περισσός

abundant, greater, vehemently, advantage

Definition

The adjective περισσός (perissos) fundamentally means 'abundant,' 'exceeding,' or 'more than necessary.' It describes something that is extraordinary, surpassing a normal measure or expectation. In a positive sense, it denotes superabundance, as in the 'greater works' Jesus promises believers (John 14:12) or the 'much more' of God's grace in Romans 5:17. In a negative or neutral sense, it can mean 'superfluous' or 'excessive,' such as the 'advantage' gained by hypocritical religious practices (Matthew 23:14) or the 'vehemently' of Peter's denial (Mark 14:31).

Biblical Usage

περισσός appears across the Gospels and Epistles, often in comparative statements to highlight a surpassing quality. In the Gospels, it frequently underscores the extraordinary nature of Jesus's ministry and teachings compared to ordinary expectations (e.g., Matthew 5:47, 11:9). In Paul's letters, it powerfully describes the superabundance of God's grace, life, and power available in Christ (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:15, Ephesians 3:20). It is used both positively (abundant grace) and negatively (excessive hypocrisy).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition περί (peri), meaning 'around' or 'beyond,' combined with a root suggesting fullness or intensity. The etymology conveys the idea of going beyond the perimeter or the usual measure. It is related to the verb περισσεύω (perisseuō, G4052), 'to abound,' and the noun περισσεία (perisseia, G4050), 'abundance.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the superabundant, overflowing nature of God's provision in Christ. It moves concepts like grace, life, and power from being merely sufficient to being lavishly excessive and beyond calculation (Romans 5:17, 2 Corinthians 9:8). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the New Testament's consistent theme of God's extravagant generosity, which far surpasses human sin, need, or expectation.

In a Greco-Roman culture that valued moderation and often viewed excess (hubris) negatively, the New Testament's positive use of περισσός for divine attributes would have been striking. It redefines 'abundance' not as selfish surplus but as the generous, life-giving overflow of God's character, challenging cultural assumptions about resources and status.

περισσεύω (perisseuō, G4052) — the verb 'to abound' or 'to overflow,' describing the action. ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō, G5235) — 'to surpass' or 'exceed,' often with a sense of going beyond in excellence. πλεονάζω (pleonazō, G4121) — 'to increase' or 'abound,' often in quantity or number.

Word Details

Scripture References