means "broad" or "wide." While it functions as an adjective describing physical space, it is frequently used as a substantive noun to mean "street," specifically referring to a wide thoroughfare. This usage appears in the Gospels and Acts, where characters walk along these open public ways.
In Matthew 7:13, Jesus uses the term metaphorically to describe the broad road that leads to destruction, contrasting it with the narrow gate. This imagery highlights the ease of access and the crowd-filling nature of such paths. The word also grounds specific narrative details in Luke’s Gospel, where people are invited from the streets into homes (Luke 14:21), or where Jesus heals on these open roads (Mark 6:56).
The Book of Revelation uses this term for distinctive, symbolic locations. In Revelation 11:8, Jerusalem is called "the great city" where the Lord was crucified, identified as a street in a spiritual sense. Later, in Revelation 21:21 and 22:2, the New Jerusalem features streets of gold, emphasizing purity and glory. These passages show how a common word for a wide path can describe both everyday life and divine reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word platus describes a wide public thoroughfare, a place where daily life unfolds in full view. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this common setting to teach about prayer and humility. He warns against performing religious acts on street corners just to be noticed by others. True devotion is not about an audience but about sincerity before God. This reminds us that our faith is personal, even when we gather with others.
Jesus also uses the image of a broad road to describe the path many choose. It is wide and easy to walk, yet it leads away from life. In contrast, the way to true peace is narrower and requires more intention. This comparison invites us to examine our own choices. Are we following the crowd, or are we seeking the path that leads to lasting hope?
In Revelation, the streets of the New Jerusalem are made of pure gold. This vision transforms a place of ordinary traffic into a symbol of divine glory and healing. The word connects our everyday experiences with the ultimate promise of God’s kingdom. It shows that the spaces we inhabit can reflect both human frailty and heavenly perfection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- streets6×
- street3×
- wide [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλατείας5×
- πλατεῖα2×
- πλατείαις2×
- πλατειῶν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:5
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
Jesus contrasts public religious performance in street corners with private, sincere prayer, highlighting the danger of seeking human approval.
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Matthew 7:13
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it.
The broad way serves as a metaphor for the easy, popular path that leads to destruction, contrasting with the narrow gate.
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Luke 14:21
“That servant came, and told his lord these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, maimed, blind, and lame.’
The master commands his servant to gather the marginalized from the streets, illustrating the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom banquet.
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Revelation of John 21:21
The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The street of pure gold depicts the purity and glory of the New Jerusalem, transforming a mundane urban feature into a symbol of divine presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does platus mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus mention streets in his teachings?
How is platus used in Revelation?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…
Matthew 7:13“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many…
Matthew 12:19He will not strive, nor shout, neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.