μηκύνω
mēkýnō
G3373 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make long, to lengthen; in the middle voice, to become longer, to increase in length or size, to extend, to grow (physically or metaphorically). Refers primarily to the process of elongation or increase in dimension, but in some contexts can refer more broadly to any kind of spatial or metaphorical enlargement or extension.
Semantic Range
to lengthen, to make longer, to extend (in reference to objects or time), to grow in size or stature, to be increased or enlarged in extent
Root / Etymology
From the nominal root μῆκος (mēkos, 'length'); formed with the verbal ending -ύνω, common for causative or inchoative verbs in Greek, indicating 'to make (something) X' or 'become X'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb μηκύνω is not common in classical Greek, but where it appears, it typically refers to the act of lengthening something (e.g. a line, road, period of time). In Koine Greek, particularly in the Septuagint, it may be used for literal extension (such as the growth of a child or the lengthening of physical objects), as well as metaphorically for increase or growth. In the New Testament (e.g. Luke 1:80; 2:40), the middle voice typically refers to a child growing or becoming physically larger. Unlike verbs such as αὐξάνω (to make grow; to increase generally), μηκύνω is more spatially specific to 'length.' English translations often render it as 'grow,' which may obscure its focus on extension or length. The verb does not inherently imply improvement, only increase in dimension.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μῆκος; to lengthen, i.e. (middle voice) to enlarge:--grow up.
Root Family
μηκύνω (mēkynō) — to make long, lengthen, become long, extend
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3373-01 |
μηκύνηται | mekunetai | V PRS MID SUBJ 3P SG |
grow up | may become longer | may grow up | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3373-01 |
Mark 4:27 | μηκύνηται | mekunetai | V PRS MID SUBJ 3P SG |
grow up | may become longer | may grow up |