πλεονάζω

I abound, increase

Definition

The verb πλεονάζω (pleonazō) fundamentally means 'to abound' or 'to increase in quantity or degree.' It describes a state of having more than enough, often with a positive connotation of overflowing abundance. In a spiritual sense, it frequently refers to the superabundant increase of God's grace, love, or faith within believers (Romans 5:20, 2 Thessalonians 1:3). In other contexts, it can denote a simple numerical or material increase, as seen in the collection of resources (2 Corinthians 8:15, citing Exodus 16:18) or the growth of thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 4:15).

Biblical Usage

πλεονάζω is used 8 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline and Petrine epistles. Its usage consistently carries a positive tone of spiritual or virtuous growth. Paul employs it to describe the extravagant increase of grace over sin (Romans 5:20), the abounding of love among believers (1 Thessalonians 3:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:3), and the multiplication of thanksgiving to God's glory (2 Corinthians 4:15). Peter uses it to describe the fruitful and effective life that results from cultivating Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:8). The sole instance with a more neutral, quantitative sense is Paul's reference to the manna narrative about not having too much or too little (2 Corinthians 8:15).

Etymology

πλεονάζω is derived from the adjective πλείων (pleiōn), meaning 'more' or 'greater.' It is built on the root related to fullness and excess. Cognates include πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō, G4122), meaning 'to take advantage of' or 'to defraud,' which shares the root concept of 'more' but often with a negative, greedy connotation. Thus, πλεονάζω inherently carries the idea of going beyond a basic measure or limit.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the superabundant, overflowing nature of God's grace and the Christian life. In Romans 5:20, it highlights the core gospel truth that where sin increased, grace increased all the more—a foundational doctrine of salvation. It describes the dynamic growth God intends for believers in love (1 Thessalonians 3:12) and virtue (2 Peter 1:8), moving beyond mere sufficiency to fruitful abundance. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by emphasizing that God's provision and work in us are characterized by extravagant generosity, not mere adequacy.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'abundance' or 'overflow' was often tied to philosophical ideals of virtue and self-sufficiency, as well as material prosperity. The New Testament repurposes this term, infusing it with a distinctly theological meaning centered on divine grace and communal love. The reference in 2 Corinthians 8:15 to the wilderness manna (Exodus 16:18) connects it to the biblical narrative of God's faithful, daily provision, contrasting a cultural focus on accumulation with a theology of trust and shared sufficiency in God's economy.

περισσεύω (perisseuō, G4052) — A very close synonym also meaning 'to abound' or 'to exceed'; often used interchangeably, though περισσεύω can have a slightly stronger emphasis on surplus or leftover abundance. αὐξάνω (auxanō, G837) — Means 'to grow' or 'to increase,' often used for organic growth (e.g., of plants or faith), while πλεονάζω can imply a more quantitative or intensive increase.

Word Details

Scripture References