μεγαλύνω

I enlarge, magnify, extol

Definition

The verb μεγαλύνω means to make great, enlarge, or magnify. In a physical sense, it can refer to increasing in size or scope, as in the Pharisees enlarging their phylacteries (Matthew 23:5) or the apostle Paul hoping for his ministry's sphere of influence to be enlarged (2 Corinthians 10:15). More significantly, in a spiritual and doxological sense, it means to praise, extol, or declare the greatness of someone, especially God. This is seen when Mary's soul 'magnifies' the Lord (Luke 1:46) and when the early church 'magnified' God for His works (Acts 10:46, 19:17).

Biblical Usage

Μεγαλύνω is used eight times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. Its usage splits between a literal, almost negative sense of self-aggrandizement (Matthew 23:5) and a predominant spiritual sense of praising God's majesty. In Luke 1, it frames the joy of God's action (Mary's praise in Luke 1:46; neighbors rejoicing at Elizabeth's mercy in Luke 1:58). In Acts, it describes the communal response to miracles and the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:13, 10:46, 19:17). Paul uses it for the hopeful growth of gospel work (2 Corinthians 10:15) and for Christ being honored in his body (Philippians 1:20).

Etymology

Μεγαλύνω is derived from the adjective μέγας (megas, G3173), meaning 'great' or 'large.' It is a verb formed with the -ύνω suffix, which typically creates a causative or factitive meaning: 'to make great' or 'to cause to be great.' Cognates include μεγαλειότης (megalitude, majesty) and μεγαλωσύνη (greatness). Its meaning developed from the basic physical sense of enlargement to the figurative and honorific sense of exalting or praising.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the proper human response to God's character and works: magnification. To 'magnify' God is not to make Him bigger but to declare and acknowledge His inherent greatness, making Him appear larger in the eyes of others. It is central to worship and doxology, as modeled by Mary in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that true 'greatness' in the biblical narrative is found in glorifying God, not self, a contrast starkly presented in Matthew 23:5 versus the praises in Acts.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'making great' was tied to honor and public reputation. The Pharisees' act of enlarging phylacteries (Matthew 23:5) was a culturally understood display of religious devotion meant to garner social honor. In contrast, the New Testament frequently subverts this by applying the word to the exaltation of God, not self, reorienting the cultural pursuit of honor toward divine glorification within the Christian community.

δοξάζω (doxazō, G1392) — to glorify, often focusing on giving glory or splendor; ἐπαινέω (epaineō, G1867) — to praise or commend, typically for specific deeds; αὐξάνω (auxanō, G837) — to grow or increase, usually in a literal or quantitative sense without the honorific connotation.

Word Details

Scripture References