### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb perissotérōs (`{{G4056}}`) is derived from the comparative adjective perissoteros (`{{G4053}}`), which itself comes from perissos (`{{G4052}}`), meaning "superabundant," "excessive," or "overflowing." As an adverb, perissotérōs intensifies this concept, signifying "more abundantly," "more exceedingly," "much more," or "to a greater degree." It is not merely "a lot," but "even more so," "beyond measure," or "with greater intensity than before or than expected." The comparative suffix -terōs emphasizes a heightened state or action, indicating an increase in quantity, quality, or earnestness. Its semantic range encompasses both positive and negative applications of this heightened state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Perissotérōs appears in the New Testament to convey various nuances of intensified action or state:
* **Increased Earnestness/Diligence:** In [[Hebrews 2:1]], the author urges believers to "give the more earnest heed" (perissotérōs prosechein) to what they have heard, lest they drift away. Here, it denotes a heightened degree of attention and diligence required for spiritual preservation. Similarly, [[Hebrews 13:19]] expresses a desire to be restored to them "more readily" (perissotérōs), implying a greater eagerness.
* **Abundant Love/Affection:** Paul uses perissotérōs to describe his overflowing affection and concern. In [[2 Corinthians 2:4]], he states he wrote "out of much affliction and anguish of heart with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you" (perissotérōs echō pros hymas). This signifies a love that goes beyond the ordinary, expressing deep, intense care. Again, in [[2 Corinthians 12:15]], he affirms, "If I love you more abundantly, am I loved less?" (perissotérōs agapō).
* **Heightened Rejoicing/Confidence:** The word can also describe an intensified emotional state. In [[2 Corinthians 7:13]], Paul notes that he "rejoiced more abundantly" (perissotérōs mallon echarēmen) because of the joy of Titus, indicating an overflowing gladness. In [[2 Corinthians 1:12]], he speaks of having his confidence "more abundantly" (perissotérōs) in the grace of God.
* **Excessive Zeal (Negative Connotation):** Perissotérōs can also highlight an undesirable excess. Paul confesses in [[Galatians 1:14]] that he "advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous" (perissotérōs zēlōtēs) for the traditions of his fathers. Here, it describes a zeal that was excessive and misdirected, rooted in human tradition rather than divine truth.
* **Intensified Action/Response:** In [[Mark 15:14]], when Pilate asked what evil Jesus had done, the crowd "cried out all the more" (perissotérōs ekrazon), demanding his crucifixion. This illustrates an increasingly fervent and irrational demand. [[1 Thessalonians 2:17]] shows Paul's "more abundantly" (perissotérōs) earnest endeavor to see the Thessalonian believers again.
### Related Words & Concepts
Perissotérōs belongs to a rich semantic family in the New Testament, all rooted in the concept of "abundance" or "excess":
* **perissos (`{{G4052}}`):** The core adjective, meaning "superabundant," "beyond what is necessary," "extraordinary." It describes something that is more than enough or exceptional.
* **perisseia (`{{G4050}}`):** The noun form, meaning "abundance," "superfluity," "overflow." Often used to describe the overflowing grace or blessings of God (e.g., [[Romans 5:17]]).
* **perisseuō (`{{G4059}}`):** The verb form, meaning "to abound," "to overflow," "to be left over," "to have in abundance." This verb frequently describes God's generous provision or the spiritual fruitfulness of believers (e.g., [[Philippians 4:18]], [[2 Corinthians 9:8]]).
* **perissoteros (`{{G4053}}`):** The comparative adjective/adverb from which perissotérōs is directly derived. It means "more abundant," "greater," "more." While perissotérōs is strictly an adverb modifying verbs or other adverbs, perissoteros can function adjectivally or adverbially to indicate a higher degree.
Together, these words emphasize a divine economy of superabundance, where God's grace, love, and power are not merely sufficient but overwhelmingly generous. Perissotérōs specifically highlights the *degree* to which this abundance manifests or to which human actions are intensified.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of perissotérōs lies in its capacity to describe both the boundless nature of God and the earnestness required of human response.
Firstly, it subtly points to the character of God, who does not give sparingly but "superabundantly." While perissotérōs itself isn't directly applied to God's giving in a primary sense, it describes the *effect* of His abundant grace (e.g., the "more abundant" love Paul had, which is a reflection of God's love). God's provision in Christ is not just enough, but "much more" (mallon perisseuō in [[Romans 5:20]] – a related concept) than the sin it overcomes.
Secondly, perissotérōs serves as a call to heightened spiritual diligence and commitment for believers. The exhortation in [[Hebrews 2:1]] to give "more earnest heed" is a profound theological imperative. It suggests that salvation and spiritual growth require not passive reception but active, intensified engagement with divine truth. This earnestness extends to love, service, and perseverance, reflecting a faith that is vibrant and growing "more abundantly."
Finally, the word's use in contexts like [[Galatians 1:14]] provides a theological caution. Human zeal, even for religious traditions, can be "exceedingly" (perissotérōs) misdirected, leading away from truth rather than toward it. This reminds us that intensity alone is not a virtue; it must be rightly directed by God's Spirit and truth.
### Summary
Perissotérōs (`{{G4056}}`) is a powerful Greek adverb signifying "more exceedingly," "more abundantly," or "to a greater degree." Rooted in the concept of superabundance, it consistently denotes an intensification of an action, quality, or state. In the New Testament, it describes everything from an overflowing love and joy to an urgent call for spiritual diligence, and even an excessive, misdirected zeal. Theologically, perissotérōs underscores the lavish, superabundant nature of God's grace and the earnest, diligent response required of those who follow Him. It highlights that both divine working and human discipleship often involve going "above and beyond" the ordinary, pointing to a richness and depth in the Christian life.
TRV