αὔξησις
aúxēsis
G838 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The process of growing or increase; an increase in size, number, or intensity, especially of living things or among communities. In specific contexts, denotes growth (natural, physical, or metaphorical), development, progression, or augmentation. In religious or ethical texts, often refers to spiritual or communal growth.
Semantic Range
growth (physical, organic), increase (in number, size, strength), augmentation, development, progression, advancement, spiritual or communal growth
Root / Etymology
From the verb αὐξάνω ('to grow, increase, augment'); nominal abstract form deriving from the stem αὐξ- + the suffix -ησις denoting a process or result.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in classical Greek for natural increase in size (often of plants, animals); by Hellenistic and Koine periods, used broadly for various types of growth—physical, numerical, and metaphorical. In the Septuagint and New Testament, αὔξησις often takes on metaphorical applications, such as the growth or increase of communities or virtues. In Colossians 2:19 and Ephesians 4:16, used for the increase or edification of the community (often translated as 'growth' or 'increase of the body'). English translations ('increase', 'growth') capture the core sense but can overlook its range, especially the nuance of progressive development or maturation. Distinguished from πληθυσμός ('multiplication') in that αὔξησις emphasizes qualitative or organic development rather than mere addition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from αὐξάνω; growth:--increase.
Root Family
αὔξησις (auxēsis) — growth, increase, augmentation, development
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G838-01 |
αὔξησιν | auxesin | N ACC F SG |
growth | growth | growth | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G838-01 |
Ephesians 4:16 | αὔξησιν | auxesin | N ACC F SG |
growth | growth | growth |
G838-01 |
Colossians 2:19 | αὔξησιν | auxesin | N ACC F SG |
growth | growth | growth |