Understanding αὔξησις (auxesis) Strong’s G838: The Divine Growth Process that Builds the Body of Christ

Pronunciation Guide: owk’-say-sis (with the ‘ow’ as in ‘growth’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G838: αὔξησις (auxesis) refers to the process of growth, increase, or augmentation. It describes organic development and progressive advancement, particularly in spiritual contexts. In the New Testament, it specifically relates to the divinely-enabled growth of the Body of Messiah (the Church) as it matures in unity and spiritual development under the Messiah’s headship.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root word: αὐξάνω (auxanō, G837) – to grow, increase
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Doctrinal/theological teaching sections
• Appears only twice in the New Testament
• Used metaphorically to describe spiritual growth

αὔξησις Morphology:

• αὔξησις (nominative singular) – growth/increase
• αὐξήσεως (genitive singular) – of growth/increase
• αὐξήσει (dative singular) – in/with/by growth/increase
• αὔξησιν (accusative singular) – growth/increase (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term αὔξησις derives from the verb αὐξάνω (auxanō), which has been used since classical Greek literature to describe natural growth processes. Aristotle employed this term in his biological works to describe the natural development of living organisms (Historia Animalium). In agricultural contexts, Theophrastus used it in his work “On Plants” (De Plantis) to describe the growth of crops and vegetation.

In the Septuagint (LXX), forms of αὐξάνω appear frequently, particularly in Genesis 1:22, 28 where God commands His creation to “be fruitful and multiply” (αὐξάνεσθε καὶ πληθύνεσθε). The noun form αὔξησις, however, is rare in biblical Greek, making its New Testament appearances particularly significant. Early Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria and Origen adopted the term in their writings to describe spiritual development and the expansion of the Church under divine guidance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Natural or organic increase in size, number, or strength
• Progressive development toward maturity
• Divinely-enabled spiritual advancement
• The process of building up the body of believers
• The harmonious cooperation of all parts working toward growth

αὔξησις Translation Options:

• Growth – Emphasizes the organic, progressive nature of development; most common translation
• Increase – Highlights the quantitative aspect of expansion and multiplication
• Building up – Focuses on the constructive aspect, particularly fitting in Ephesians 4:16 context
• Advancement – Captures the forward movement toward spiritual maturity
• Augmentation – Reflects the strengthening and enhancement aspects of the term

Biblical Usage

The noun αὔξησις appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in critical passages about the nature and function of the Body of Messiah. In both instances, it conveys the divinely orchestrated growth process by which believers are built up in maturity and unity. The rarity of this term highlights its theological significance when it does appear.

In Ephesians, Paul uses αὔξησις to describe how the Body grows when properly connected to the Head (Messiah) and when all parts function harmoniously. In Colossians, he emphasizes that this growth comes from God, not human effort, pointing to the divine source of true spiritual development. These contexts reveal that αὔξησις is not merely natural growth but a supernatural process orchestrated by God through the Spirit.

• “From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth [αὔξησιν] of the body for the building up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16
• “And not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth [αὔξησιν] which is from God.” Colossians 2:19

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, the concept of organic growth (αὔξησις) was well understood through agricultural metaphors. The Mediterranean region’s agricultural economy meant Paul’s readers would have immediately grasped the organic nature of this growth – dependent on proper conditions, requiring time, and developing according to an inherent pattern. Just as farmers recognized that while they could plant and water, the actual growth came from God (a concept Paul explicitly teaches in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7), so too would they understand that spiritual αὔξησις ultimately depends on divine action.

Additionally, the body metaphor would have resonated particularly well with audiences familiar with Greco-Roman medical writings. Hippocrates and later Galen had written extensively about the body as an integrated system where all parts must function properly for health. Paul adapts this cultural understanding to convey deep spiritual truth about the interdependence of believers in the Body of Messiah. The term αὔξησις thus bridges agricultural and medical conceptual domains to illustrate spiritual realities in terms his audience would readily grasp.

