[Greek] μεγαλύνω (megalynō), [Latin] laudare: to make large, to expand, to praise greatness of, to extol, to magnify, to highly glorify; Mt.23:5, Lk.1:46,58, Acts 5:13, Acts 10:46, Acts19:17, 2Cor.10:15, Php.1:20
Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees: painting by James Tissot (1886)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to make great, to exalt, to magnify, to make great by word, to exaggerate, and to boast. Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 5.98 states “And what is this but to make greater the enemies that you have already, and to force others to become so whom would otherwise have never thought of it?” Xenophon’s Apology 32 states “And as for Socrates, by exalting himself before the court, he brought ill-will upon himself and made his conviction by the jury more certain.” Euripides’s Bacchae 320 states “Do you see? You rejoice whenever many people are at your gates, and the city exalts the name of Pentheus.”
Old Testament: This term means to have strength, to be great, to act proudly, to magnify, to be stubborn, to make wonderful, and to become many. And do- Great you are, Lord God! (2Sam.7:22). I will make you a great nation (Gen.12:2). Speak not haughtily on the day of distress (Oba 12). I will prove My greatness and holiness (Ezek.38:23). And shall let the hair of his head grow freely (Num.6:5). The Lord has blessed my master so abundantly (Gen.24:35). And our guilt reaches up to haven (Ezr.9:6). So may the Lord value my life highly (1Sam.26:24).
New Testament: This term means to increase, to praise, and to boast. The Pharisees and the scribes attempt to increase their piety by widening their phylacteries and lengthening their tassels. Praising can involve proclaiming, showing, esteeming, glorifying, and magnifying. Mary’s soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, who shows great mercy to her. The Apostles spoke in tongues, glorifying God. The name of the Lord was held in great esteem. Christ is magnified in Paul in his life. Proudful human boasting is contrasted with genuine boasting in the Lord.
Scripture:
“All their words are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.” Mt.23:5
The Pharisees and scribes were seeking to make their piety more noticeable to others. They wanted to be seen this way.
“We are not boasting beyond measure, in other’s people’s labors; yet our hope is that, as your faith increases, our influence among you may be greatly enlarged, within our proper limits.” 2Cor.10:15
Boasting in the Lord is a legitimate boast in contrast to vain human boasting.
“My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” Php.1:20
Jesus is central in Paul’s life. Paul is united with Jesus in his missionary activity. In death, Paul would have a deeper unity with Jesus.
Conclusion:
Laud, laudatory, applaud, magnify, magnificent, laudable
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover how this term is used in a both and positive and negative sense. One’s interpretation (perception) may bestow power onto others. Socrates exalts himself which leads to his death. Thucydides presents bestowing power on others.
In the Old Testament, it is not surprising that this term is used in many ways. In a sense, this term is magnified in the Old Testament. The more nuanced meanings include acting proudly and being rebellious. The bestowing of children in enlarging the family was important to continuing the family name. Even Abraham will have many descendants.
In the New Testament, increasing and boasting are associated with pride and arrogance. In Mary’s humbleness, God is glorified. Paul contemplates how he will will be united and magnified in Him.
I appreciate your laudable attention and interest in this post.