ἑκατονταπλασίων

a hundredfold

Definition

The adjective ἑκατονταπλασίων means 'a hundredfold' or 'a hundred times as much.' It is used in the New Testament to describe an extraordinary, multiplied return or reward, particularly in agricultural and spiritual contexts. In the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:8), it signifies the abundant, fruitful yield of good soil that receives the word of God. In Jesus' teachings on discipleship (Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:30), it promises a multiplied, spiritual recompense—houses, family, and lands—for those who have left everything to follow Him, though this is understood in a spiritual or eschatological sense, not merely material.

Biblical Usage

This word appears three times in the Synoptic Gospels. It is used in two distinct contexts: first, in the agricultural imagery of the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:8), describing maximal crop yield. Second, in Jesus' pronouncements about the rewards of discipleship (Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:30), where it quantifies the blessings received 'in this age' and 'in the age to come' for those who make sacrifices for the gospel. In both uses, it emphasizes superabundance and divine generosity.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek numeral ἑκατόν (hekaton, meaning 'a hundred') and the suffix -πλασίων (-plasiōn, meaning '-fold' or 'times as much'). It is a compound adjective literally meaning 'hundred-fold.' The root concept is one of multiplication, similar to other numerical multipliers in Greek (e.g., δεκαπλασίων, 'tenfold').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the principle of extravagant divine blessing and reward in response to faith and sacrifice. It moves beyond mere arithmetic increase to symbolize the superabundant, overflowing grace of God's kingdom. In the Parable of the Sower, it represents the ultimate fruitfulness of a receptive heart. In the discipleship sayings, it challenges materialistic calculations, pointing to a spiritual and eternal reward that vastly outweighs temporal loss (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the qualitative, not just quantitative, nature of God's promises.

In an agrarian society, a 'hundredfold' yield (Luke 8:8) would have been seen as miraculously abundant, far exceeding normal expectations, thus illustrating God's extraordinary blessing. In the socio-economic context of discipleship (Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:30), the promise of receiving 'a hundredfold' houses and family would have been understood metaphorically or spiritually within the new community of believers (the church), as a literal interpretation is culturally implausible. It contrasts with a transactional view of sacrifice.

πολλαπλασίων (pollaplasiōn, G4179) — a more general term meaning 'manifold' or 'many times more,' used in Luke 18:30 without a specific numerical multiplier.

Word Details

Scripture References