Theological Significance

The concept of αὔξησις reveals profound theological truths about God’s work in and through His people. First, it demonstrates that spiritual growth is both divinely initiated and sustained – “the growth which is from God” (Colossians 2:19). This highlights God’s sovereignty and grace in the spiritual formation process. Just as no plant can force itself to grow, believers cannot manufacture true spiritual development apart from God’s empowering presence.

Second, αὔξησις illustrates the corporate nature of spiritual growth. In both Ephesians and Colossians, Paul describes growth happening within the context of the entire body, not merely individual believers in isolation. This corrects individualistic tendencies and reveals God’s design for interdependent community where each member contributes to the growth of all. The love emphasized in Ephesians 4:16 as the environment for growth reflects God’s character as love (1 John 4:8) and shows how His nature is expressed through His body.

Third, αὔξησις points to God’s ultimate purpose of conforming His people to the image of His Son. The goal of this growth is not merely numerical expansion but qualitative transformation into Christlikeness. This process reveals God’s patient, methodical work of sanctification through which He displays His glory by transforming people into the likeness of the Messiah.

Personal Application

Understanding αὔξησις transforms how we approach spiritual growth. Rather than seeing development as something we accomplish through self-discipline alone, we recognize our dependence on God’s empowering presence. Like branches connected to the vine (John 15:5), our growth flows from our vital connection to the Messiah. This liberates us from striving and performance-based spirituality, inviting us instead into a relationship of receptivity and cooperation with God’s Spirit.

Additionally, embracing the corporate dimension of αὔξησις challenges us to invest in meaningful community. No part of the body grows in isolation. When we withdraw from fellowship, we not only stunt our own growth but deprive others of what we uniquely supply to the body. Each time we exercise our spiritual gifts, share our burdens, speak truth in love, or meet practical needs, we participate in the divine growth process God designed. By committing to both receive from and contribute to the body, we position ourselves in the very environment where God promised to produce αὔξησις.

Related Words

• αὐξάνω (auxanō) [owk-san’-o] – The verb form meaning “to grow” or “to increase”; describes the action of growth rather than the process itself. More frequently used in both secular Greek literature and Scripture to describe various kinds of increase. See G837
• οἰκοδομή (oikodomē) [oy-kod-om-ay’] – Means “building up” or “edification”; while αὔξησις focuses on organic growth, οἰκοδομή emphasizes construction and deliberate development of character and community. Often used for spiritual strengthening of believers. See G3619
• πληθύνω (plēthynō) [play-thoo’-no] – Means “to multiply” or “to increase in number”; whereas αὔξησις can refer to growth in quality, maturity, or size, πληθύνω specifically indicates numerical increase or multiplication. See G4129
• τελειότης (teleiotēs) [tel-i-ot’-ace] – Means “perfection” or “completeness”; represents the goal or end result toward which αὔξησις progresses. While αὔξησις is the process, τελειότης is the destination of complete maturity. See G5047
• καρποφορέω (karpophoreō) [kar-pof-or-eh’-o] – Means “to bear fruit”; relates to αὔξησις in that both describe productive development, but καρποφορέω specifically focuses on the visible results or outcomes of growth rather than the growth process itself. See G2592

Did you Know?

• The Greek concept of αὔξησις influenced early Christian architecture and art. As churches were designed, they often incorporated visual elements that would “grow” upward, such as columns and arches that drew the eye heavenward, symbolizing the spiritual growth of believers reaching toward God. This architectural αὔξησις visually reinforced the theological concept every time believers gathered for worship.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of αὔξησις are still used in scientific and economic contexts. The term “αύξηση” in contemporary Greek refers to increase or growth, particularly in economic reports discussing GDP growth (αύξηση του ΑΕΠ). This demonstrates how this biblical concept continues to shape language even in secular contexts thousands of years later.
• The medical term “auxology” derives from the same Greek root as αὔξησις. Auxology is the study of biological growth and development, particularly in humans. This scientific discipline examines how various factors influence physical development – a fascinating parallel to how Paul uses αὔξησις to describe factors that influence spiritual development in the Body of Messiah.

Remember This

Αὔξησις reminds us that genuine spiritual growth is always a divine-human partnership – God supplies the life and power, we provide the willing participation and connection to both Him and His Body.