αὐξάνω

I cause to increase, become greater, grow

Definition

The Greek verb αὐξάνω means 'to cause to grow, increase, or become greater.' In the New Testament, it describes both organic, natural growth—like plants (Matthew 6:28, Luke 12:27) or a child (Luke 1:80, 2:40)—and metaphorical or spiritual increase. A key metaphorical use is the expansion of the kingdom of God, illustrated by the mustard seed growing into a large plant (Matthew 13:32, Luke 13:19). In a relational or spiritual sense, it signifies one person decreasing so another may increase, as John the Baptist says of Jesus: 'He must increase, but I must decrease' (John 3:30).

Biblical Usage

αὐξάνω is used 22 times across the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline epistles. Its usage is often literal, depicting the growth of vegetation (Mark 4:8) or human development. In parables, it illustrates the mysterious, God-given growth of the kingdom (Matthew 13:32). Theologically, it describes the growth and strengthening of the early church (Acts 6:7, 12:24) and the spiritual maturation of believers (1 Corinthians 3:6-7, 2 Peter 3:18). The verb appears in both active and passive forms, sometimes emphasizing divine agency behind the growth.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *aug-, meaning 'to increase.' It is related to the Greek noun αὔξησις (auxēsis, 'growth') and the adjective αὐξητικός (auxētikos, 'promoting growth'). The root conveys a fundamental sense of augmentation and enlargement, which carried into Koine Greek with both physical and figurative applications.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the dynamic, living growth inherent in God's work. It describes the organic expansion of God's kingdom, the spiritual development of believers, and the priority of Christ's ministry (John 3:30). Understanding αὐξάνω enriches reading by highlighting that growth in the biblical sense is often a divine, mysterious process (Mark 4:27-28) that believers participate in but do not ultimately control (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

In an agrarian society, the imagery of growth from seeds was immediately tangible, making parables about the kingdom's growth (Matthew 13) powerfully relatable. The concept of a child 'growing' (Luke 1:80, 2:40) encompassed not just physical stature but also spiritual and intellectual maturity, reflecting a holistic view of human development.

αὔξησις (auxēsis, G838) — the noun form meaning 'growth' or 'increase.' πληθύνω (plēthynō, G4129) — emphasizes multiplying in number or abundance. ηὐξήθη (ēuxēthē) — an aorist passive form, often used to denote growth that is caused by an external agent, typically God.

Word Details

Scripture References