from πολύς and probably a derivative of πλέκω; manifold, i.e. (neuter as noun) very much more:--manifold more.
Transliteration:pollaplasíōn
Pronunciation:pol-lap-las-ee'-ohn
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
πολλαπλασίων (pollaplasíōn) is a Greek adjective formed from πολύς (polys), meaning "much" or "many," and a root likely related to πλέκω (plekō), "to weave" or "to fold." This etymological foundation points to a meaning of "many-fold" or "manifold." Its core meaning denotes a significant increase, multiplication, or abundance, conveying the sense of "very much more" or "many times over." The term emphasizes a disproportionate increase, indicating a return or quantity that far exceeds a simple one-to-one correspondence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πολλαπλασίων (pollaplasíōn) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke.
* **[[Luke 18:30]]**: This verse is part of Jesus' response to Peter after the encounter with the rich young ruler. Peter, observing the ruler's inability to forsake his possessions, declares, "See, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus replies with a profound assurance: "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive *many times more* (`{{G4179}}`) in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."
* **Contextual Analysis**: In this passage, πολλαπλασίων signifies a superabundant recompense from God for radical discipleship. It is not merely a return of what was given up, but a multiplication of blessings. The "manifold more" encompasses both temporal blessings experienced "in this time" (e.g., new spiritual family, divine provision, inner peace) and the ultimate blessing of "eternal life" in the "age to come." This usage highlights God's immense generosity and faithfulness to those who prioritize His Kingdom above all earthly attachments. The term serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the fear of loss, affirming that sacrifice for Christ leads to immeasurable gain.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πολύς (polys) `{{G4183}}`**: The foundational component of πολλαπλασίων, meaning "much" or "many." This root establishes the core idea of abundance which πολλαπλασίων intensifies.
* **πλεονάζω (pleonazō) `{{G4121}}`**: Meaning "to abound," "to increase," or "to have a surplus." This verb shares the semantic field of increase and overflow, often used in contexts of grace abounding over sin or spiritual gifts increasing.
* **περισσεύω (perisseuō) `{{G4052}}`**: Meaning "to superabound," "to be left over," or "to have more than enough." This word, and its intensified form ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō) `{{G5248}}`, strongly convey the idea of an overwhelming abundance, resonating with the "manifold more" promised by Jesus.
* **μισθός (misthos) `{{G3406}}`**: Meaning "reward" or "wages." The concept of πολλαπλασίων in [[Luke 18:30]] is intrinsically linked to the divine reward for sacrifice, illustrating that God's recompense is not merely equitable but exceedingly bountiful.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of πολλαπλασίων in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, primarily revealing aspects of God's character and the nature of Kingdom living.
* **Divine Generosity and Faithfulness**: The term underscores God's boundless generosity. It assures believers that any sacrifice made for the Kingdom of God will be met with an abundant, multiplied return, far exceeding human expectation or calculation. This is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire to bless those who are devoted to Him.
* **The Value of Radical Discipleship**: πολλαπλασίων elevates the significance of radical commitment to Christ. It presents a divine economy where giving up earthly possessions, relationships, or comforts for the sake of the Gospel is not a loss, but an investment that yields immeasurable spiritual and even temporal dividends. It challenges a worldly perspective that equates relinquishment with deprivation.
* **Holistic Blessing (Present and Future)**: The phrase "in this time, and in the age to come eternal life" highlights that God's blessings are not exclusively reserved for the afterlife. While eternal life is the ultimate reward, the "manifold more" also includes tangible, though often non-material, blessings experienced in the present life for those who follow Christ wholeheartedly. This can include spiritual family, joy, peace, purpose, and divine provision.
* **Contrast with Earthly Security**: In the context of the rich young ruler's inability to part with his wealth, πολλαπλασίων serves as a powerful divine counter-argument to the human tendency to find security in material possessions. It demonstrates that true security and abundant life are found in radical obedience and trust in God's provision.
### Summary
πολλαπλασίων (pollaplasíōn) is a potent Greek adjective meaning "manifold" or "many times more," emphasizing a superabundant increase. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 18:30]] is pivotal, conveying Jesus' assurance that any sacrifice made for the Kingdom of God will be met with a disproportionately generous return from God. This term vividly illustrates God's boundless generosity and faithfulness, promising believers blessings that are multiplied far beyond their initial investment, encompassing both present-day spiritual and relational benefits, and the ultimate gift of eternal life. πολλαπλασίων thus encapsulates a core tenet of Christian discipleship: that radical obedience to Christ leads not to loss, but to immeasurable and enduring gain.
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