### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πληθύνω (plēthýnō), `{{G4129}}`, derives from a form related to πλῆθος (plēthos), `{{G4137}}`, meaning "a multitude" or "a great number." Its fundamental meaning encompasses the act of increasing, multiplying, or causing to abound. This verb can function both transitively, meaning to cause something to increase (e.g., "God will multiply your seed sown"), and intransitively, meaning to increase oneself or to abound (e.g., "the number of disciples was multiplying"). The semantic range extends beyond mere numerical increase to include qualitative abundance, such as the multiplication of grace, peace, or even lawlessness. It signifies a growth or expansion in quantity, intensity, or scope.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πληθύνω appears a relatively small number of times in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are significant, often echoing Old Testament themes of divine blessing and growth.
* **Growth of the Early Church:** In the book of Acts, πληθύνω describes the remarkable expansion of the Christian community. For instance, [[Acts 6:1]] states, "Now in these days, when the disciples were multiplying, a complaint arose," and [[Acts 6:7]] further notes, "And the word of God multiplied, and the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem." Here, the verb signifies the rapid numerical growth of believers and the spread of the Gospel message, underscoring the Holy Spirit's power.
* **Divine Promises to Abraham:** The verb is used in contexts recalling God's covenant promises to Abraham. In [[Acts 7:17]], Stephen's sermon recounts, "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people multiplied and grew strong in Egypt." Similarly, [[Hebrews 6:14]], quoting [[Genesis 22:17]] from the Septuagint, affirms God's oath to Abraham: "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." In these instances, πληθύνω translates the Hebrew verb רָבָה (rabah), `{{H7235}}`, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise of numerous descendants.
* **Spiritual Abundance:** A common use in the Pauline and Petrine epistles is in opening greetings, expressing a desire for spiritual increase. [[1 Peter 1:2]], [[2 Peter 1:2]], and [[Jude 1:2]] all contain the salutation, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you." This is not merely a wish for more grace and peace, but for an overflowing, ever-increasing experience of God's favor and inner tranquility in the lives of believers.
* **Consequence of Sin:** In a starkly contrasting usage, [[Matthew 24:12]] in the Olivet Discourse warns, "And because lawlessness will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold." Here, πληθύνω describes the proliferation of evil and moral decay in the last days, illustrating that multiplication can also occur in negative spiritual realities.
* **Divine Provision:** [[2 Corinthians 9:10]] uses πληθύνω in the context of divine provision for generous giving: "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." This highlights God's ability to supernaturally increase resources and spiritual fruit for those who give generously.
### Related Words & Concepts
πληθύνω is intrinsically linked to other Greek terms that convey ideas of quantity, growth, and abundance.
* **πλῆθος (plēthos) `{{G4137}}` and πληθύς (plēthýs) `{{G4128}}`:** These nouns, meaning "a multitude" or "a great number," are the direct etymological kin of πληθύνω. The verb describes the process by which a πλῆθος comes into being or increases.
* **αὐξάνω (auxanō) `{{G837}}`:** This verb also means "to grow" or "to increase." While similar, αὐξάνω often emphasizes organic, internal growth or development (e.g., a plant growing, a person maturing), whereas πληθύνω more frequently denotes numerical multiplication or an increase in quantity. However, there can be overlap, as seen in [[Acts 6:7]] where both πληθύνω ("multiplied") and αὐξάνω ("increased greatly") are used in parallel.
* **περισσεύω (perisseuō) `{{G4052}}`:** Meaning "to abound," "to overflow," or "to be superfluous," περισσεύω often conveys a sense of superabundance beyond what is merely sufficient. While πληθύνω focuses on the act of increasing, περισσεύω emphasizes the state of having an excess.
* **Hebrew Equivalent רָבָה (rabah) `{{H7235}}`:** In the Septuagint (LXX), πληθύνω is the primary translation for the Hebrew verb רָבָה (`{{H7235}}`), which means "to be great," "to multiply," or "to increase." This strong connection underscores the biblical concept of God's blessing leading to exponential growth, particularly in the context of population (e.g., [[Genesis 1:28]], [[Exodus 1:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πληθύνω is profound, touching upon core aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** The repeated use of πληθύνω in relation to God's promise to Abraham highlights His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power to bring His word to pass. God is the ultimate Multiplier, capable of increasing what is small into a great multitude, whether it be a family, a nation, or a spiritual community. This speaks to His omnipotence and reliability in covenant keeping.
* **The Growth of God's Kingdom:** In the New Testament, particularly in Acts, πληθύνω signifies the dynamic expansion of the early church. This growth is not merely a human endeavor but a divine work, illustrating the power of the Holy Spirit to convict, convert, and add to the number of believers. It underscores the unstoppable nature of God's kingdom as it advances through the proclamation of the Gospel.
* **Abundance of Grace and Peace:** The apostolic prayer for grace and peace to be "multiplied" reveals a desire for believers to experience an ever-deepening and expanding measure of God's unmerited favor and spiritual well-being. This suggests that the Christian life is not static but involves a progressive enrichment in divine blessings, enabling believers to live more fully in Christ.
* **The Reality of Spiritual Decay:** The use of πληθύνω to describe the multiplication of lawlessness in [[Matthew 24:12]] serves as a sober reminder of the pervasive nature of sin in a fallen world. It indicates that evil, left unchecked, has a tendency to proliferate, leading to moral and spiritual decline. This highlights the urgency of the Gospel message and the need for spiritual vigilance.
* **God's Provision for Generosity:** The context of [[2 Corinthians 9:10]] shows that God multiplies the "seed for sowing" for those who are generous. This illustrates a divine principle: God provides abundantly to those who give cheerfully, not just for their own needs but so they can continue to be channels of His blessings to others.
### Summary
πληθύνω (plēthýnō), `{{G4129}}`, signifies to increase, multiply, or cause to abound, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative growth. Its occurrences in the New Testament highlight several key theological themes: God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly to Abraham, by multiplying his descendants; the miraculous growth of the early church as a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel; the apostolic desire for an ever-increasing experience of God's grace and peace in the lives of believers; and a stark warning about the proliferation of lawlessness in the world. Ultimately, πληθύνω points to God as the sovereign source of all true multiplication, whether in physical numbers, spiritual blessings, or the consequences of human sin, demonstrating His active involvement in the unfolding of history and the lives of His people.
TRV