στρώννυμι
strṓnnymi
G4766 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To spread out, to strew or lay out (cloths, coverings, couches, or beds), especially in preparation for use; to furnish by arranging something over a surface. In extended senses, to make ready by laying out material or provision, to prepare by arranging coverings or items for comfort or function.
Semantic Range
to spread out (cloth, carpets, beds), to arrange coverings, to strew objects for preparation, to furnish by laying out, to make (a bed or couch), to prepare a place by spreading coverings
Root / Etymology
Probably derived from or related to the root στερε- (as in στερεός, meaning 'firm' or 'solid'), expressing the act of making a surface by spreading out material. The extended form στρώννυμι represents a reduplicated or lengthened form common to verbs meaning 'to spread.' Cognate with Latin sterno ('to spread out').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attestation is in Homer, where the verb primarily means 'to spread,' especially in reference to bedding or carpets (Iliad, Odyssey). In classical and Hellenistic Greek, it most often describes the act of spreading cloth, carpets, beds, or couches for guests or religious rites. In the Septuagint, it is used for the preparation of beds, tables, and the covering or arrangement of surfaces (e.g., Esther 1:6, 2 Maccabees 2:27). In the New Testament, the verb occurs in the context of people spreading their garments or branches on the road in honor or as covering (e.g., Matthew 21:8; Mark 11:8; Luke 19:36), associated with acts of reverence, celebration, or preparation. English translations often obscure the physical and preparatory aspect by rendering it as 'make bed,' 'furnish,' or simply 'spread.' The core idea is always the act of covering a space by spreading out objects in an orderly way, and it does not carry abstract connotations; its use is concrete and refers to physical arrangement. Distinct from related verbs like ἐκτείνω ('to stretch out') and καταστρώννυμι ('to spread down').
Translation Consistency
"Spread" best covers the typical sense of στρώννυμι — to lay out or spread cloths, coverings, beds, or other materials and thereby prepare/furnish a place. It is the most natural, common English verb for both literal and extended uses (making a bed, arranging coverings) and matches the majority of attested renderings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
prolongation from a still simpler , (used only as an alternate in certain tenses) (probably akin to στερεός through the idea of positing); to "strew," i.e. spread (as a carpet or couch):--make bed, furnish, spread, strew.
Root Family
στρώννυμι (strōnnymi) — to spread, to strew, to cover by arranging
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4766-01 |
ἐστρωμένον | estromenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
furnished | having been spread out | having been spread out | 2 |
G4766-03 |
ἔστρωσαν | estrosan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
spread | they spread out | they spread out | 2 |
G4766-02 |
ἐστρώννυον | estronnuon | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were spreading | they were spreading out | they were spreading out | 1 |
G4766-04 |
στρῶσον | stroson | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
make | Spread out! | spread out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4766-03 |
Matthew 21:8 | ἔστρωσαν | estrosan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
spread | they spread out | they spread out |
G4766-02 |
Matthew 21:8 | ἐστρώννυον | estronnuon | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were spreading | they were spreading out | they were spreading out |
G4766-03 |
Mark 11:8 | ἔστρωσαν | estrosan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
spread | they spread out | they spread out |
G4766-01 |
Mark 14:15 | ἐστρωμένον | estromenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
furnished | having been spread out | having been spread out |
G4766-01 |
Luke 22:12 | ἐστρωμένον | estromenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
furnished | having been spread out | having been spread out |
G4766-04 |
Acts 9:34 | στρῶσον | stroson | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
make | Spread out! | spread out |