περισσεία

abundance

Definition

Perisseia refers to an abundance, surplus, or overflowing quantity. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes a superabundance of spiritual or material blessing. In Romans 5:17, it describes the 'abundance of grace' received through Jesus Christ, emphasizing a divine overflow. In 2 Corinthians 8:2, it refers to the material 'abundance' or wealth of the Macedonian churches, which overflowed into generosity despite their poverty. James 1:21 uses it for the 'overflowing' or implanted word that saves souls, highlighting its life-giving power.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in Paul's letters (Romans, 2 Corinthians) and James. It consistently describes an overflowing state, whether of divine grace (Romans 5:17), material wealth tested by affliction (2 Corinthians 8:2), apostolic ministry expanding beyond its current reach (2 Corinthians 10:15), or the saving word implanted in believers (James 1:21). The pattern shows it applies to both spiritual realities and tangible resources, always with a sense of exceeding what is merely sufficient.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective perissos, meaning 'abundant, exceeding, more than enough.' It is built from the preposition peri ('around, beyond') combined with a root suggesting fullness or excess. The noun form perisseia thus carries the core idea of that which goes beyond the ordinary measure or boundary, resulting in surplus.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the extravagant nature of God's gifts. It contrasts human scarcity with divine superabundance, especially in the doctrine of grace (Romans 5:17). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that God's provision—whether of grace, resources for generosity, or spiritual truth—is not meager but overflowing, inviting believers into a life of secure abundance and generous outflow.

In a Greco-Roman context where material security was paramount and scarcity a common fear, the concept of perisseia would have been striking. For the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:2), their 'abundance' or wealth was redefined not as hoarded capital but as a surplus for sharing, challenging typical cultural views of wealth as private security.

perisseuma (G4051) — the concrete result or 'that which remains' from the abundance; ploutos (G4149) — general term for riches or wealth, not necessarily implying overflow; charis (G5485) — grace, which is the specific content of the abundance in Romans 5:17.

Word Details

Scripture References