from μέγας; to make (or declare) great, i.e. increase or (figuratively) extol:--enlarge, magnify, shew great.
Transliteration:megalýnō
Pronunciation:meg-al-oo'-no
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma μεγαλύνω (megalýnō, `{{G3170}}`) is derived from the adjective μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`), meaning "great" or "large." At its most basic, it signifies "to make great" or "to cause to become great." This core meaning branches into two primary semantic fields:
1. **Physical or Quantitative Enlargement:** To increase in size, quantity, or scope. This can refer to literal growth or expansion, making something physically larger or more numerous.
2. **Figurative or Qualitative Exaltation:** To declare or show to be great; to extol, praise, glorify, or magnify. This is not about making something inherently greater, but rather acknowledging, proclaiming, or demonstrating its inherent greatness. In a theological context, this often refers to the act of worship or adoration directed towards God, where one proclaims His infinite greatness.
The range of meaning thus extends from a concrete sense of enlargement to a more abstract and profound sense of honor and worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μεγαλύνω (megalýnō, `{{G3170}}`) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each instance carries significant weight:
* **Luke 1:46:** In Mary's Magnificat, she declares, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Here, the verb clearly falls into the figurative category. Mary is not literally making God larger; rather, she is proclaiming His immense greatness and exalting Him through her praise and worship. This is a profound expression of devotion and recognition of divine majesty.
* **Luke 1:58:** Concerning the birth of John the Baptist, it is said that Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives heard "that the Lord had shown great mercy to her." The phrase "shown great mercy" employs μεγαλύνω, indicating that God had made His mercy abundant, evident, and powerful in Elizabeth's life. It signifies a divine act of making His characteristic mercy manifest in a significant way.
* **Acts 5:13:** Following signs and wonders performed by the apostles, it is noted that "the people magnified them." In this context, it means the people held the apostles in high esteem, respected them greatly, and acknowledged their authority and power. It reflects a human reaction of awe and reverence towards those perceived to be divinely empowered.
* **Acts 10:46:** As Peter preaches to Cornelius's household, they begin speaking in tongues and "magnifying God." This parallels Mary's use in Luke 1:46, indicating an act of spontaneous worship, praise, and glorification of God, likely in response to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
* **Acts 19:17:** After the failed exorcism by the sons of Sceva, "fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified." This signifies that the authority and power inherent in the name of Jesus were clearly demonstrated and exalted in the eyes of the people, leading to reverence and awe. The event served to underscore the supremacy of Christ.
* **2 Corinthians 10:15:** Paul expresses his hope that, as the Corinthians' faith increases, his sphere of influence among them might be "enlarged" according to his commission. Here, the sense is more akin to a quantitative or spatial increase – his ministry's reach and impact would expand.
* **Philippians 1:20:** Paul declares his earnest expectation and hope that "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." This is a profoundly theological statement. Paul desires that his very existence, whether in life or in martyrdom, would serve as a means by which Christ's greatness is made visible, declared, and honored. It speaks to a life lived entirely for the glory of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of μεγαλύνω (megalýnō, `{{G3170}}`) intersects with several other significant Greek terms:
* **μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "great, large, mighty." This is the fundamental concept upon which μεγαλύνω builds.
* **δοξάζω (doxazō, `{{G1392}}`):** "To glorify, to honor, to praise." This word often functions as a close synonym to the figurative sense of μεγαλύνω, particularly in the context of glorifying God. Both terms express the act of attributing honor and majesty.
* **ὑψόω (hypsoō, `{{G5312}}`):** "To lift up, to exalt, to raise high." While often used for physical elevation, it also carries the sense of exalting in honor or position, especially concerning Christ's exaltation.
* **αἰνέω (aineō, `{{G134}}`):** "To praise, to laud." This term specifically refers to the act of verbal praise.
* **εὐλογέω (eulogeō, `{{G2127}}`):** "To bless, to speak well of, to praise." This term encompasses both divine blessing upon humans and human praise towards God.
While these words share common ground in expressing honor and praise, μεγαλύνω uniquely emphasizes the *making evident* or *declaring* of greatness, often implying a manifestation or a public acknowledgment of that greatness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεγαλύνω (megalýnō, `{{G3170}}`) is profound, particularly in its application to God and Christ.
* **The Nature of Divine Magnification:** When humans "magnify" God, it is not to suggest that God's inherent greatness can be increased, for He is infinitely great. Rather, it is an act of recognizing, acknowledging, and proclaiming His existing, infinite greatness. It is an outward expression of inward reverence and awe, a declaration of His majesty and power. This is the essence of worship: to ascribe worth and greatness to the One who is truly great.
* **God's Active Magnification:** The usage in Luke 1:58 ("the Lord had shown great mercy") highlights God's active role in making His attributes, such as mercy, manifest and abundant. God "magnifies" His own character by demonstrating it powerfully in human experience, thereby revealing His glory.
* **Christ at the Center of Life:** Philippians 1:20 is a cornerstone for Christian living. Paul's desire that Christ be "magnified in my body" elevates the entire existence of the believer to a singular purpose: to make Christ's greatness visible to the world. Whether through a life of faithful service or through a martyr's death, the believer's body becomes a vessel through which the Lord Jesus is exalted. This transforms suffering and even death into opportunities for divine glory. It underscores the truth that Christian life is not about self-aggrandizement but about Christ-exaltation.
* **The Church's Witness:** The instances in Acts demonstrate that magnifying God or the name of Jesus is a natural response to divine power and a crucial aspect of the early church's witness. When God works powerfully, His people and even onlookers are moved to declare His greatness, confirming His sovereignty and authority.
### Summary
The Greek word μεγαλύνω (megalýnō, `{{G3170}}`) carries a dual semantic range: to physically enlarge or increase, and more significantly, to declare, extol, or glorify. In its theological application, it speaks to the act of magnifying God, not by increasing His inherent greatness, but by acknowledging, proclaiming, and demonstrating His infinite majesty and power. This is powerfully exemplified in Mary's Magnificat, where her soul actively exalts the Lord. Furthermore, God Himself "magnifies" His attributes, such as mercy, by making them abundantly evident. Crucially, the New Testament calls believers to live lives in which Christ is "magnified" in their bodies, whether through life or death, making His greatness visible to a watching world. Thus, μεγαλύνω encapsulates both an act of profound worship and a call to Christ-centered living that brings Him ultimate glory.
TRV