### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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