### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **perisseía**, represented by `{{G4050}}`, describes a state of **surplusage or superabundance**. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term signifies having more than enough, whether referring to a positive overflow of spiritual blessings or a negative excess of sinful behavior.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4050}}` carries different connotations depending on the context. It is presented as a negative "superfluity" of **naughtiness** that believers are instructed to lay apart [[James 1:21]]. Conversely, it describes the positive **abundance** of God's **grace** and the **gift** of **righteousness**, which enables believers to reign in life through Jesus Christ [[Romans 5:17]]. The term also illustrates a spiritual paradox, where an **abundance** of joy can exist even amidst great affliction and poverty, leading to generous giving [[2 Corinthians 8:2]]. Finally, it is used to express the hope of being enlarged **abundantly** as faith increases [[2 Corinthians 10:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of what can exist in **abundance** or superfluity:
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble:--evil, malice(-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness): This word is directly paired with `{{G4050}}` to describe the "superfluity of **naughtiness**" that must be removed from a believer's life [[James 1:21]].
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (graciousness... especially the divine influence upon the heart... grace): In contrast to a surplus of evil, believers can receive an "abundance of **grace**," which is a foundational aspect of salvation [[Romans 5:17]].
* `{{G5479}}` **chará** (cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous)): This term shows that emotional and spiritual states can be superabundant, as seen in the "abundance of their **joy**" experienced by believers despite difficult circumstances [[2 Corinthians 8:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4050}}` is demonstrated in its application to core Christian doctrines.
* **The Problem of Sinful Excess:** The concept of a "superfluity of **naughtiness**" frames sin not just as an act, but as an overflow that hinders a person's ability to receive God's word [[James 1:21]]. It highlights the need for spiritual cleansing.
* **The Superabundance of Grace:** The term is central to understanding the magnitude of God's gift in salvation. The "abundance of **grace**" far outweighs the consequence of Adam's offense, giving believers victory over death and the power to reign in life [[Romans 5:17]].
* **The Paradox of Spiritual Riches:** `{{G4050}}` illustrates that spiritual abundance is not tied to material wealth. An "abundance of **joy**" can flourish in deep poverty and affliction, which in turn results in the "riches" `{{G4149}}` of "liberality" `{{G572}}`, showing that true wealth is spiritual in nature [[2 Corinthians 8:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4050}}` is a versatile word that signifies more than just a large quantity. It forces a distinction between a destructive "superfluity" of evil and a life-giving "abundance" of divine gifts. It illustrates that what fills a person to overflowing—whether **grace** or **naughtiness**—determines their spiritual state and their capacity to live out their faith. The word challenges believers to reject an excess of sin and embrace the superabundant joy and **grace** offered by God.
TRV