Understanding αὐξάνω (auxanō) Strong’s G837: The Divine Process of Growth and Increase in Scripture

Pronunciation Guide: ow-KSA-no

Basic Definition

Strong’s G837: αὐξάνω (auxanō) describes the process of growth, increase, or expansion. It encompasses both natural biological growth and spiritual development. The word conveys the idea of something becoming larger, more numerous, or more mature through an inherent life principle or external nurturing. It represents growth as both a process and a divine gift orchestrated by God.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Root etymology: From αὔξω (auxō), “to grow”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Agricultural contexts, narrative passages, parables, and epistolary teaching sections
• Voice: Often appears in passive voice, indicating growth as something received rather than self-generated

αὐξάνω Morphology:

• αὐξάνω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I increase/grow
• αὐξάνεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you increase/grow
• αὐξάνει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it increases/grows
• αὐξάνομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we increase/grow
• αὐξάνετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you all increase/grow
• αὐξάνουσι(ν) (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they increase/grow
• αὐξάνων (present active participle, masculine nominative singular) – increasing/growing
• αὐξάνοντος (present active participle, masculine genitive singular) – of increasing/growing
• αὐξάνεσθαι (present middle/passive infinitive) – to be increased/to grow
• αὐξανόμενος (present middle/passive participle) – being increased/growing
• αὐξηθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular) – that it might be increased/grown
• αὐξάνεσθε (present middle/passive imperative, 2nd person plural) – be increased/grow!
• ηὔξησα (aorist active indicative, 1st person singular) – I increased/grew
• ηὔξησεν (aorist active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it increased/grew
• ηὐξήθη (aorist passive indicative, 3rd person singular) – it was increased/grown

Origin & History

The term αὐξάνω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it primarily described physical growth. Aristotle used it in his “Historia Animalium” to describe the biological development of animals and plants. In Plato’s “Republic,” the word appears when discussing the growth of the ideal city-state, suggesting an orderly expansion according to natural principles.

In the Septuagint (LXX), αὐξάνω takes on theological significance, first appearing in Genesis 1:22 in God’s command to the creatures to “be fruitful and multiply (αὐξάνεσθε καὶ πληθύνεσθε).” This divine mandate establishes growth as part of God’s created order and blessing. The term appears throughout the Pentateuch and historical books, often in connection with יהוה’s covenant promises of multiplication to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:6, 28:3). Early church fathers like Ignatius of Antioch in his “Epistle to the Ephesians” and Clement of Alexandria in “Paedagogus” expanded the concept to include spiritual growth in the Messiah, emphasizing it as both divine gift and human responsibility.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To cause to grow, to increase in size, number, or extent
• To advance or progress in development or maturity
• To become greater in influence, importance, or effect
• To multiply in quantity or abundance
• To nurture or cultivate growth in others

αὐξάνω Translation Options:

• Grow – Best captures the organic, progressive nature of αὐξάνω when referring to plants, people, or spiritual development
• Increase – More appropriate when referring to numerical growth or expansion of quantity
• Multiply – Useful in contexts of population growth or abundance, especially when paired with πληθύνω
• Flourish – Captures the qualitative aspect of thriving growth rather than mere size increase
• Mature – Appropriate when the context emphasizes development toward completion rather than mere expansion

Biblical Usage

The verb αὐξάνω appears 23 times in the New Testament, often in agricultural metaphors and parables that illustrate spiritual realities. Its first appearance is in Matthew 6:28, where the Messiah points to the lilies of the field that “neither toil nor spin” yet grow beautifully by God’s provision. This establishes a fundamental biblical principle that true growth ultimately depends on divine empowerment rather than human effort alone.

Paul employs αὐξάνω extensively in his epistles to describe the organic expansion of the Body of Messiah and individual spiritual development. In Colossians 2:19, he describes the Church as “growing with a growth that is from God,” emphasizing the divine source of all genuine spiritual increase. The term bridges natural and spiritual realms, revealing how physical growth patterns illustrate spiritual principles in God’s kingdom.

• “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow [αὐξάνει]; they neither toil nor spin.” Matthew 6:28
• “Other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing [αὐξανόμενον] up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:8
• “And the child grew [ηὔξανεν] and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40
• “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth [ηὔξανεν].” 1 Corinthians 3:6
• “He must increase [αὐξάνειν], but I must decrease.” John 3:30
• “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up [αὐξήσωμεν] in every way into him who is the head, into Messiah.” Ephesians 4:15
• “And the word of God continued to increase [ηὔξανεν], and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.” Acts 6:7

Cultural Insights

In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, growth (αὐξάνω) was not merely a biological concept but a deeply spiritual one. The Jewish agricultural calendar was intertwined with religious festivals and observances, creating a rhythm where physical growth in fields and vineyards paralleled spiritual growth in covenant relationship with יהוה. The Feast of Firstfruits (Bikkurim) celebrated the beginning of the barley harvest, while Shavuot (Pentecost) marked the wheat harvest – both connecting the people’s dependence on God for growth with their covenant obligations.

