### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun αὔξησις (aúxēsis), Strong's `{{G838}}`, directly stems from the verb `{{G837}}` (αὐξάνω - auxanō), which signifies "to cause to grow," "to increase," or "to become greater." Therefore, the core meaning of αὔξησις is "growth" or "increase." It denotes the process, state, or result of expansion, development, or augmentation. While `{{G837}}` can describe various forms of increase (e.g., physical, numerical, qualitative), αὔξησις in its New Testament usage is exclusively applied to spiritual and ecclesial development. It implies a vital, organic progression rather than mere quantitative addition, pointing towards maturity and qualitative improvement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
αὔξησις appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Pauline epistles and in contexts describing the spiritual growth of the church.
* **[[Ephesians 4:16]]**: "from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
* Here, αὔξησις (τὴν αὔξησιν) refers to the "growth of the body" (τοῦ σώματος). The context is the unity and maturity of the church, which is metaphorically presented as the body of Christ. This growth is portrayed as an organic process, facilitated by the proper functioning and contribution of each individual member, all empowered by Christ, the Head. The ultimate purpose of this growth is "the edifying of itself in love," indicating a qualitative, relational, and spiritual maturation rather than simply an increase in numbers.
* **[[Colossians 2:19]]**: "and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God."
* Similar to Ephesians, this verse emphasizes the indispensable connection to Christ, the Head, as the source of all life and nourishment for the body (the church). αὔξησις (τὴν αὔξησιν) is explicitly qualified as "the increase that is from God" (τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ Θεοῦ). This highlights divine causality: true spiritual growth in the church is not self-generated but is divinely given and sustained. It underscores God's active role in the development and health of His people.
In both instances, αὔξησις describes the healthy, divinely-empowered, and interdependent development of the church, leading to greater unity, maturity, and Christlikeness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G837}}` (αὐξάνω - auxanō):** The verbal root, meaning "to grow" or "to increase." While αὔξησις is the *result* or *process* of growth, αὐξάνω is the *action* of growing. It is used for the growth of seeds ([[Mark 4:27]]), the increase of the word of God ([[Acts 6:7]]), and spiritual growth in grace and knowledge ([[2 Peter 3:18]]).
* **`{{G3653}}` (οἰκοδομή - oikodomē):** "Edification," "building up." This concept is closely linked with αὔξησις in [[Ephesians 4:16]], where growth is "for the edifying of itself in love." Spiritual growth is fundamentally about building up individuals and the community in faith and character.
* **`{{G5048}}` (τελειότης - teleiotēs):** "Perfection," "completeness," "maturity." The process of αὔξησις aims towards spiritual maturity, a state of being complete in Christ. The ultimate goal of the church's growth is to attain the full measure of Christ ([[Ephesians 4:13]]).
* **`{{G4119}}` (πληρόω - plēroō):** "To fill," "to complete." The growth of the body of Christ is inherently linked to its being filled, ultimately with the fullness of Christ Himself, who fills all in all ([[Ephesians 1:23]]).
These related terms collectively paint a picture of Christian growth as an organic, divine, and communal process oriented towards spiritual maturity, unity, and the full manifestation of Christ within His body.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of αὔξησις is profound, particularly in its contributions to ecclesiology and the doctrine of sanctification.
1. **Divine Origin and Sustenance of Growth:** The explicit statement in [[Colossians 2:19]] that growth is "from God" (τὴν αὔξησιν τοῦ Θεοῦ) is foundational. It underscores that genuine spiritual αὔξησις, both in individual believers and in the corporate body of Christ, is not merely a human endeavor or a product of programmatic efficiency. Rather, it is a supernatural work initiated, empowered, and sustained by God. This emphasizes the necessity of divine grace and the Holy Spirit's work in the life of the church.
2. **Organic Unity of the Church:** The consistent use of the "body of Christ" metaphor in conjunction with αὔξησις highlights the church as a living, organic entity, not merely an organization. Growth is an intrinsic characteristic of a healthy organism. This implies that the church is interdependent, with each member playing a vital role in the overall health and development of the whole.
3. **Christ as the Indispensable Head:** Both passages establish Christ as the Head from whom all αὔξησις flows. He is the source of life, nourishment, and cohesion for the body. This affirms Christ's supremacy and centrality in the church's existence and growth. Any true spiritual increase is intrinsically Christ-centered and Christ-dependent.
4. **Qualitative and Relational Growth:** The growth described by αὔξησις is not primarily numerical but qualitative. In [[Ephesians 4:16]], it leads to "edifying of itself in love." This signifies a deepening of spiritual maturity, unity, and Christlike character within the community. It's about becoming more like Christ and living out His love.
5. **Purposeful Growth towards Maturity:** The concept of αὔξησις implies a teleological process—growth has a purpose. This purpose is the church's journey towards spiritual maturity, unity in faith, and the full measure of Christ's stature ([[Ephesians 4:13]]). It is a dynamic movement towards completeness in Christ.
### Summary
αὔξησις (aúxēsis), `{{G838}}`, directly translates to "growth" or "increase." In its two New Testament occurrences ([[Ephesians 4:16]], [[Colossians 2:19]]), it exclusively describes the spiritual development of the church as the body of Christ. This αὔξησις is depicted as an organic, vital process that is fundamentally "from God," underscoring divine agency. It is dependent on Christ as the Head and source of all nourishment, and it is facilitated by the interdependent functioning of every member of the body. Crucially, this growth is qualitative, leading to the "edifying of itself in love" and advancing the church towards spiritual maturity and unity in Christ. Thus, αὔξησις encapsulates the Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered, and communal progression of believers towards the fullness of God.
TRV