πληθύνω (plēthunō)
plēthunō
to multiply
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb plēthunō means to increase or multiply, carrying a sense of growth in quantity or extent. In the New Testament, it appears in both active and passive forms. The active voice describes someone causing something to grow, as when God promises to increase the resources available for generous giving in 2 Corinthians 9:10. The passive form indicates that something is being increased by an external force, such as the word of the Lord spreading rapidly and multiplying in Acts 6:7.
This word often appears in contexts involving divine action or natural expansion. In Matthew 24:12, it describes how love will grow cold as wickedness increases, highlighting a negative multiplication. Conversely, in Acts 12:24, it portrays the positive growth of the Christian community. The term connects to the idea of fullness, suggesting that increase is not just numerical but also substantial.
Its usage reflects a dynamic process of expansion, whether in spiritual vitality or moral decline. Translators typically render it as "increase" or "multiply," depending on context. This word underscores the biblical theme of growth under God’s sovereignty, showing how both blessings and challenges can expand over time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word plēthunō reminds us that growth is often a quiet, steady process rather than a sudden event. In Acts 6:7, we see the early church expanding not through human strategy alone, but as the word of God took root and multiplied. This suggests that our spiritual life does not depend on our own strength to produce results, but on allowing God’s truth to take hold in our hearts.
Even when circumstances feel difficult, this term offers hope. In 2 Corinthians 9:10, Paul connects multiplication to generosity, showing that God provides more than enough so we can share with others. Whether it is love growing cold due to wickedness or grace increasing through knowledge of Christ, the direction of our lives matters. We are invited to trust that God’s work in us continues to expand, bringing peace and fruitfulness over time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- would be multiplied.2×
- would be multiplied1×
- will multiply1×
- when are multiplying1×
- was multiplied1×
- was being multiplied.1×
- multiplying1×
- multiplied1×
- it were multiplied.1×
- is to be multiplied1×
- I will multiply1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πληθυνθείη.¶2×
- ἐπληθύνθη1×
- ἐπληθύνετο.¶1×
- ἐπληθύνετο.1×
- ἐπληθύνετο1×
- πληθύνων1×
- πληθυνῶ1×
- πληθυνόντων1×
- πληθυνθῆναι1×
- πληθυνθείη1×
- πληθυνεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 6:7
The word of God increased and the number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
This verse highlights the positive multiplication of disciples as a direct result of the word of God taking root in Jerusalem.
-
Matthew 24:12
Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
This occurrence serves as a warning that increased wickedness can lead to a corresponding decrease in love, illustrating the moral weight of multiplication.
-
Jude 1:2
May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
The author uses this term to pray for an ongoing increase in mercy, peace, and love within the community of believers.