The term refers to the God-wrought increase characteristic of healthy spiritual life. It is never a mere numerical expansion but a qualitative, organic enlargement that originates in Christ, is mediated through the Holy Spirit, and is manifested in the united life of believers.

Occurrences in Scripture

Ephesians 4:16 and Colossians 2:19 present the only New Testament uses, both within extended metaphors of the Church as a living body whose vitality flows from its Head. In each passage the word focuses attention on the dynamic result rather than on the process: the body “grows” (Ephesians 4:16) and experiences “a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19).

Christological Focus

In both contexts Christ is explicitly the source. Union with Him guarantees that the increase is neither self-generated nor autonomous; it is derived. This safeguards doctrine against any notion that human technique or institutional structure can produce genuine spiritual enlargement apart from the Head.

Ecclesiological Implications

1. Organic Unity: The imagery of joints and ligaments underscores mutual dependence. Every believer, regardless of gifting, contributes to the common increase.
2. Cooperative Ministry: Ephesians 4:16 links the growth to “the work of each individual part,” demonstrating that robust corporate life arises when personal ministry functions within divinely ordained order.
3. Divine Direction: Colossians 2:19 warns against severance from Christ through legalism or mysticism. Disconnection arrests growth; attachment nourishes it.

Pastoral and Discipleship Applications

• Equip the Saints: Leaders facilitate environments in which each member discovers and exercises gifting, thereby releasing the God-given increase.
• Guard Christ-Centeredness: Programs, traditions, or personalities must never eclipse dependence on the Head.
• Cultivate Love: Ephesians 4:16 ties growth to love, revealing the atmosphere in which spiritual enlargement thrives.
• Encourage Interdependence: As joints and ligaments cannot exist in isolation, so disciples flourish when accountable and engaged within the body.

Historical Background

First-century audiences lived in agrarian and medical worlds where the language of bodily health and plant growth resonated deeply. Jewish wisdom literature already associated growth with divine blessing (for example, Psalm 92:12-14). Paul draws on these familiar motifs, now anchored in Christ’s resurrected life.

Related Biblical Themes

• Maturity (Hebrews 5:14–6:1): Growth leads from infancy to discernment.
• Fruitfulness (John 15:5): Abiding in Christ produces increase.
• Edification (1 Corinthians 14:12): Spiritual gifts aim at building up the church, paralleling the concept of growth.

Summary

The word encapsulates God’s gracious enlargement of His people in Christ. It highlights a growth that is Christ-sourced, Spirit-empowered, love-saturated, and communally experienced—an enduring reminder that authentic increase in the Church is both gift and calling.