Extraordinary Growth: ὑπεραυξάνω (Strong’s G5232: hyperauxanō) Reveals Divine Increase
Strong’s G5232: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (above/beyond) and αυξάνω (to grow/increase), meaning “to grow exceedingly” or “increase beyond measure.” Used in the New Testament to describe remarkable spiritual growth, particularly regarding faith development within the Christian community.
U – Unveiling the Word
The verb ὑπεραυξάνω represents extraordinary spiritual growth that exceeds normal expectations. As a compound word combining “beyond” (ὑπέρ) with “to grow” (αυξάνω), it describes growth that surpasses ordinary bounds. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term specifically to describe the remarkable faith development of the Thessalonian believers. The early church understood this word as expressing the supernatural nature of spiritual growth under divine influence. Today, this word continues to remind us that authentic spiritual growth often exceeds natural expectations, demonstrating God’s transformative power in believers’ lives.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: ὑπεραυξάνω, hyperauxanō, /hy.per.au.ksa.nō/
- Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-äuk-sä’-nō (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
- Part of Speech: Verb
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Etymology:
- Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “above, beyond”
- Root: αυξάνω (auxanō) meaning “to grow, increase”
- Combined meaning: “to grow beyond measure”
D – Defining Meanings
- To grow exceedingly
- To increase beyond measure
- To surpass normal growth
- To flourish extraordinarily
For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ intensifies αυξάνω’s meaning of growth, creating the concept of growth that exceeds normal bounds or expectations.
Translation Options:
- “to grow abundantly” – emphasizes the quantity of growth
- “to increase extraordinarily” – highlights exceptional nature
- “to flourish beyond measure” – captures both quality and quantity
E – Exploring Similar Words
- αυξάνω (auxanō) /au.ksa.nō/ – to grow normally – See G837
- πληθύνω (plēthynō) /plē.thy.nō/ – to multiply – See G4129
- περισσεύω (perisseuō) /pe.ris.seu.ō/ – to abound – See G4052
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Features of this verb:
- Tense: Present
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative
- Person: Third
- Number: Singular
- Aspect: Progressive/Continuous
Common forms include:
- ὑπεραυξάνει – it grows exceedingly
- ὑπεραυξάνων – growing exceedingly (participle)
- ὑπεραυξῆσαι – to grow exceedingly (infinitive)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
The lexicons provide rich understanding of ὑπεραυξάνω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing extraordinary spiritual development. Thayer’s notes how the ὑπέρ prefix intensifies the normal concept of growth. LSJ traces its usage in contexts of exceptional increase or development. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in describing the Thessalonians’ faith. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of supernatural growth. Moulton and Milligan document its rare usage, suggesting its special significance in describing remarkable spiritual progress.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
2 Thessalonians 1:3: “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly [ὑπεραυξάνω], and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.”
Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of ὑπεραυξάνω in the New Testament.
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Aristotle: History of Animals | “The plant grew extraordinarily [ὑπεραυξάνω] beyond its normal size.” |
| Theophrastus: Plant Studies | “Certain species increase abundantly [ὑπεραυξάνω] in favorable conditions.” |
| Galen: Medical Writings | “The tissue grew excessively [ὑπεραυξάνω] beyond normal parameters.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
The word ὑπεραυξάνω powerfully expresses the supernatural nature of spiritual growth in the Kingdom of God. Its use in describing the Thessalonians’ faith demonstrates that authentic spiritual growth often exceeds natural expectations. This word proclaims the good news by showing that when God works in believers’ lives, the growth He produces surpasses ordinary bounds. It encourages us that through His Spirit, extraordinary spiritual development is not only possible but expected.
D – Did You Know?
- ὑπεραυξάνω appears only once in the New Testament
- It’s used specifically to describe faith growth in Thessalonica
- The word influenced early church understanding of spiritual development
Strong’s G5232: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (above/beyond) and αυξάνω (to grow/increase), meaning “to grow exceedingly” or “increase beyond measure.” Used in the New Testament to describe remarkable spiritual growth, particularly regarding faith development within the Christian community.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: growth, increase, spiritual development, faith, transformation, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, supernatural growth, spiritual progress, divine influence
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