Lexical Summary huperauxanó: To increase abundantly, to grow exceedingly Original Word: ὑπεραυξάνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grow exceedingly. From huper and auzano; to increase above ordinary degree -- grow exceedingly. see GREEK huper see GREEK auzano NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom huper and auxanó Definition to increase beyond measure NASB Translation greatly enlarged (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5232: ὑπεραυξάνωὑπεραυξάνω; to increase beyond measure; to grow exceedingly: 2 Thessalonians 1:3. (Andocides ( Topical Lexicon Core ConceptThe single New Testament appearance of the verb ὑπεραυξάνω presents an image of faith that not only grows but does so “exceedingly,” pushing every natural boundary. Paul employs it to describe the Thessalonian believers’ spiritual condition in a way that highlights God’s ability to surpass ordinary expectations of growth. “Your faith is growing more and more” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Biblical Occurrence 2 Thessalonians 1:3 sits in the thanksgiving section of the letter. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy rejoice that: 1. The Thessalonians’ faith is experiencing extraordinary expansion. In the letter’s structure, this opening thanksgiving lays the groundwork for later exhortations about perseverance amid persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4-12) and doctrinal stability concerning the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17). The single verb ὑπεραυξάνω thus sets the tone for the whole epistle: robust faith sustains steadfastness and orthodoxy. Theological Themes Faith’s supernatural enlargement Paul ties the Thessalonians’ enlargement of faith to divine agency rather than human self-effort. Elsewhere he teaches that “God has apportioned to each a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), yet here that measure is shown to be dynamic, capable of surpassing initial endowments. Interconnected growth of faith and love The verse’s parallel clause—“the love of every one of you for one another is increasing”—shows that when faith overflows, love follows. This echoes Galatians 5:6, where “faith works through love,” and underscores the integrated nature of spiritual virtues. Perseverance under persecution The Thessalonians were “enduring persecutions and tribulations” (2 Thessalonians 1:4). Exceedingly growing faith is not an abstract quality but a practical resource for suffering believers, aligning with Peter’s call to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Peter 3:18). Historical and Cultural Background Thessalonica, a cosmopolitan port on the Via Egnatia, exposed converts to social ostracism and civic pressures tied to emperor worship. The church’s rapid growth (Acts 17:1-9) threatened local stability, prompting hostility. Paul’s report of hyper-growth in faith is remarkable given such conditions, testifying to divine empowerment rather than favorable circumstances. Relationship to Other Growth Terminology • Auxanō — “grow” (Matthew 6:28; Colossians 2:19): organic, steady development. ὑπεραυξάνω integrates “grow” with the intensifier “beyond,” elevating the normal process of auxanō to a level of extraordinary multiplication. Practical Ministry Applications Encouraging congregational faith development Church leaders may draw from 2 Thessalonians 1:3 to foster expectations of divine enlargement in corporate faith, not merely maintenance of the status quo. Measuring progress by spiritual quality, not numerical size Paul commends the Thessalonians not for statistical expansion but for the depth of trust in God manifesting in mutual love. Cultivating resilience Believers under pressure today—whether social, ideological, or physical—can look to God for a hyper-increase of faith that sustains steadfastness. Devotional Reflections 1. Pray for faith that exceeds personal limitations (Mark 9:24). Summary Strong’s Greek 5232 encapsulates the New Testament’s vision of faith that skyrockets beyond ordinary dimensions. Its lone appearance magnifies a reality observable wherever God’s Spirit is at work: true faith never plateaus. It pushes outward, bearing observable fruit in love and endurance, and stands as a promise that the believer’s growth potential is bounded only by the limitless power of God. Forms and Transliterations υπεραυξανει υπεραυξάνει ὑπεραυξάνει hyperauxanei hyperauxánei uperauxaneiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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