περισσεύω

I exceed, am left over

Definition

The verb περισσεύω (perisseuō) fundamentally means 'to abound' or 'to be in excess.' In its intransitive sense, it describes something that exists in abundance, such as leftover food after a miraculous feeding (Matthew 14:20) or an overflowing measure of righteousness that surpasses the legalistic standard of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). Transitively, it means 'to cause to abound' or 'to make something increase,' as seen in the principle that to those who have, more will be given (Matthew 25:29). It can also describe having more than enough of a resource, whether material or spiritual, leading to a state of surplus.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears across the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and other New Testament writings, often in contexts of divine provision, spiritual growth, or ethical instruction. In the Gospels, it frequently describes the physical leftovers from Jesus's miracles (e.g., Matthew 15:37). In Paul's letters, it emphasizes the superabundance of God's grace, joy, or comfort (e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:5, Philippians 1:26). A key pattern is its use in teachings about generosity and spiritual reciprocity, such as the widow who gave out of her poverty, putting in 'all she had to live on' (Mark 12:44, where her gift 'abounds' in sacrifice).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around,' 'about,' or 'beyond,' combined with a root related to being or existing. The compound suggests the idea of going beyond the ordinary or necessary limit, hence 'to be over and above,' 'to exceed,' or 'to overflow.' Cognates include περισσός (perissos, G4053, 'abundant') and περισσεία (perisseia, G4050, 'abundance'), all conveying a sense of superabundance.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the extravagant, overflowing nature of God's provision and grace. It underscores key doctrines like grace abounding beyond sin (Romans 5:20), the abundance of life in Christ (John 10:10), and the principle of sowing and reaping in generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8). Understanding περισσεύω enriches Bible reading by highlighting that God's economy is one of surplus, not scarcity, encouraging believers to trust in His abundant supply for both physical needs and spiritual growth.

In the Greco-Roman world, abundance was often tied to material wealth or agricultural surplus. However, the New Testament frequently subverts this by applying the term to spiritual realities and sacrificial giving, as with the widow's mite (Mark 12:44). The cultural expectation might have been to value visible excess, but Jesus and the apostles redirect focus to the abundance found in God's kingdom, which often contrasts with worldly measures of plenty.

πληθύνω (plēthynō, G4129) — focuses more on numerical increase or multiplication. ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō, G5248) — an intensified form meaning 'to super-abound' or 'overflow exceedingly.'

Word Details

Scripture References