μεγαλύνω (megalunō)
megalunō
to magnify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb megalunō means to make something great or significant in reputation and visibility. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, primarily in Luke’s writings and Acts, where it describes actions that elevate the status or glory of God and His people. The word carries a sense of public declaration, turning private belief into conspicuous honor.
Its root relates to greatness (megas), but the active form emphasizes the process of magnifying rather than the state of being great. For example, Mary uses it in Luke 1:46 to say her soul "magnifies" the Lord, meaning she declares His greatness publicly. Similarly, in Acts 5:13, believers held the apostles in high esteem, effectively making them "great" in the community’s eyes through reverence and awe.
This term often implies a response to divine action — when God acts, people respond by magnifying Him. It is not merely internal praise but an outward expression that makes God’s character visible to others. Translators typically render it as "magnify," though the Greek suggests a more active role in proclaiming greatness than the English word sometimes conveys.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Mary sang that her soul magnified the Lord, she was not just whispering a private prayer. She was declaring God’s greatness in a way others could hear and see. This word invites us to turn our quiet gratitude into visible praise. It is about letting the world notice the goodness of God through our lives.
We often think of faith as something internal, but this verb reminds us that belief has a public face. When we honor God in our actions, or when we speak of His mercy with joy, we are making Him great in the eyes of those around us. It is a simple act: pointing others toward the light of Christ.
This does not mean we must be loud or perfect. It simply means we refuse to hide the hope we have. Whether in small kindnesses or bold confessions, we can help others see who God is. Let your life be a clear reflection of His grace today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will be magnified1×
- were magnifying1×
- was being magnified1×
- to be enlarged1×
- magnifying1×
- magnified1×
- enlarge1×
- Magnifies1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμεγάλυνεν2×
- ἐμεγαλύνετο1×
- μεγαλύνουσιν1×
- μεγαλύνει1×
- μεγαλυνόντων1×
- μεγαλυνθῆναι1×
- μεγαλυνθήσεται1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:46
Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.
Mary uses this word to publicly declare the Lord's greatness, showing that magnifying God begins with joyful acknowledgment of His character.
-
Philippians 1:20
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul hopes Christ will be magnified in his body, indicating that our daily conduct, even in suffering, can highlight Jesus' significance.
-
Acts 19:17
This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified in Ephesus because the event revealed His power to both Jews and Greeks.
-
Luke 1:58
Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
Neighbors rejoiced because they saw how the Lord had magnified His mercy toward Mary, demonstrating that God's actions invite communal celebration.