The Hebrew concept of growth differed significantly from Hellenistic views. Greek thought often emphasized human achievement and self-determination, while Hebrew understanding recognized growth as fundamentally dependent on divine blessing. When Jesus taught using agricultural parables, His Jewish audience would have naturally understood the spiritual implications. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13 would resonate deeply with farmers who knew that growth (αὐξάνω) depended not only on their agricultural techniques but primarily on God’s provision of rain, sunshine, and fertile soil. This cultural background illuminates why the New Testament frequently portrays spiritual growth as something that God gives (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) rather than something believers achieve through their own efforts alone.

Theological Significance

The theology of αὐξάνω reveals God’s character as both Creator and Sustainer. From the original blessing to “be fruitful and multiply” in Genesis to the New Testament portrayal of spiritual growth, Scripture consistently presents increase as a divine gift reflecting God’s generosity and abundant provision. This challenges both ancient and modern self-sufficiency mindsets, reminding believers that “unless יהוה builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

The incarnation itself demonstrates αὐξάνω in profound ways. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus “increased [προέκοπτεν] in wisdom and stature,” embracing the human experience of development from infancy to adulthood. This theological reality dignifies the process of growth rather than merely celebrating completed maturity. When Paul writes that believers are to “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Messiah” (Ephesians 4:15), he establishes Yeshua as both the pattern and goal of all spiritual growth. The ultimate expression of αὐξάνω is found in the expansion of God’s kingdom – not through human force or political power, but through the seemingly insignificant mustard seed that grows into the largest garden plant (Matthew 13:31-32), demonstrating how יהוה works through weakness to display His strength.

Personal Application

Understanding αὐξάνω invites us to embrace growth as a God-ordained process rather than an instant achievement. Just as a farmer plants seeds and tends them patiently, trusting in the mysterious process that transforms tiny kernels into abundant harvests, we too are called to faithfully plant and water while recognizing that only God can give the increase. This perspective liberates us from performance anxiety and self-condemnation when growth seems slow.

Consider areas in your spiritual life where growth feels stagnant. The biblical concept of αὐξάνω encourages us to examine whether we’re providing the right conditions for growth (through spiritual disciplines and community) while simultaneously releasing our grip on outcomes and timelines. As you encounter obstacles or seasons of apparent dormancy, remember that underground root development – invisible but essential – often precedes visible fruit. Your responsibility is faithful obedience; God’s responsibility is growth. This partnership between divine empowerment and human participation creates the healthy tension in which authentic spiritual development thrives.

Related Words

• φύω (phyō, “to produce, bring forth”) – Refers to the generating or sprouting of plants, emphasizing the initial emergence rather than ongoing development. While αὐξάνω describes the process of increasing in size or maturity, φύω focuses on the origination or coming into existence. See G5453
• πληθύνω (plēthynō, “to multiply, increase in number”) – Often paired with αὐξάνω in the phrase “be fruitful and multiply.” While αὐξάνω can refer to growth in size, quality, or maturity, πληθύνω specifically denotes numerical increase or multiplication in quantity. See G4129
• προκόπτω (prokoptō, “to advance, progress, move forward”) – Suggests movement forward or advancement, often in a metaphorical sense of making progress. While αὐξάνω emphasizes organic growth processes, προκόπτω highlights the idea of forward movement or advancement toward a goal. See G4298
• τελειόω (teleioō, “to complete, perfect, bring to maturity”) – Refers to bringing something to its intended end or completion. Where αὐξάνω describes the ongoing process of growth, τελειόω emphasizes the final state of completeness or maturity that results from growth. See G5048
• καρποφορέω (karpophoreō, “to bear fruit, be productive”) – Focuses specifically on the production of fruit or results. While αὐξάνω describes general growth or increase, καρποφορέω emphasizes the specific outcome of productivity or fruitfulness resulting from that growth. See G2592

Did you Know?

• The Greek word αὐξάνω provides the root for our modern English word “auxin,” which refers to plant growth hormones. These naturally occurring substances regulate plant cell enlargement and division – precisely the biological process that ancient farmers observed when using αὐξάνω to describe their crops’ development. Modern botanical science has simply given a name to the mysterious growth principle that biblical writers recognized as evidence of God’s sustaining power in creation.
• In the ancient Mediterranean world, growth (αὐξάνω) was often associated with lunar cycles, as the moon’s waxing and waning seemed to influence plant development. Many agricultural practices were timed according to lunar phases. This cultural connection adds depth to passages like Psalm 104:14-16, which praises יהוה for making “plants grow [ἀνατέλλων in LXX, related to αὐξάνω] for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” The biblical authors deliberately redirect credit for growth from cosmic forces to the Creator Himself.
• The concept of αὐξάνω appears in ancient medical writings, including the Hippocratic Corpus (5th-4th centuries BCE), where it described normal physical development and the growth of abnormal conditions like tumors. This medical usage illuminates Paul’s warning about false teaching that spreads like cancer/gangrene in 2 Timothy 2:17. Paul’s metaphor draws on contemporary medical understanding that unhealthy growth (αὐξάνω used negatively) can destroy a body—whether physical or spiritual—unless properly addressed.

Remember This

Authentic αὐξάνω always flows from divine empowerment, reminding us that true growth—whether in nature, numbers, or spiritual maturity—ultimately testifies to God’s faithful work rather than human achievement.