### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word perissóteros (`{{G4055}}`) serves as the comparative form of perissos (`{{G4053}}`), meaning "exceeding," "beyond the ordinary," "superfluous," or "abundant." As a comparative, perissóteros therefore signifies "more abundant," "more exceeding," "greater," or "more excellent." Its semantic range encompasses a heightened degree, quantity, or quality beyond a comparative baseline. It can denote an increase in number, an intensification in degree, or a superiority in character. The term conveys the idea of something surpassing, overflowing, or being present in a greater measure than what is typical or expected. It often carries the nuance of an excess or a remarkable abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of perissóteros (`{{G4055}}`) in the New Testament consistently highlights a comparative increase or intensity:
* In [[Mark 7:36]], concerning Jesus' command for silence, it is stated, "the more they charged them, so much the *more* a great deal they published it." Here, perissóteros emphasizes the intensified and increasing nature of the people's disobedience to Jesus' instruction, demonstrating a greater degree of publication despite the command.
* [[Luke 12:48]] declares, "to whom much is given, of him will be *much more* required." This verse uses perissóteros to underscore the principle of increased accountability commensurate with increased privilege or responsibility. The "more" here refers to a greater degree of expectation.
* Paul employs perissóteros in [[1 Corinthians 12:23]] to describe how "those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow *more abundant* honour." The term highlights a deliberate and greater measure of honor given to parts of the body (and the church) that might otherwise be considered less esteemed, emphasizing a qualitative increase in respect.
* In [[1 Corinthians 15:10]], Paul humbly states regarding his apostolic labor, "I laboured *more abundantly* than all of them." Here, perissóteros signifies a greater quantity and intensity of effort in his missionary endeavors, showcasing his diligence and dedication.
* [[2 Corinthians 2:7]] speaks of the need to forgive a repentant brother, "lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with *overmuch* sorrow." The word describes an excessive, potentially destructive degree of grief, indicating that sorrow can become perissóteros to the point of being overwhelming.
* Paul expresses joy in [[2 Corinthians 7:13]], stating, "And in our comfort we rejoiced *the more abundantly* for the joy of Titus." This usage indicates an intensified and heightened experience of joy, amplified by the positive report from Titus.
* In [[Philippians 1:14]], Paul notes that his imprisonment has led to brethren being "much *more* bold to speak the word without fear." Perissóteros here describes an increased measure of courage and confidence among believers, demonstrating a qualitative change in their evangelistic fervor.
* The author of Hebrews exhorts in [[Hebrews 2:1]], "Therefore we ought to give the *more earnest* heed to the things which we have heard." This implies a greater, more diligent, and more attentive focus is required, signifying an increased degree of earnestness in spiritual matters.
### Related Words & Concepts
Perissóteros (`{{G4055}}`) is intimately connected to a family of Greek words stemming from the same root, all conveying aspects of abundance, excess, or surpassing:
* Perissos (`{{G4053}}`): The positive form from which perissóteros is derived, meaning "exceeding," "superfluous," or "abundant." It denotes that which is beyond what is necessary or expected.
* Perisseuō (`{{G4054}}`): A verb meaning "to abound," "to be in abundance," "to excel," or "to overflow." It describes the action or state of having more than enough, or of increasing.
* Perisseia (`{{G4052}}`): A noun meaning "abundance," "superfluity," or "overflow." It refers to the state or condition of having an excess.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of divine generosity and human experience characterized by measures that exceed the ordinary. Concepts associated with perissóteros include superiority, excellence, intensification, greater measure, and an overflow of grace or activity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of perissóteros (`{{G4055}}`) is profound, often highlighting the surpassing nature of God's character and His redemptive work.
* **God's Abundance and Grace:** The word frequently points to the "more abundant" grace, love, and power of God. His provisions are not merely sufficient but often exceed human expectation and need. This underscores His boundless generosity and the richness of His blessings in Christ.
* **The Superiority of the New Covenant:** The New Testament often contrasts the old covenant with the new, portraying the latter as having a "more excellent" or "more abundant" ministry ([[2 Corinthians 3:9-10]]). Christ's sacrifice is "more" effective, His priesthood "more" perfect, and the promises of the new covenant are "more" glorious, offering a greater measure of righteousness and life.
* **Christian Life and Service:** Believers are called to respond to God's abundant grace with "more abundant" labor, love, and spiritual fruitfulness. The word encourages a life of exceeding expectation in service, commitment, and growth, knowing that God's power works "more abundantly" in us than we can ask or imagine ([[Ephesians 3:20]]). It also warns against "overmuch" sorrow or other negative excesses that can hinder spiritual progress.
* **Divine Expectation and Accountability:** While God gives "more abundantly," He also expects a "much more" significant return from those to whom much has been entrusted ([[Luke 12:48]]). This highlights the principle of stewardship and increased accountability for greater blessings and opportunities.
### Summary
Perissóteros (`{{G4055}}`) is a crucial Greek term signifying "more abundant," "greater," or "more excellent," functioning as the comparative form of perissos (`{{G4053}}`). Its usage across the New Testament consistently emphasizes a heightened degree, quantity, or quality. Whether describing intensified human actions, increased accountability, or a greater measure of honor, the word always points to something that surpasses a previous state or expectation. Theologically, perissóteros beautifully articulates the exceeding grace and boundless generosity of God, the superior nature of the New Covenant in Christ, and the call for believers to live lives of more abundant service and faithfulness in response to such divine overflow. It reminds us that God's dealings with humanity are characterized not by mere sufficiency, but by a glorious and often overwhelming abundance.
TRV