from περί (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with ἐκ) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence:--exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, vehement(-ly).
Transliteration:perissós
Pronunciation:per-is-sos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word περισσός (perissós) `{{G4053}}` is an adjective derived from the preposition περί (peri), which conveys the sense of "around," "about," or "beyond." This etymological root is crucial, as it imbues perissós with its fundamental meaning: that which goes *beyond* the ordinary, expected, or necessary.
Its semantic range is broad and context-dependent:
* **Superabundance/Quantity:** Refers to something that is more than enough, overflowing, surplus, or redundant. This can be positive, denoting blessing or plenty (e.g., "more abundantly"), or negative, indicating something superfluous or excessive.
* **Superiority/Quality:** Denotes something that is better, excellent, preeminent, or outstanding. It describes a higher degree or standard.
* **Excessive/Implication:** When used with a negative connotation, it can imply something beyond proper limits, hence "excessive" or "unnecessary." Adverbially, especially with ἐκ (ek), it can mean "exceedingly" or even "violently."
* **Neuter as Noun:** τὸ περισσόν (to perisson) functions as a noun, signifying "advantage," "preeminence," or "what is superfluous."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of περισσός `{{G4053}}` in the New Testament reveals its nuanced application:
* **Call to Kingdom Ethics:** In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus employs perissós to challenge His disciples to a righteousness that *exceeds* that of the scribes and Pharisees. This is not about quantity of works, but a qualitative distinction in commitment and love. "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more (perissós) are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same." [[Matthew 5:47]]. Similarly, in [[Matthew 5:37]], "Anything beyond this (perissós) comes from the evil one," refers to oaths that go beyond simple truthfulness, indicating an unnecessary and potentially deceptive excess.
* **Sacrificial Giving:** In the account of the widow's offering, Jesus declares that she "put in more (perissós) than all the others." [[Mark 12:44]], [[Luke 21:4]]. Here, perissós highlights the qualitative superiority of her gift, which, though small in quantity, was given out of profound sacrifice and devotion, thus being "superabundant" in its spiritual value.
* **Abundant Life in Christ:** One of the most profound uses is found in Jesus' statement: "I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly (perissós)." [[John 10:10]]. This speaks to the rich, overflowing, and superior quality of life that Christ offers, a life beyond mere existence, characterized by spiritual vitality and fullness.
* **Advantage and Preeminence:** Paul uses the neuter form as a noun in [[Romans 3:1]], asking, "Then what advantage (perissós) has the Jew, or what is the value of circumcision?" Here, it refers to the preeminence or benefit conferred by their unique covenantal relationship with God.
* **Superabundant Grace and Effort:** In [[1 Corinthians 15:10]], Paul acknowledges, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more (perissós) abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." This illustrates his extraordinary effort, empowered by God's grace, which itself is often described as superabundant.
* **Divine Power Beyond Measure:** A powerful expression combining hyper (beyond) and ek perissou (from superabundance) is found in [[Ephesians 3:20]]: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above (hyper ek perissou) all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." This emphasizes God's limitless and overflowing power.
* **Superfluity/Excess:** In a negative or neutral sense, perissós can denote something unnecessary or excessive. For instance, in [[2 Corinthians 9:1]], "Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous (perissós) for me to write to you," meaning it is unnecessary because they are already well-informed. The related noun περισσεία (perisseia) `{{G4051}}` is used in [[James 1:21]] to describe the "overflow of wickedness," indicating an abundance of evil that must be laid aside.
### Related Words & Concepts
Perissós `{{G4053}}` is part of a significant word family derived from περί (peri):
* **περισσεύω (perisseuō) `{{G4052}}`:** The verb form, meaning "to abound," "to be left over," "to overflow," "to have in abundance." This verb frequently describes the abundance of God's grace, the overflowing of spiritual gifts, or the surplus of material provisions. For example, "grace abounded all the more" [[Romans 5:20]].
* **περίσσευμα (perisseuma) `{{G4051}}`:** A noun meaning "abundance," "superfluity," or "what is left over." It is used, for instance, to describe the broken pieces left after the miraculous feedings by Jesus, emphasizing God's more-than-sufficient provision.
* **ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō) `{{G5248}}`:** A compound verb that intensifies the meaning, signifying "to abound exceedingly," "to overflow beyond measure." This term emphasizes an extreme degree of abundance, often in the context of God's grace.
* **πλεονάζω (pleonazō) `{{G4121}}`:** Another verb meaning "to increase," "to abound," or "to have more than enough." While similar, perisseuō and its derivatives often carry the nuance of "going beyond" due to their peri root.
* **Fullness/Plenitude:** The concept of perissós often aligns with the biblical idea of divine fullness or plenitude, where God's character and provision are not merely adequate but complete and overflowing in every way.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of περισσός `{{G4053}}` are profound, painting a picture of God's character and His redemptive work:
1. **The Abundant Nature of God:** Perissós powerfully communicates that God is not limited or stingy. His grace, power, and provision are not just sufficient but are "superabundant" and "exceedingly above" all human comprehension or need. This truth undergirds the believer's confidence in God's limitless capacity to bless and sustain.
2. **The Superiority of Kingdom Life:** The call to a righteousness that perissós (exceeds) that of the world underscores the radical and transformative nature of the Kingdom of God. It is a call to internal motivation and genuine love, moving beyond mere external conformity to a deeper, more demanding standard, empowered by the indwelling Spirit.
3. **The Fullness of Life in Christ:** Jesus' promise of "life more abundantly" [[John 10:10]] is a central theological concept. It speaks to a life of qualitative richness, spiritual vitality, joy, and peace that transcends the limitations and emptiness of a life apart from God. This abundant life is a gift of grace, not a result of human striving.
4. **Grace-Empowered Effort:** While salvation is solely by grace, perissós can also describe the believer's response to that grace. Paul's "more abundant" labor [[1 Corinthians 15:10]] exemplifies a zealous, Spirit-empowered commitment to service that flows from gratitude for God's overflowing grace. It highlights that divine enablement leads to extraordinary human effort.
5. **Divine Provision and Generosity:** The word reinforces the theme of God's generous provision, which is often not just "enough" but "more than enough," demonstrating His lavish care for His creation and His people.
### Summary
Perissós (G4053) is a multifaceted Greek term, rooted in the idea of "going beyond." It describes that which is "superabundant" in quantity, "superior" in quality, and occasionally "excessive" or "superfluous." In the New Testament, its usage illuminates several key theological truths. It portrays God as a being of limitless grace, power, and provision, capable of doing "exceedingly abundantly above" all that we can ask or imagine [[Ephesians 3:20]]. It defines the "more abundant" life offered by Christ [[John 10:10]], a life of qualitative richness and spiritual vitality. Furthermore, perissós underscores the distinctive and radical nature of Christian righteousness, calling believers to a standard of love and obedience that "exceeds" conventional human expectations [[Matthew 5:47]]. Whether highlighting divine generosity, kingdom ethics, or the believer's zealous response to grace, perissós consistently points to a reality that surpasses human limitation and expectation, always by divine enablement.
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