Lexical Summary megalunó: To magnify, to exalt, to make great Original Word: μεγαλύνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enlarge, magnify, exaltFrom megas; to make (or declare) great, i.e. Increase or (figuratively) extol -- enlarge, magnify, shew great. see GREEK megas NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom megas Definition to make or declare great NASB Translation displayed...great (1), enlarged (1), exalted (1), exalting (1), exalts (1), held...in high esteem (1), high esteem (1), lengthen (1), magnified (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3170: μεγαλύνωμεγαλύνω; imperfect ἐμεγαλυνον; passive (imperfect 3 person singular ἐμεγαλύνετο); 1 aorist infinitive μεγαλυνθῆναι; 1 future μεγαλυνθήσομαι; (μέγας); from (Aeschylus and) Thucydides down; the Sept. mostly for הִגְדִּיל; 1. to make great, magnify (Vulg.magnifico): τινα or τί, properly, of dimension, Matthew 23:5 (here A. V. enlarge); passive to increase: of bodily stature, ἐμεγαλύνθη τό παιδάριον, 1 Samuel 2:21; so in a figure, 2 Corinthians 10:15, of Paul, that his apostolic efficiency among the Corinthians may increase more and more and have more abundant results (others refer this to 2; see Meyer (edited by Heinrici) in the place cited). metaphorically, to make conspicious: Luke 1:58 (on which see ἔλεος, 2 a.). 2. to deem or declare great, i. e. to esteem highly, to extol, laud, celebrate: Luke 1:16; Acts 5:13; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:17. (often so in classical Greek also); passive equivalent to to get glory and praise: ἐν τίνι, in a thing, Philippians 1:20. The verb behind Strong’s Greek 3170 appears eight times and consistently conveys the idea of making something or someone large before the eyes of others—either by praising, honoring, or expanding influence. Depending on context, the subject magnified may be the Lord, His mercy, His servants, or (negatively) human religiosity. Magnifying the Lord in Personal Praise Luke places the word at the heart of Mary’s song: “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46). Her worship does not add to God’s greatness; it enlarges her testimony so that others can behold what He has done. The same chapter records that “the Lord had shown her great mercy” (literally, “magnified His mercy,” Luke 1:58), showing that divine acts themselves can be said to be “made great.” Together, these verses establish the word as a fitting vehicle for humble, God-centered exaltation. Corporate Praise and Public Testimony After Cornelius’s household receives the Spirit, bystanders hear them “speaking in tongues and exalting God” (Acts 10:46). The supernatural gift results in audible magnification of God among Gentiles, signifying the widening of the covenant community. Later, when the sons of Sceva are exposed, “the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17). Fear and reverence spread through Ephesus, demonstrating that the risen Christ continues to magnify His own name through acts of power and judgment. Growth of Apostolic Influence Paul employs the passive voice when he writes, “We hope that as your faith increases, our sphere of ministry among you will be greatly enlarged” (2 Corinthians 10:15). Here the verb describes the widening of gospel influence rather than verbal praise. The progress of faith within the church becomes the divine means by which the apostolic mission is “magnified,” reminding believers that spiritual maturity fuels further outreach. Contrasting Counterfeit Magnification “All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels” (Matthew 23:5). The same verb indicts the Pharisees for self-promotion. External religion that seeks to magnify the worshiper instead of the Lord stands under Christ’s condemnation. Christ Magnified in Suffering and Death Paul’s personal aim reaches its summit in prison: “Now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20). Magnification is not limited to songs and sermons; it is accomplished when a believer’s entire existence advertises the worth of the Savior. Paul’s willingness to glorify Christ through martyrdom reinforces the call to sacrificial discipleship. Practical and Pastoral Considerations 1. Worship: Genuine magnification centers on God’s character and deeds, not the performer’s skill or emotion. Doctrinal Observations • The word underscores divine sovereignty: God Himself magnifies His mercy (Luke 1:58) and His Son’s name (Acts 19:17). Summary Strong’s 3170 threads through key moments of praise, mission, and warning. Whether sung by Mary, proclaimed by Gentile converts, or embodied in apostolic suffering, the verb calls every believer to live so that the greatness of God in Christ is unmistakably enlarged before a watching world. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 23:5 V-PIA-3PGRK: αὐτῶν καὶ μεγαλύνουσιν τὰ κράσπεδα NAS: their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels KJV: and enlarge the borders INT: of them and enlarge their tassles Luke 1:46 V-PIA-3S Luke 1:58 V-IIA-3S Acts 5:13 V-IIA-3S Acts 10:46 V-PPA-GMP Acts 19:17 V-IIM/P-3S 2 Corinthians 10:15 V-ANP Philippians 1:20 V-FIP-3S Strong's Greek 3170 |
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