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).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **perissós**, represented by `{{G4053}}`, fundamentally describes that which is **superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality)**. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a wide range of meanings, from God's immense generosity to human excess, and can be translated as "more abundantly," "advantage," "superfluous," or "beyond measure."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G4053}}` is used to frame a contrast between divine provision and human boundaries. Jesus uses the word to define His mission, stating He came so that believers "might have life, and that they might have it **more abundantly**" [[John 10:10]]. This concept of divine over-supply is further emphasized in God's ability to do "exceeding **abundantly** above all that we ask or think" [[Ephesians 3:20]]. However, the word also serves as a warning against excess, as when Jesus teaches that communication that is "**more** than these" simple truths "cometh of evil" [[Matthew 5:37]]. In other contexts, it denotes a special status or benefit, as in the question, "What **advantage** then hath the Jew?" [[Romans 3:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of abundance, superiority, and excess:
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (power): This word for miraculous force or strength is the very source of God's abundant work. He acts "according to the **power** that worketh in us" [[Ephesians 3:20]].
* `{{G5622}}` **ōphéleia** (profit): Signifying benefit or usefulness, this term is used in parallel with `{{G4053}}` to ask about the **advantage** of the Jew and the **profit** of circumcision [[Romans 3:1]].
* `{{G622}}` **apóllymi** (to destroy): This word stands in direct opposition to the life Jesus gives. The thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and **destroy**, whereas Christ's is to provide life more abundantly [[John 10:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4053}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of faith and conduct.
* **Divine Superabundance:** The term is crucial for understanding the boundless nature of God's grace and power. He does not give meagerly but provides "**exceeding abundantly** above" human ability to ask or imagine [[Ephesians 3:20]]. The life offered in Christ is not just existence but one that is qualitatively superior and **more abundantly** given [[John 10:10]].
* **Warning Against Human Excess:** `{{G4053}}` also functions as a boundary marker for righteous living. It indicates that speech can become "**more**" than what is necessary, leading to evil [[Matthew 5:37]]. In the same way, an action can be considered **superfluous**, or unnecessary, in a given context [[2 Corinthians 9:1]].
* **Qualitative Distinction:** The word often implies a superiority in kind, not just in amount. The "**advantage**" of the Jew was in being entrusted with the words of God [[Romans 3:1]]. Similarly, disciples are called to do "**more** than others" by loving their enemies, demonstrating a higher standard of behavior [[Matthew 5:47]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4053}}` is a dynamic word that captures the profound contrast between God's limitless generosity and the proper limits of human behavior. It describes a reality that is **beyond measure**, whether in the astonishment of the disciples [[Mark 6:51]] or the overflowing power of God [[Ephesians 3:20]]. Ultimately, **perissós** teaches that while God's nature is to give superabundantly, human righteousness often involves knowing when "more" becomes a transgression.
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