Brief Overview of αὐξάνω (G837: auxanō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: auxanō

Root Words: The verb αὐξάνω (auxanō) derives from the Greek root αὐξ- (aux-), which means “to grow” or “to increase.” The term is fundamental in the context of growth, development, and increase, both in a physical and metaphorical sense.

Primary Meanings:

• To Grow: This is the primary meaning of αὐξάνω, often referring to the natural process of growth, such as the growth of plants, children, or living beings.
• To Increase: αὐξάνω can also mean to increase in size, number, strength, or intensity.
• To Cause to Grow: The verb can be used transitively, meaning to cause something or someone else to grow or increase.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐξάνω as “to cause to increase” or “to grow,” emphasizing its usage both in a literal sense (e.g., plants growing) and in a metaphorical sense (e.g., growth in faith or knowledge). BDAG also highlights the verb’s use in contexts where God is seen as the agent causing growth.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Lexicon expands on αὐξάνω by explaining its dual usage, both intransitive (to grow) and transitive (to cause to grow). The lexicon also notes its appearance in various New Testament passages that deal with spiritual growth or the increase of the church.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that αὐξάνω can refer to both natural and spiritual growth. It underscores the importance of the word in passages that discuss the development of faith or the growth of the early Christian community.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a broad definition of αὐξάνω, highlighting its usage in classical Greek literature where it often refers to physical growth (e.g., plants, children) and also to increase in power, wealth, or influence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists αὐξάνω as “to grow” or “to increase,” pointing out its fundamental meaning and usage in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 6:28 (KJV): “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.”
• Here, αὐξάνω is used in its primary sense of growing, referring to the natural growth of lilies.
• 1 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV): “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
• The verb αὐξάνω is translated as “gave the increase,” emphasizing the role of God in causing growth.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In The Odyssey, αὐξάνω is used to describe the growth of plants and trees, emphasizing the natural and divine processes of growth.
• Herodotus: In Histories, αὐξάνω appears in contexts discussing the increase of wealth, power, or influence, illustrating its broader application beyond physical growth.
• Plato: In his dialogues, Plato uses αὐξάνω metaphorically to describe the growth of knowledge, wisdom, or the soul, highlighting its philosophical significance.

4. Summary:

αὐξάνω (auxanō) is a versatile Greek verb primarily meaning “to grow” or “to increase.” Its usage spans both the literal growth of living things and the metaphorical growth of qualities such as faith, knowledge, or influence. The word is commonly found in the New Testament, often in contexts that emphasize spiritual growth or the divine role in causing increase. Classical Greek literature also reflects the broad application of αὐξάνω, from the natural world to philosophical and social contexts. Understanding αὐξάνω offers valuable insights into the dynamics of growth and development in both biblical and classical texts.