### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hekatontaplasíōn**, represented by `{{G1542}}`, means **a hundred times** or **hundredfold**. It appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, yet it conveys a powerful concept of immense and disproportionate return. It is used to describe both agricultural abundance and divine reward for faithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G1542}}` illustrates a principle of divine multiplication. In the Parable of the Sower, the seed that fell on **good** `{{G18}}` ground is the one that **sprang up** `{{G5453}}` and produced fruit a **hundredfold** [[Luke 8:8]]. In Matthew and Mark, a similar promise is made to disciples. Those who have **forsaken** `{{G863}}` houses, family, or **lands** `{{G68}}` for the sake of His **name** `{{G3686}}` will receive a **hundredfold** in return [[Matthew 19:29]]. Mark's account specifies this reward is received **now** `{{G3568}}` in this **time** `{{G2540}}`, but notably comes **with** `{{G3326}}` **persecutions** `{{G1375}}` [[Mark 10:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the concept of the hundredfold return:
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós** (fruit): This word is central to the agricultural metaphor of `{{G1542}}`. It is defined as **fruit** (as plucked), literally or figuratively. The **hundredfold** return is described as bearing **fruit** [[Luke 8:8]].
* `{{G1375}}` **diōgmós** (persecution): This word, meaning **persecution**, provides critical context. The promise of receiving a **hundredfold** is explicitly paired with the reality of facing **persecutions** in this life [[Mark 10:30]].
* `{{G166}}` **aiṓnios** (everlasting): Defined as **perpetual**, this term highlights the ultimate scope of the reward. The **hundredfold** blessing in this life is a precursor to inheriting **everlasting** life ([[Matthew 19:29]], [[Mark 10:30]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1542}}` is focused on the nature of God's rewards.
* **Divine Abundance:** The word establishes that God's economy is not one of equal exchange but of overwhelming abundance. The return for what is given up for Him is exponentially greater [[Luke 8:8]].
* **The Reward of Sacrifice:** In Matthew and Mark, the **hundredfold** return is promised in the context of forsaking earthly ties and possessions for His **name's** `{{G3686}}` **sake** `{{G1752}}`, underscoring that the cost of discipleship yields an incomparable reward [[Matthew 19:29]].
* **Blessings in the Present Age:** The promise is not solely for the afterlife. Believers are told they will receive a **hundredfold** **now** `{{G3568}}` in this **time** `{{G2540}}`, though these blessings are accompanied by **persecutions** [[Mark 10:30]].
* **Ultimate Inheritance:** The temporal, **hundredfold** blessing is directly connected to the ultimate inheritance of **everlasting** `{{G166}}` **life** `{{G2222}}`, showing both a present and future fulfillment of God's promise [[Mark 10:30]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1542}}` **hekatontaplasíōn** is a concise but profound term illustrating the principle of divine multiplication. Though used sparingly, it appears in key passages to promise an abundant, **hundredfold** return on what is faithfully invested in God's kingdom. It defines a reward that is both present and eternal, assuring believers that what is sacrificed for Christ results in blessings that far exceed the cost.
TRV