### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **megalýnō**, represented by `{{G3170}}`, is a verb used to **make (or declare) great, i.e. increase or (figuratively) extol**. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from the literal act of making something physically larger to the spiritual act of praising or magnifying a person or deity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3170}}` is applied in both divine and human contexts. Mary uses it in her song of praise, declaring, "My soul doth **magnify** the Lord" [[Luke 1:46]]. Similarly, when the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles, they are heard to **magnify** God [[Acts 10:46]]. Paul expresses a desire for Christ to be **magnified** in his body, whether by life or death [[Philippians 1:20]]. The word can also describe God's actions, as when neighbors heard that the Lord had **shewed great** mercy on Elizabeth [[Luke 1:58]]. In a contrasting, negative sense, Jesus uses it to criticize those who **enlarge** the borders of their garments to be seen by men [[Matthew 23:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the contexts in which something is magnified or made great:
* `{{G4115}}` **platýnō** (make broad, enlarge): This word is used in parallel with `{{G3170}}` to describe the action of making phylacteries broad and enlarging garment borders for show [[Matthew 23:5]].
* `{{G3954}}` **parrhēsía** (boldness, confidence): Paul's hope is that Christ will be magnified with all **boldness** [[Philippians 1:20]], indicating that the act of magnifying is done with confidence and frankness.
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words): This is the action that accompanies magnifying God, as the people "heard them **speak** with tongues, and **magnify** God" [[Acts 10:46]].
* `{{G837}}` **auxánō** (to grow, increase): Paul's hope is to be **enlarged** `{{G3170}}` as the Corinthians' faith is **increased** `{{G837}}`, linking spiritual growth to the expansion of ministry [[2 Corinthians 10:15]].
* `{{G4796}}` **synchaírō** (to sympathize in gladness, congratulate): People **rejoiced with** Elizabeth after hearing how the Lord had **shewed great** mercy upon her, showing that God's great acts lead to shared joy [[Luke 1:58]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3170}}` is primarily focused on the proper object and manner of praise and honor.
* **Extolling God:** The word is frequently used to express worship and praise directed toward God. It is the response of a soul overwhelmed by God's character [[Luke 1:46]] and the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work [[Acts 10:46]]. The ultimate result of God's power is that "the name of the Lord Jesus was **magnified**" [[Acts 19:17]].
* **Christ Magnified Through Believers:** The term expresses the goal of the Christian life, which is not self-glorification but the exaltation of Christ. Paul sees his own body as a vessel through which Christ can be made great in the world [[Philippians 1:20]].
* **Divine Action:** `{{G3170}}` is also used to describe God's own work. He is the one who "had **shewed great** mercy," actively demonstrating His greatness to His people, which in turn prompts their praise [[Luke 1:58]].
* **Human Esteem:** The word can describe the high regard people hold for others. After the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, the people **magnified** the apostles [[Acts 5:13]], showing that the term can apply to exalting people as well.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3170}}` is a significant term that encapsulates the concept of making great. While it can refer to the physical act of enlarging an object or the human act of esteeming someone, its primary theological use is to describe the act of exalting God and Christ. It defines a core purpose of believers: to **magnify** the Lord through their words, their lives, and even their deaths, responding to the greatness He has already shown to them.
TRV