G3373

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μηκύνω (Strong’s G3373) holds significance in understanding growth and expansion, particularly in the context of spiritual and natural growth. Found first in Mark 4:27, where it describes the growth of a seed, this verb encapsulates the gradual process by which something increases or becomes greater over time. Understanding this word offers insight not only into New Testament theology but also into the agricultural metaphors Jesus often used. Moreover, in ancient Greek culture, growth was not limited to physical size but also encompassed ideas of influence, wisdom, and maturity. The verb μηκύνω allows us to delve into this rich imagery.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word:
μηκύνω (mēkynō), pronounced MAY-koo-noh.

Etymology:
The root of μηκύνω comes from the noun μῆκος (mēkos), meaning “length.” As a verb, it signifies to “lengthen,” “extend,” or “grow.” The word carries the connotation of expansion, be it in physical, metaphorical, or spiritual contexts.

Part of Speech:
μηκύνω is a verb, commonly used in the active voice to denote an action being carried out, often in reference to organic growth or expansion. The word can be found in different moods (indicative, subjunctive) and tenses (present, future, etc.), allowing it to describe both immediate and progressive actions.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To Lengthen or Extend
The primary meaning of μηκύνω is to make something longer or to extend it. This sense can be used both in literal, physical terms (e.g., extending a line) or in metaphorical terms, such as extending influence or time.

Meaning 2: To Grow or Increase
In Mark 4:27, μηκύνω is used to describe the process of growth in relation to the parable of the seed. Here, the word highlights the slow, often unseen, but inevitable growth of plants, mirroring spiritual growth that occurs in believers.

Exploring Similar Words

αὐξάνω (auxanō), pronounced owk-SAH-noh: While also meaning “to grow” or “to increase,” αὐξάνω tends to emphasize general growth, whether in size, number, or strength. In contrast, μηκύνω focuses more on the concept of length or extension in the process of growth.

πλατύνω (platynō), pronounced plah-TOO-noh: This verb means “to widen” or “to broaden.” It contrasts with μηκύνω, which emphasizes length rather than breadth.

τείνω (teinō), pronounced TAY-noh: Meaning “to stretch” or “to extend,” this word similarly conveys a sense of expansion. However, τείνω often refers to the stretching of a material or an object, while μηκύνω can refer to both physical and abstract growth.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

μηκύνω follows typical verb conjugation patterns in Koine Greek. It appears in the following forms:

• Present Indicative Active: μηκύνω (I lengthen/extend)
• Future Indicative Active: μηκυνῶ (I will lengthen/extend)
• Aorist Indicative Active: ἐμήκυνα (I lengthened/extended)

These forms allow the verb to be flexible in describing actions occurring in various tenses, from immediate extension to future growth.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The verb μηκύνω is used in both literal and metaphorical senses throughout Greek literature, including the New Testament. In lexicons, the word is commonly defined as “to lengthen” or “to grow.” In classical usage, the term is found in contexts where the physical extension of something—whether time, space, or influence—is discussed. In the New Testament, its primary appearance in Mark 4:27 takes on a deeply spiritual meaning, emphasizing the natural but mysterious growth of faith, as illustrated in the parable of the growing seed. While other Greek terms for growth focus on size or magnitude, μηκύνω uniquely highlights the progression or extension over time.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Mark 4:27 – “He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” The verb μηκύνηται is used here to describe the mysterious growth of the seed, symbolizing the kingdom of God and the development of faith.

Luke 12:25 – “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Here, the term μηκύνειν refers to the futile attempt to extend or lengthen one’s lifespan through worry.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μηκύνω is an essential term that describes both physical and metaphorical growth or extension. In Mark 4:27, it refers to the growth of seeds, symbolizing spiritual growth and the mysteries of faith. In classical literature, it commonly appears in contexts relating to the extension of time, influence, or physical objects. Understanding μηκύνω enhances one’s interpretation of growth metaphors in the New Testament, particularly those that focus on the natural, often unseen, progression of faith.

Did You Know?

• μηκύνω was often used in agricultural contexts in classical Greece, making it a fitting word for Jesus’ parables about seeds and growth.
• The verb μηκύνω not only applied to physical growth but also described the lengthening of time and influence, showing its broad applicability in Greek language and culture.
• The New Testament’s use of μηκύνω in Mark 4:27 is one of the few instances where this word describes spiritual growth, emphasizing the mystery of how faith develops naturally.

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