The Greek word plēthýnō, represented by G4129, is defined as to increase or multiply. It is used both transitively and intransitively to describe a state of increase or abundance. This term appears 13 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible, signifying its role in describing growth, both positive and negative.
In the biblical narrative, G4129 is frequently used in the book of Acts to chronicle the expansion of the early church. It describes the number of disciples being multiplied (Acts 6:1, Acts 6:7) and the church itself being multiplied Acts 9:31. The word is also used to quote God's promise to Abraham, "multiplying I will multiply thee" Hebrews 6:14. Beyond numerical increase, it is used in apostolic greetings to wish for spiritual blessings, that grace, peace, and love "be multiplied" unto the believers (1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, Jude 1:2). In a contrasting context, Jesus uses the term to warn that in the last days, "iniquity shall abound" Matthew 24:12.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of increase and blessing:
- G837 auxánō: a verb meaning to grow or enlarge. It is often used alongside G4129 to emphasize the dynamic growth of the Word of God, which "grew and multiplied" Acts 12:24, and to describe the increase of the fruits of righteousness 2 Corinthians 9:10.
- G5485 cháris: which means graciousness or grace. This divine favor is something that the apostles pray would be multiplied in the lives of believers 1 Peter 1:2.
- G1515 eirḗnē: meaning peace or rest. This is another key blessing that is wished to be multiplied for the saints, often in conjunction with grace 2 Peter 1:2.
- G2127 eulogéō: meaning to bless or speak well of. It is directly paired with G4129 in the promise to Abraham: "blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee" Hebrews 6:14.
The theological significance of G4129 is seen in its application to God's work and purposes.
- Church Growth: The term is a key indicator of the Holy Spirit's work in the early church, chronicling the rapid and supernatural multiplication of disciples and the spread of the Word (Acts 6:7, Acts 12:24).
- Spiritual Abundance: In the epistles, it elevates the concept of growth from the physical to the spiritual, forming a core part of apostolic prayers for an increase in grace, peace, and love for God's people (1 Peter 1:2, Jude 1:2).
- Covenant Faithfulness: The word reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the one made to Abraham to multiply his descendants (Acts 7:17, Hebrews 6:14).
- Prophetic Warning: Its use in Matthew 24:12 serves as a sober warning that the principle of multiplication also applies to evil, where the abounding of iniquity marks the end times.
In summary, G4129 is a powerful word that captures the concept of significant increase. It is used to describe the numerical growth of God's people, the spread of His Word, the abundance of spiritual blessings, and the escalation of lawlessness. The term illustrates a biblical principle that what is sown, whether righteousness or iniquity, is intended to multiply greatly.
TRV