"lit., to enlarge, amplify, Mt. 23:5; 2 Cor. 10:15; to manifest in an extraordinary degree, Lk. 1:58; fig., to magnify, exalt, extol, Lk. 1:46; Acts 5:13; Acts 10:46; 19:17; Phil. 1:20*"
Definition and meaning
lit., to enlarge, amplify, Mt. 23:5; 2 Cor. 10:15; to manifest in an extraordinary degree, Lk. 1:58; fig., to magnify, exalt, extol, Lk. 1:46; Acts 5:13; Acts 10:46; 19:17; Phil. 1:20*
In the original Greek the word is written: μεγαλύνω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of megalyno (G3170) across the King James Bible.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3170 (megalyno) is a Greek word that means: lit., to enlarge, amplify, Mt. 23:5; 2 Cor. 10:15; to manifest in an extraordinary degree, Lk. 1:58; fig., to magnify, exalt, extol, Lk. 1:46; Acts 5:13; Acts 10:46; 19:17; Phil. 1:20* It appears 8 times in the King James Bible.
The word megalyno (G3170) appears 8 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3170 is megalyno, a Greek word defined as: lit., to enlarge, amplify, Mt. 23:5; 2 Cor. 10:15; to manifest in an extraordinary degree, Lk. 1:58; fig., to magnify, exalt, extol, Lk. 1:46; Acts 5:. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
megalyno is a Greek word found in the New Testament.