### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb περισσότερον (transliterated as *perissóteron*, Strong's `{{G4054}}`) is the neuter singular form of the comparative adjective περισσότερος, used adverbially. Its fundamental meaning denotes something occurring "in a more superabundant way," "more abundantly," "a great deal," or "far more." It is derived from the root περισσός (`{{G4053}}`), meaning "exceeding," "superfluous," or "beyond what is necessary." Thus, *perissóteron* conveys not merely an increase in quantity, but often a qualitative superiority or an extraordinary degree of something, surpassing what is expected, normal, or even sufficient. It implies an overflowing, an excess, or a measure that goes above and beyond.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Perissóteron* appears numerous times in the New Testament, consistently highlighting an intensified degree or a surpassing abundance.
In [[Mark 7:36]], despite Jesus' command not to tell anyone about the healing, "the more they charged them, the more abundantly (περισσότερον) they published it." Here, *perissóteron* emphasizes the heightened intensity and widespread nature of their disobedience, demonstrating an inverse relationship between the command and the action.
The Apostle Paul frequently employs *perissóteron* to underscore the lavishness of God's grace and the surpassing nature of Christ's work. In [[Romans 5:9-10]], Paul argues, "Much more then (πολλῷ περισσότερον), having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more (πολλῷ περισσότερον), having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." The phrase "much more" powerfully contrasts the certainty and magnitude of salvation with the prior state of justification and reconciliation, asserting God's greater provision.
This theme culminates in [[Romans 5:15-20]], where Paul repeatedly uses *perissóteron* to compare the effects of Adam's sin with Christ's righteousness. "But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more (πολλῷ περισσότερον) the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many" ([[Romans 5:15]]). "Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more (ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν, related to the same root, an intensified form)" ([[Romans 5:20]]). Here, *perissóteron* highlights the overwhelming and surpassing triumph of God's grace over the pervasive power of sin, demonstrating that God's redemptive work is not merely a counter-balance but an overabundance.
In [[1 Corinthians 12:23-24]], Paul speaks of the body of Christ, noting that "those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater (περισσοτέραν, adjective form) honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater (περισσοτέραν) comeliness." This illustrates the principle of giving more attention and honor to those who might seem weaker or less esteemed within the community, reflecting God's own care.
Other significant uses include [[2 Corinthians 7:13]], where Paul speaks of rejoicing "much more abundantly (περισσοτέρως, related adverb)" because of Titus's joy, and [[Philippians 1:9]], where Paul prays that the Philippians' love "may abound still more and more (ἔτι μᾶλλον καὶ περισσεύῃ, verb form)." These instances further demonstrate the word's capacity to express an increase in joy, love, and spiritual virtues.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Perissóteron* belongs to a significant word family in the New Testament, all stemming from the root *perissos* (`{{G4053}}`), meaning "exceeding," "superfluous," or "abundant."
* **περισσός (perissos, `{{G4053}}`):** The adjective, meaning "abundant," "superfluous," "excellent." It describes something that is more than enough, or exceptionally good.
* **περισσεύω (perisseuō, `{{G4052}}`):** The verb, meaning "to abound," "to excel," "to have in abundance," "to overflow." It denotes the action of increasing or having in excess.
* **περισσεία (perisseia, `{{G4051}}`):** The noun, meaning "abundance," "superfluity," "overflow." It refers to the state or condition of having an excess.
While other Greek words like μᾶλλον (mallon, `{{G3123}}`) can also mean "more" or "rather," *perissóteron* carries a distinct emphasis on "excess," "superabundance," or "beyond measure." It implies a qualitative and quantitative leap beyond mere comparison, highlighting a lavishness or an extraordinary degree that goes above and beyond. Concepts closely related to *perissóteron* include divine generosity, overflowing grace, spiritual growth, and the surpassing glory of Christ's work compared to the limitations of the law or the devastation of sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *perissóteron* is profound, particularly in its application to God's character and His redemptive work in Christ. The repeated use of "much more" (πολλῷ περισσότερον) in [[Romans 5]] is arguably its most impactful theological contribution. Here, it serves as a cornerstone for understanding the superabundant nature of God's grace in salvation.
Paul argues that if sin, introduced by one man, brought death to all, then God's grace, through one Man, Jesus Christ, far surpasses and overwhelms the effects of sin. This is not merely a quantitative balance, but a qualitative triumph. Grace does not just equal sin's impact; it "abounds much more" (ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν, [[Romans 5:20]]). This asserts the infinite superiority and efficacy of Christ's atoning work over the devastating power of Adam's transgression. It underscores that God's provision for salvation is not a minimal remedy but a lavish, overflowing, and utterly sufficient gift that far exceeds the demand.
Furthermore, *perissóteron* speaks to the generosity of God in all His dealings. It implies that God does not merely provide what is necessary but delights in bestowing blessings "more abundantly" than we can ask or imagine ([[Ephesians 3:20]], though using a different word, the concept aligns). It also highlights the call for believers to likewise abound in love, good works, and spiritual fruit, reflecting the character of the God who has dealt so superabundantly with them. The concept points to a divine economy characterized by lavishness, overwhelming victory, and an inexhaustible supply of grace.
### Summary
*Perissóteron* (`{{G4054}}`) is a powerful Greek adverb meaning "more abundantly," "a great deal," or "far more," emphasizing a superabundant, exceeding, or extraordinary degree of something. Rooted in the concept of "excess" or "beyond measure," it conveys not just a greater quantity but often a qualitative superiority. Its biblical occurrences, particularly in Paul's epistles, consistently highlight an intensified degree of action or an overflowing abundance. Theologically, *perissóteron* is pivotal in demonstrating the magnificent and superabundant nature of God's grace in Christ, especially in contrast to the pervasive power of sin, as seen in [[Romans 5]]. It underscores the divine generosity and the surpassing efficacy of God's redemptive work, inviting believers to comprehend and participate in a life characterized by divine overflow.
TRV