Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for accurately interpreting the New Testament and grasping the cultural nuances of ancient Greek society. The Greek word ἑκατονταπλασίων (hekatontaplasiōn) is one such term that carries significant weight in its meaning. Often translated as “a hundredfold,” this word conveys the idea of abundant multiplication, a concept that resonates deeply within biblical teachings, particularly in the context of blessings and divine reward. This word’s usage in the New Testament provides insight into the ancient understanding of divine generosity and the exponential increase in blessings that God can bestow upon the faithful.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἑκατονταπλασίων (hekatontaplasiōn) [heh-kah-ton-tah-plah-see-OWN]
• Etymology: Derived from ἑκατόν (hekaton), meaning “hundred,” and the suffix -πλασίων (-plasiōn), which indicates multiplication or times over.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (masculine/feminine/neuter, first/second declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Hundredfold: Denoting a multiplication by one hundred; used to describe an increase or blessing that is one hundred times greater.
• Abundant Multiplication: Implies an exceedingly large or multiplied quantity, often in the context of blessings, rewards, or increases.

Similar Words:

• διπλοῦς (diplous): Meaning “double,” it suggests a twofold increase, which is much less than the hundredfold implied by ἑκατονταπλασίων.
• τριπλοῦς (triplous): Meaning “triple,” this word suggests a threefold increase, again indicating a smaller multiplication compared to ἑκατονταπλασίων.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The word ἑκατονταπλασίων is an adjective, which can describe a noun in various genders. It follows the first/second declension pattern, modifying nouns that can be masculine, feminine, or neuter. Its form changes according to the case and number of the noun it describes.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἑκατονταπλασίων as an adjective meaning “a hundred times as much” or “hundredfold.” It notes that the term is used to emphasize the extraordinary generosity of divine reward in the New Testament.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon explains that ἑκατονταπλασίων is used figuratively in the New Testament to describe a significantly multiplied blessing or reward. It often appears in parables or teachings where Jesus speaks of the rewards for those who sacrifice for the kingdom of God.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary highlights that ἑκατονταπλασίων conveys the concept of abundant and overflowing blessing, particularly in the context of sacrifices made for faith and righteousness.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ notes that while the term is rare in classical Greek literature, it is understood as a term denoting a hundredfold increase, often in agricultural or economic contexts, reflecting a massive yield or return.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἑκατονταπλασίων as an adjective describing something that is one hundred times greater, typically used in a figurative sense in the New Testament to denote an abundance of blessings.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 19:29: “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold (ἑκατονταπλασίων), and shall inherit everlasting life.”
• Mark 10:30: “But he shall receive a hundredfold (ἑκατονταπλασίων) now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἑκατονταπλασίων (G1542: hekatontaplasiōn)

The Greek adjective ἑκατονταπλασίων (hekatontaplasiōn) encapsulates the idea of abundant multiplication, specifically a hundredfold increase. It is a powerful term used in the New Testament to describe the overflowing blessings and rewards that come from God, often in response to sacrifices made for the sake of faith. This word emphasizes the extraordinary generosity of divine favor, promising that what is given up for God will be returned a hundredfold. The term’s rare but significant usage in the New Testament highlights its importance in understanding the magnitude of God’s blessings in the biblical narrative.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of a hundredfold return was not just seen as a blessing but as a sign of divine intervention and favor. The term ἑκατονταπλασίων was often used to describe miraculous yields in agriculture, symbolizing prosperity and the gods’ benevolence toward humanity.