πληθύνω

I increase, multiply

Definition

The verb πληθύνω means 'to increase, multiply, or cause to grow in number or intensity.' In the New Testament, it describes both numerical growth, such as the multiplication of disciples (Acts 6:1, 6:7), and the intensification of abstract qualities, like the increase of love (2 Corinthians 9:10) or the 'increase' of lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). It is also used in the context of God's promises being fulfilled through multiplication, as seen in the quotation of Genesis regarding Abraham's offspring (Acts 7:17, Hebrews 6:14).

Biblical Usage

πληθύνω is used 11 times, primarily in Acts (6 times) and the Epistles. It consistently denotes growth or multiplication within a community or spiritual context. In Acts, it describes the rapid numerical increase of the early church (Acts 6:1, 6:7, 9:31, 12:24). In the Epistles, it is applied to spiritual blessings and resources (2 Corinthians 9:10) and to the fulfillment of divine promises (Hebrews 6:14). The sole negative usage is in Matthew 24:12, referring to the increase of wickedness.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek noun πλῆθος (plēthos, G4128), meaning 'a multitude, great number, or crowd.' The verb form πληθύνω literally means 'to make numerous' or 'to cause to become a multitude.' It is a cognate with the Hebrew verb רָבָה (rabah), often used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) to translate God's promises of multiplication, such as in Genesis.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures God's active role in blessing and growing His people, both physically and spiritually. It connects the Old Testament covenant promises of multiplication (e.g., to Abraham) with their New Testament fulfillment in the expansion of the church. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting that growth in the biblical narrative—whether in numbers, grace, or iniquity—is often portrayed as a dynamic, divinely permitted or ordained process.

In the Greco-Roman world, numerical growth of a group (like a philosophical school or religious sect) signaled vitality and success. For the early Christian community, using this term to describe their expansion would have communicated their movement's potency and divine favor, countering perceptions of being a small, obscure sect. The concept also deeply resonates with Jewish covenantal expectations of a multiplied, blessed people.

αὐξάνω (auxanō, G837) — focuses more on organic growth or increase in size/strength; often used for plants or spiritual growth. περισσεύω (perisseuō, G4052) — emphasizes abundance, exceeding, or overflowing, often in qualitative or quantitative surplus.

Word Details

Scripture References