Crescite et multiplicamini
“Increase and multiply.”
Vulgate Bible, Genesis 1:28
What does “Crescite et multiplicamini” mean?
Crescite et multiplicamini translates as “Increase and multiply.”
Grow in number and flourish; a call to growth and abundance.
“Crescite et multiplicamini” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Crescite | grow! | a command (imperative) of cresco, “I grow”; plural, addressed to several people |
| et | and | a conjunction joining the two commands |
| multiplicamini | multiply! | a command (imperative) of multiplicor, “I am multiplied”; plural, passive-form ending (the verb is used in the passive to mean “increase in number”) |
How to pronounce “Crescite et multiplicamini”
The main difference is the c in crescite: a hard k in Classical, ch (as in “church”) in Ecclesiastical. The stress falls on the first syllable of crescite and on the long -ca- of multiplicamini. A few editions give the stress as mool-tih-plih-KAH-mih-nee in both systems.
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase says “grow and be multiplied”, in natural English “increase and multiply”. It comes from the Latin Vulgate, the Bible translated by Jerome in the late fourth century.
In Genesis the words appear as God’s blessing on creation. In chapter 1 they are spoken to the sea creatures and the birds, and in verse 28 to the first humans. A similar blessing is repeated to Noah after the flood.
Through the Vulgate and the English King James Bible, “be fruitful and multiply” became a stock phrase for fertility and abundance. The Latin form was also used as a state motto of Maryland, a use that has since been dropped.
How to use “Crescite et multiplicamini”
It suits a card for a new baby, a wedding or a housewarming, a motto for a garden, business or community project, or a tattoo about growth and abundance. In a religious setting it can also quote the Genesis blessing directly.
- Latin
- Crescite et multiplicamini
- English
- Increase and multiply.
- Source
- Vulgate Bible, Genesis 1:28
- Era
- Late Antiquity
- Theme
- Growth
Common mistakes
- The verbs are plural. To address one person you would need a different form, so do not shorten or alter the endings without checking the grammar.
- The second verb looks passive (-mini) but is not “be multiplied by someone”. It simply means to increase in number.
- Some Bibles read “be fruitful and multiply” instead of “increase and multiply”. Both render the same Latin, so the English wording varies by translation.
- It is a Biblical blessing, not a classical Roman saying. Do not credit it to a Roman author.
Questions about “Crescite et multiplicamini”
What does “Crescite et multiplicamini” mean literally?
Literally “grow and be multiplied”, which is normally rendered “increase and multiply”. Both verbs are plural commands.
Where does “Crescite et multiplicamini” come from?
It is from Genesis 1:28 in the Latin Vulgate, the Bible translation made largely by Jerome in the late fourth century.
How do you pronounce “Crescite et multiplicamini”?
Classical: KRES-kih-teh et mool-tih-plih-KAH-mih-nee. Ecclesiastical: KRESH-ee-teh et mool-tee-plee-KAH-mee-nee.
Is “Crescite et multiplicamini” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes, it is correct Vulgate Latin. Keep in mind that it is plural and has a strong Biblical association, which may not suit every wearer.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
Explore the Book of Genesis
Related Latin quotes
One Latin line. Every Monday.
A quote, its translation and the story behind it, free in your inbox.