MAGNIFY GOD

1. To exalt or magnify God is to tell others how great He is. 
The verb megaluno means to increase the size of something (number, amount, length, height, 
weight, volume, influence, fame, importance): number of sins (Lam. 4:6), amount of wealth and 
wisdom (2 Chron. 9:22), length of hair (Dan. 4:30) or tassels (Matt. 23:5), height of a tree 
(Dan. 4:8, 17) or a child (1 Sam. 2:21; 3:19), heaviness of a weight (Amos 8:5), loudness of 
lamentation (Zech. 12:11), more power and authority (1 Kings 1:37, 47; Dan. 2:48), bigger name 
or reputation (Gen. 12:2); inflated opinion of oneself (Dan. 8:25). 

2. Exaltation begins in the soul (Luke 1:46) and is expressed through the mouth (Acts 10:46) 
and the body (Phil. 1:20) 

3. The objects of exaltation are Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:20) and God (Luke 1:46; Acts 10:46). 
People magnified the apostles because they were doing miracles (Acts 5:12–13; cf. 2 Cor. 10:15). 

4. Praise (ainesis) magnifies God (Psalm 69[68]:30). God would rather be magnified with praise than 
be given sacrifices (Psalm 69[68]:31). thusian aineseos is "a sacrifice of praise" in Hebrews 13:15. 

5. Why exalt God? 

a. because He is no respecter of persons: He blesses the humble and the great (Luke 1:48a). 

b. because He did something great for you (Luke 1:49; cf. 2 Sam. 7:21–22 LXX). 

c. because He made you famous—magnified your name (Luke 1:48b). 

d. because He showed a lot of mercy to you—the birth of a baby removes the disgrace
of barrenness (Luke 1:58; cf. 1:25).

e. because He delivered you from your enemies (Psa. 34[33]:3; 40[39]:16; 69[68]:30; 70[69]:4) 
or delivered a friend of yours from his enemies (Psa. 35[34]:27). 

f. because He keeps His word (2 Sam. 7:25–26 LXX = 1 Chron. 17:23–24 LXX). 

6. The Gentiles in the house of Cornelius exalted God after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit 
and the gift of speaking in tongues (Acts 10:46). 

7. The name of Jesus was magnified because he had authority over demons (Acts 19:17; 
comp. 19:13, 15).