6285. 'And may they increase into a multitude in the midst of the earth' means an extension from the inmost part. This is clear from the meaning of 'the midst' as the inmost part, dealt with in 1940, 2973, 6068, 6084, 6103. Consequently an increase into a multitude means an extension; for truths, meant by 'a multitude', extend from the inmost part as the centre to parts round about it. For the further they extend from it, and the more they do so in conformity with heavenly order, the greater is their state of perfection. That state is what is meant by this part of the blessing - 'that they may increase into a multitude in the midst of the earth'.