from περισσεύω; surplusage, i.e. superabundance:--abundance(-ant, (-ly)), superfluity.
Transliteration:perisseía
Pronunciation:per-is-si'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun perisseía (G4050) is derived from the verb `{{G4052}}` (perisseúō), which means "to abound, to be over and above, to excel, to be in excess." Consequently, perisseía carries the core meaning of "surplusage," "superabundance," "excess," or "overflow." It signifies a state of having more than is necessary or sufficient, often implying a lavish or overflowing measure.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Quantitative Abundance:** A large quantity or an overflowing measure of something, whether material or spiritual.
* **Qualitative Excellence:** Implied in some contexts, suggesting something that is superior or extraordinary, beyond the ordinary standard.
* **Ethical/Spiritual Overflow:** Often used to describe God's generous provision, the overflow of spiritual blessings, or, conversely, the pervasive nature of sin.
The word highlights a condition that transcends mere adequacy, pointing to an abundant supply or an extensive degree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Perisseía appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each instance is significant for its theological implications:
* **[[Romans 5:17]]**: "For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." Here, perisseía describes the "superabundance" or "overflowing measure" of God's grace and the gift of righteousness. This highlights that God's provision in Christ far exceeds the destructive power of Adam's sin, offering not just forgiveness but an overwhelming supply of life and righteousness.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:2]]**: "that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality." In this verse, perisseía refers to the "abundance of joy" experienced by the Macedonian believers. This joy was not diminished by their severe trials and deep poverty; rather, it was so abundant that it overflowed into generous liberality, demonstrating a spiritual wealth that transcended material lack.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:14]]**: "at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality." Here, perisseía denotes material "abundance" or "surplus." Paul encourages the Corinthians to use their current material plenty to alleviate the need of other believers, promoting a principle of mutual support and equality within the Christian community.
* **[[James 1:21]]**: "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness (or "abundance of evil"), in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." In this context, perisseía takes on a negative connotation, referring to the "abundance" or "overflow" of wickedness. It signifies the pervasive and extensive nature of moral corruption that must be actively put away before one can humbly receive and benefit from God's saving Word.
* **[[Mark 12:44]] / [[Luke 21:4]]**: "For all these out of their abundance put in offerings, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." In these parallel accounts of the widow's mite, perisseía describes the "abundance" or "superfluity" of the rich who contributed to the temple treasury. Jesus contrasts their giving from their surplus with the widow's sacrificial giving from her extreme poverty, highlighting the qualitative difference in their offerings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of perisseía is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **`{{G4052}}` (perisseúō):** The verbal root, meaning "to abound, to be in excess, to excel." This verb often describes the action or state of having perisseía.
* **`{{G4053}}` (perissós):** The adjective/adverb form, meaning "superfluous, excessive, abundant, more than enough, extraordinary." It describes something characterized by perisseía.
* **`{{G4051}}` (perissía):** A less common noun, largely synonymous with perisseía, also meaning "abundance" or "excess."
* **`{{G4188}}` (plēthos):** Refers to a "multitude" or "great number." While related to quantity, perisseía specifically emphasizes a surplus or superabundance beyond simple numerical greatness.
* **`{{G5247}}` (hyperballō) / `{{G5242}}` (hyperbolē):** These words convey the idea of "surpassing" or "excellence." They share with perisseía the notion of exceeding a norm or standard.
* **`{{G4130}}` (ploutos):** "Riches" or "wealth." perisseía can refer to an abundance of ploutos, but also extends to spiritual or immaterial abundance.
* **`{{G2425}}` (hikanos):** "Sufficient" or "adequate." perisseía stands in contrast, denoting "more than sufficient."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of perisseía is profound, illuminating key aspects of God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of sin:
* **Divine Generosity and Grace:** Most prominently, perisseía underscores the boundless nature of God's grace and provision. His gifts are not merely sufficient for salvation but are superabundant, overflowing to meet and exceed human need and expectation ([[Romans 5:17]]). This speaks to God's inexhaustible character and His desire to bless His children lavishly.
* **Christian Stewardship and Mutual Aid:** The concept of perisseía in material terms (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 8:14]]) highlights the principle of Christian stewardship and mutual support. Those who have an "abundance" are called to share with those in need, fostering equality and demonstrating practical love within the body of Christ. This challenges believers to view their possessions not merely as personal assets but as resources for the common good.
* **Spiritual Resilience and Joy:** The "abundance of joy" in the midst of affliction ([[2 Corinthians 8:2]]) reveals that true spiritual wealth is not dependent on external circumstances. It points to a divine source of joy and strength that can abound even in suffering, manifesting in generous acts of worship and service.
* **The Pervasiveness of Sin:** The "abundance of wickedness" ([[James 1:21]]) serves as a stark reminder of the depth and pervasive nature of human sin. It is not merely a minor flaw but an overflowing presence that must be decisively cast off before one can truly embrace God's transformative Word. This highlights the radical nature of repentance and sanctification.
* **Critique of Superficial Giving:** The contrast between giving from perisseía versus giving sacrificially from poverty ([[Mark 12:44]]) reveals Jesus's value system. He emphasizes the heart and the degree of sacrifice over the absolute amount given, challenging the notion that large contributions from surplus are inherently more valuable than humble, sacrificial offerings.
### Summary
Perisseía (G4050) is a powerful Greek term denoting "superabundance," "excess," or "overflow," derived from the verb `{{G4052}}` ("to abound"). It consistently points to a quantity or degree that is "more than enough," often significantly so.
Biblically, its usage paints a multifaceted picture:
* It describes the **boundless nature of God's grace and gifts**, which are not merely sufficient but are given in overflowing measure, as seen in the "abundance of grace" in [[Romans 5:17]].
* It highlights aspects of the **Christian experience**, including material wealth to be shared ([[2 Corinthians 8:14]]) and an internal spiritual state like "abundance of joy" ([[2 Corinthians 8:2]]), which can flourish even amidst adversity.
* Intriguingly, it can also carry a **negative connotation**, as in the "abundance of wickedness" ([[James 1:21]]), emphasizing the pervasive and extensive nature of sin that must be renounced.
In essence, perisseía consistently draws attention to a surplus beyond mere sufficiency, whether in God's lavish provision, the generous overflow of Christian living, or the pervasive reality of human sin. It compels reflection on the source, purpose, and implications of such abundance in the divine economy and human experience.
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