### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἑκατονταπλασίων (hekatontaplasíōn), Strong's number `{{G1542}}`, is a compound word derived from ἑκατόν (hekaton, `{{G1540}}`), meaning "a hundred," and a presumed derivative of πλάσσω (plassō), meaning "to mold, form, or shape." The latter element, though not directly present as a separate word in this form, conveys the sense of multiplication or increase. Thus, hekatontaplasíōn literally means "a hundred times" or "hundredfold." Its semantic range is precise, denoting a quantitative increase by a factor of one hundred. In a biblical context, it consistently signifies an extraordinary, abundant, and often divinely-granted return or multiplication, far exceeding mere expectation or natural yield.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hekatontaplasíōn appears five times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels, and in two distinct yet related thematic contexts:
1. **The Parable of the Sower:**
* [[Matthew 13:8]]: "Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold."
* [[Mark 4:8]]: "Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, yielding thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
* [[Luke 8:8]]: "Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundredfold."
In these passages, hekatontaplasíōn describes the highest yield from the "good soil," representing a heart that receives and understands the word of God. It symbolizes exceptional spiritual fruitfulness and productivity, demonstrating the transformative power of the divine word when it finds fertile ground. The hundredfold return is the pinnacle of the harvest, indicating abundant spiritual growth and impact.
2. **The Promise to Disciples Who Sacrifice:**
* [[Matthew 19:29]]: "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake and for the gospel will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life."
* [[Mark 10:30]]: "who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life."
Here, hekatontaplasíōn refers to the super-abundant recompense promised by Jesus to those who make significant sacrifices—leaving family, possessions, or earthly security—for the sake of the Kingdom and the gospel. This hundredfold return is not necessarily a material repayment in kind, but a spiritual and communal blessing that far surpasses what was relinquished. Mark's account clarifies that this blessing is received "now in this time" (often amidst persecutions, emphasizing a non-material nature) and culminates in "eternal life," highlighting both present spiritual abundance and future eschatological reward.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of hekatontaplasíōn is deeply intertwined with several related biblical themes and terms:
* **Quantitative Increase:** The root ἑκατόν (hekaton, `{{G1540}}`) is the direct numerical basis. Conceptually, it relates to other terms denoting abundance or multiplication, such as πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`, "much, many") or πλείων (pleion, `{{G4119}}`, "more, greater").
* **Fruitfulness:** The context of the Parable of the Sower links hekatontaplasíōn directly to καρπός (karpos, `{{G2590}}`, "fruit, produce"). It signifies the ultimate expression of spiritual productivity and the efficacy of God's Word.
* **Divine Recompense and Blessing:** In the context of discipleship, it relates to the concept of divine reward for faithfulness and sacrifice. This echoes Old Testament themes of God's blessing on His people, such as Isaac reaping a hundredfold from what he sowed in [[Genesis 26:12]], a clear precursor to the New Testament understanding of God's abundant provision.
* **Sacrifice and Reward:** The word underscores the counter-intuitive "economy" of the Kingdom of God, where giving up earthly attachments for Christ's sake leads to a multiplied, often spiritual, return. This stands in contrast to worldly principles of accumulation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hekatontaplasíōn is profound, illuminating several core doctrines:
1. **Divine Generosity:** The "hundredfold" return powerfully illustrates God's boundless generosity. He does not merely repay or compensate but multiplies blessings far beyond human expectation or calculation. This reflects His nature as an abundant Giver.
2. **The Efficacy of God's Word:** In the Parable of the Sower, the hundredfold yield affirms the inherent power and fruitfulness of the Word of God when it is received into a receptive heart. It underscores the potential for exponential spiritual growth and transformation in the lives of believers.
3. **The Kingdom Economy:** The promise of a hundredfold return for radical discipleship reveals a distinct "Kingdom economy" that operates on principles antithetical to worldly values. Sacrifice for Christ's sake is not a loss but an investment that yields immeasurable returns, both in the present age (e.g., spiritual family, deeper joy, peace amidst trials) and in the eternal future.
4. **Assurance for Discipleship:** For those contemplating the cost of following Jesus, hekatontaplasíōn provides profound assurance. It guarantees that no sacrifice made for Christ and the gospel will go unrewarded; rather, it will be met with an overwhelming, super-abundant blessing from God. This motivates faithful obedience and radical commitment.
### Summary
Hekatontaplasíōn (`{{G1542}}`), meaning "hundredfold," is a potent New Testament term signifying an extraordinary, abundant multiplication or return. It appears in two key contexts: describing the exceptional fruitfulness of the Word of God in receptive hearts (Parable of the Sower) and promising super-abundant recompense to those who make radical sacrifices for Christ's sake and the gospel. Theologically, it underscores God's immense generosity, the inherent power of His Word, and the unique, counter-intuitive economy of the Kingdom of God where surrender and sacrifice lead to exponential spiritual blessings, both in this life and in eternity. It serves as a profound assurance of divine reward for faithful discipleship.
TRV