Brief Overview of αὔξησις (G838: auxēsis)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: auxēsis

Root Words: The noun αὔξησις (auxēsis) is derived from the Greek verb αὐξάνω (auxanō), which means “to grow” or “to increase.” αὔξησις specifically refers to the process or result of growth and increase.

Primary Meanings:

• Growth: This is the primary meaning of αὔξησις, referring to the process of growth in both physical and metaphorical senses.
• Increase: The term also denotes an increase in size, quantity, strength, or intensity, often used in contexts of growth in spiritual or communal aspects.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: According to BDAG, αὔξησις is defined as “growth” or “increase,” primarily emphasizing the process of growth. It is used in contexts relating to physical growth as well as spiritual and communal development, particularly in the Christian community.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Lexicon also defines αὔξησις as “growth” or “increase,” emphasizing its role in both natural and spiritual contexts. It notes that αὔξησις can refer to growth in individual faith or the collective growth of the church.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights the use of αὔξησις in the New Testament, particularly in relation to spiritual growth and the expansion of the Christian faith. It also notes its connection to αὐξάνω, indicating that it carries forward the idea of growth as a continuous process.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon offers a broader view of αὔξησις, covering its use in classical Greek literature where it often refers to growth or increase in various domains, such as agriculture, personal development, and social influence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists αὔξησις as “growth” or “increase,” aligning it closely with its verb root αὐξάνω. It is primarily seen in contexts where growth or increase is the central theme.

Bible Verses:

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• Colossians 2:19 (KJV): “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”
• Here, αὔξησις is translated as “increase,” referring to the growth of the body of Christ, the church, under God’s guidance.
• Ephesians 4:16 (KJV): “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
• In this verse, αὔξησις is used to describe the growth of the church in unity and love.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In his work Politics, Aristotle uses αὔξησις to discuss the growth of a state, both in population and in resources, highlighting the importance of balanced increase for stability.
• Hippocrates: In Aphorisms, Hippocrates employs αὔξησις to describe the growth of the human body and its development over time, indicating a focus on natural, biological processes.
• Herodotus: In Histories, αὔξησις is used to describe the growth of empires and their power, illustrating the term’s application in both political and military contexts.

4. Summary:

αὔξησις (auxēsis) is a noun derived from the verb αὐξάνω and primarily means “growth” or “increase.” It is used in the New Testament to describe both physical and spiritual growth, often in the context of the Christian community. BDAG and other lexicons agree on its central meaning as growth or increase, with applications ranging from individual spiritual development to the collective growth of the church. In classical Greek literature, αὔξησις appears in various contexts, including political, biological, and social growth, demonstrating its versatility as a term. Understanding αὔξησις provides insight into the biblical and classical conceptions of growth and increase, whether in a physical, spiritual, or communal sense.