### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aúxēsis**, represented by `{{G838}}`, signifies **growth** or **increase**. It is derived from the verb αὐξάνω (auxánō) and appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Both occurrences describe a specific kind of spiritual growth pertaining to the collective body of believers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G838}}` is exclusively used to illustrate the growth of the church, which is described as a body. In Ephesians, the body, when "fitly joined together," **maketh** **increase** of itself unto its own "edifying" in love [[Ephesians 4:16]]. This growth is sourced from the Head. Similarly, Colossians describes the body being nourished and knit together, where it "increaseth with the **increase** of God" [[Colossians 2:19]], emphasizing that the source of this growth is divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of divinely-sourced growth:
* `{{G837}}` **auxánō** (to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):--grow (up), (give the) increase): As the root verb of `aúxēsis`, it is used to describe the action of the body's growth, which results in the "increase of God" [[Colossians 2:19]].
* `{{G4983}}` **sōma** (the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:--bodily, body, slave): This is the subject that undergoes the `aúxēsis`, referring to the church as the **body** of Christ in both primary occurrences ([[Ephesians 4:16]], [[Colossians 2:19]]).
* `{{G2024}}` **epichorēgía** (from ἐπιχορηγέω; contribution:--supply): This term describes the means by which the body grows, through the **supply** furnished by every joint, leading to the body's increase [[Ephesians 4:16]].
* `{{G3619}}` **oikodomḗ** (feminine (abstract) of a compound of οἶκος and the base of δῶμα; architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation:--building, edify(-ication, -ing)): This is the purpose of the increase, for the **edifying** of the body of Christ [[Ephesians 4:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G838}}` is significant for understanding ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church.
* **Christ as the Source:** The increase is not self-generated but flows from the Head, who is Christ. The body grows because of its connection to him ([[Colossians 2:19]], [[Ephesians 4:16]]).
* **Interdependent Growth:** The increase of the body is a collective effort, achieved when it is "fitly joined together and compacted" [[Ephesians 4:16]]. Each part contributes according to its proper "measure" for the whole to grow.
* **Divine Origin:** The growth is explicitly called the "increase of God" [[Colossians 2:19]], indicating that its nature, power, and origin are divine, not human. The body is nourished and supplied to facilitate this growth.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G838}}` is a precise term that defines the spiritual maturation of the church. It moves beyond a general idea of growth to describe a specific, divinely-sourced development that is dependent on Christ as the Head and the proper functioning of every member of the body. This increase results in the strengthening and "edifying" of the church in love.
TRV