Magnify
The Meaning of Magnify
In biblical usage, "magnify" means to declare or make something great, to exalt, or to celebrate with praise. The primary Hebrew word behind it is "gadal" in its causative form, meaning "to make great." The Greek equivalent in the New Testament is "megaluno," which carries the same sense of enlarging, extolling, or declaring greatness. Unlike the modern association with optical magnification, the biblical term is about declaring and recognizing greatness that already exists.
Magnifying God in Worship
The most frequent use of "magnify" in Scripture refers to praising and exalting God. The psalmist invites others to join in this act of worship: "Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3). Other psalms echo this call: "Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation say continually, 'Great is the Lord!'" (Psalm 40:16; 70:4). To magnify God means to declare His greatness publicly, to draw attention to His character and deeds so that others may recognize and worship Him.
Mary's Magnificat
The most famous use of "magnify" in the New Testament comes from Mary's song of praise upon learning she would bear the Messiah: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). This hymn, known as the Magnificat, draws on the rich tradition of Old Testament praise psalms and Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Mary's song demonstrates that magnifying God involves the whole person: soul, spirit, and voice united in declaring God's greatness.
Magnifying God's Word and Name
Scripture also speaks of magnifying specific attributes and expressions of God. Psalm 138:2 declares that God has exalted His word above all His name, indicating the supreme importance of divine promises and revelation. In Genesis 19:19, Lot acknowledges that God has magnified His mercy toward him. The magnification of God's name is presented as the ultimate purpose of His mighty acts throughout redemptive history (2 Samuel 7:26).
God Magnifying Human Leaders
Interestingly, the Bible also describes God magnifying certain people by elevating them to positions of authority and honor. God magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel so they would respect his leadership as they had respected Moses (Joshua 4:14). Solomon was magnified exceedingly as king (1 Chronicles 29:25). In these cases, the magnification comes from God and serves His purposes rather than the individual's personal glory.
Magnifying Christ
In the New Testament, Paul expresses his desire that Christ be magnified in his body, whether through life or death (Philippians 1:20). The early Christians magnified the name of the Lord Jesus through their witness (Acts 19:17). At the house of Cornelius, the gift of the Holy Spirit led Gentile believers to magnify God in tongues (Acts 10:46). These passages show that magnifying God through Christ became the central act of worship in the early church.
Biblical Context
The concept of magnifying God pervades Scripture, appearing in Genesis 19:19, 2 Samuel 7:26, numerous Psalms (34:3, 35:27, 40:16, 70:4, 138:2), Luke 1:46, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:17, Philippians 1:20, and Romans 11:13. It also describes God's elevation of leaders like Joshua (Joshua 4:14) and Solomon (1 Chronicles 29:25).
Theological Significance
Magnifying God is not about making Him greater than He is but about recognizing and declaring His existing greatness. This act of praise aligns the human heart with reality, acknowledging God's supreme worth. Mary's Magnificat reveals that true worship involves both personal experience of God's grace and public proclamation of His character. Paul's desire to magnify Christ in his body shows that believers are called to make God's greatness visible through their lives.
Historical Background
The Hebrew concept of making God's name great was deeply embedded in ancient Israelite worship practices, including temple liturgy and communal festivals. The Greek term megaluno was used in Hellenistic culture for honoring rulers and deities. Early Christians adopted and transformed this vocabulary exclusively for the worship of God and Christ. Mary's Magnificat reflects a literary tradition of victory hymns stretching back to Miriam's song at the Red Sea and Hannah's prayer at Shiloh.