from περισσεύω; a surplus, or superabundance:--abundance, that was left, over and above.
Transliteration:perísseuma
Pronunciation:per-is'-syoo-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun περίσσευμα (perísseuma, `{{G4051}}`) is derived from the verb περισσεύω (perisseuō, `{{G4052}}`), meaning "to abound," "to be more than enough," or "to overflow." Consequently, περίσσευμα signifies the *result* or *state* of abounding. Its core meaning encompasses concepts of surplus, superabundance, excess, and that which remains or is left over. It consistently conveys the idea of something being "more than enough," often with an implication of generosity or an overflowing quantity. While it can refer to material abundance or physical remnants, its semantic range extends to conceptual or spiritual overflows, indicating a profound and ample supply beyond mere sufficiency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term περίσσευμα (perísseuma, `{{G4051}}`) appears in the New Testament, primarily highlighting two key aspects: physical abundance/remnants and material/spiritual surplus for mutual benefit.
1. **Physical Remnants/Surplus:** In the accounts of Jesus' miraculous feedings, περίσσευμα refers to the substantial amount of food left over after everyone had eaten their fill.
* In [[Mark 8:8]], after feeding the four thousand, the disciples gathered "seven baskets of what was left `{{G4051}}`." This demonstrates Christ's superabundant provision, exceeding the immediate need.
* Similarly, in [[Luke 9:17]], following the feeding of the five thousand, "there was taken up of fragments that remained `{{G4051}}` to them twelve baskets." These instances powerfully illustrate divine sufficiency and generosity, where abundance is the norm.
2. **Material and Spiritual Abundance for Sharing:** The term is also used in Pauline epistles to describe a surplus that is to be managed and shared.
* In [[2 Corinthians 8:13-14]], Paul discusses financial equality among believers: "For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance `{{G4051}}` may be a supply for their want, that their abundance `{{G4051}}` also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality." Here, περίσσευμα denotes the material resources held by some believers that are to be shared with those in need, fostering a principle of mutual support and equitable distribution within the community of faith.
* In [[Philippians 4:17]], Paul expresses his desire that the Philippians' generous giving would produce "fruit that may abound `{{G4051}}` to your account." This refers to the spiritual or material benefit that redounds to the givers, indicating that acts of generosity from one's surplus contribute to their spiritual credit or blessing.
### Related Words & Concepts
περίσσευμα is closely related to other Greek terms denoting abundance and excess:
* **περισσεύω (perisseuō, `{{G4052}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to abound," "to be left over," "to cause to abound." περίσσευμα is the concrete result of this action.
* **περισσεία (perisseia, `{{G4050}}`):** A noun meaning "abundance," "superfluity," "excess." While very similar in meaning and often translated identically, περίσσευμα often emphasizes the *remnant* or *that which is left over* after a need is met, whereas περισσεία can be a more general term for abundance.
* **Divine Provision:** The concept that God provides more than is necessary, demonstrating His limitless resources and care.
* **Stewardship:** The responsible management of resources, particularly in the context of sharing one's surplus with others.
* **Generosity:** The act of giving freely, often from one's abundance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of περίσσευμα (perísseuma, `{{G4051}}`) is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Abundance and Sufficiency:** The use of περίσσευμα in the feeding miracles unequivocally points to God's boundless provision through Christ. It signifies that God's resources are not merely adequate but superabundant, always exceeding human need. This speaks to the lavishness of God's grace and His capacity to provide beyond measure, establishing a paradigm of divine generosity rather than scarcity.
2. **Ethic of Sharing and Equality:** In the context of the Corinthian church, περίσσευμα underscores a crucial principle of Christian economics: the sharing of material abundance within the body of Christ. It challenges believers to view their surplus not as exclusively personal but as a resource to alleviate the needs of others, thereby fostering equality and demonstrating practical love among believers. This reflects God's desire for justice and equity among His people.
3. **Spiritual Return on Generosity:** The Philippians' example illustrates that generous giving, even from one's περίσσευμα, is not a loss but an investment that yields spiritual "fruit" or benefit to the giver. This suggests a divine economy where acts of self-giving and sharing from one's abundance are accounted for and result in spiritual enrichment and blessing.
### Summary
περίσσευμα (perísseuma, `{{G4051}}`) denotes a surplus, superabundance, or that which is left over, consistently conveying the idea of "more than enough." Rooted in περισσεύω (perisseuō, `{{G4052}}`), it highlights the outcome of an overflowing provision. Biblically, its usage spans from the literal physical remnants of food after Christ's miraculous feedings, as seen in [[Mark 8:8]] and [[Luke 9:17]], to the material abundance of believers intended for mutual support in [[2 Corinthians 8:13-14]]. Furthermore, it describes the spiritual "fruit" that accrues to those who give generously, as in [[Philippians 4:17]]. Theologically, περίσσευμα profoundly illustrates God's inexhaustible provision and lavish generosity, while simultaneously calling believers to responsible stewardship and compassionate sharing from their own abundance. It teaches that God's economy is characterized by superabundance, not scarcity, and that sharing from one's overflow yields both practical equality within the community and spiritual blessing for the giver.
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