[Greek] πλατύς (platys), [Latin] lata: wide, broad, flat; Mt.7:13
The Narrow Gate to Heaven and the Wicked Gate to Hell: painting by Cornelius de Bie (1627-1715)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means wide, broad, spread out, flat, and level. The more nuanced meanings include broad-shouldered, diffused, widespread, frequent, far advanced, and flat out (downright). Homer’s Iliad 17.432 states “Yet neither back to the ships to take the broad Hellespont straight were the twain-minded to go, not yet into the battle amid Achaeus.” Xenophon’s Hellenica 6.1.9. states “While Thessaly is an exceedingly flat land, all the peoples round about are subject to her as soon as a Tajan military leader is established here.” Sophocles’ Ajax 1250 states “It is not the stout, broad-shouldered men that are the steadiest allies. No, it is the ones who prevail in every engagement. Aristophanes’ Frogs 1096 states “Getting hit with the flat of the hands.”
Old Testament: This term means broad, wide, proud, spacious, inflated, and at liberty. The broad wall of Babylon will be completely razed (Jer.51:58). A place of rivers and wide canals (Isa.33:21). An arrogant man stirs up strife (Pro.28:25). Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked is sin (Pro.21:4). And I will walk at liberty (Psa.119:45). The work is great and extensive (Neh.4:19). And the land is large enough for them (Gen.34:21). For behold, the land is large enough for them (Exo.3:8).
New Testament: This term, used only once, refers to the wide gate (and broad road) that leads to destruction. Jesus illustrates two contrasting kinds of life within the Christian community. One can either obey Jesus or not obey Him. This metaphor of two paths also appears in pagan culture and in the Old Testament culture. Those few who enter through the narrow gate will find redemption. In contrast, those many who enter through the broad gate will find destruction.
Scripture:
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.” Mt.7:13
This wide gate, although more accessible, will lead to destruction.
Interestingly, the allegory Tablet of Cebes, by the disciple of Socrates, states “See though not a certain small door, in no way crowded, but few, very few, go in there? This is the way that leads to true discipline.”
Geography: Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator. The latitude is the breadth of a map of the known world.
Conclusion:
Plateau, plain, latitude
It was interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term such as broad-shouldered, diffused, far advanced, and frequent. The Hellespont straight was located near the Aegan Sea. Xenophon makes an astute geopolitical observation about the military advantages of occupying a flat plain. It is perhaps not surprising that were would a Greek philosophical correlation to the narrow gate allegory in the New Testament. Discipline must also be needed to enter through the narrow door.
In the Old Testament, this term also has nuanced meanings (inflated, proud, and at liberty).
In the New Testament, the allegory of the narrow gate offers two paths one may take in the Christian life. It is interesting to note that Jn.14:6 states that Jesus is the way. The path through the narrow gate may not be without pain, struggle, or difficulty. This path also requires discipline.
To be honest, I was flat out (downright) surprised about what I learned about this term.