"optative, πληθύναι (3 sg), trans. to multiply, cause to increase, augment, 2 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 6:14; pass. to be multiplied, increase, be accumulated, Mt. 24:12; Acts 6:7; 7:17; intrans. to multiply, increase, be augmented, Acts 6:1"
Definition and meaning
optative, πληθύναι (3 sg), trans. to multiply, cause to increase, augment, 2 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 6:14; pass. to be multiplied, increase, be accumulated, Mt. 24:12; Acts 6:7; 7:17; intrans. to multiply, increase, be augmented, Acts 6:1
In the original Greek the word is written: πληθύνω
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 plethuno (G4129) across the King James Bible.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
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Common questions
Strong's G4129 (plethuno) is a Greek word that means: optative, πληθύναι (3 sg), trans. to multiply, cause to increase, augment, 2 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 6:14; pass. to be multiplied, increase, be accumulated, Mt. 24:12; Acts 6:7; 7:17; intrans. to multiply, in... It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word plethuno (G4129) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4129 is plethuno, a Greek word defined as: optative, πληθύναι (3 sg), trans. to multiply, cause to increase, augment, 2 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 6:14; pass. to be multiplied, increase, be accumulated, M. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
plethuno is a Greek word found in the New Testament.