adverb from περισσός; superabundantly:--exceedingly, out of measure, the more.
Transliteration:perissōs
Pronunciation:per-is-soce'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G4057 *perissōs* (περισσῶς) derives from the adjective G4053 *perissos* (περισσός), meaning "exceeding," "superfluous," "more than enough," or "abundant." As an adverb, *perissōs* intensifies the action or state of a verb or adjective, conveying the sense of "superabundantly," "exceedingly," "out of measure," or "the more vehemently." It denotes a degree beyond what is ordinary, expected, or even sufficient, pointing to an extraordinary or abundant measure. The term signifies not merely a large quantity but an intensity or extent that surpasses common limits, often suggesting an overflow or a profound degree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of G4057 *perissōs* in the New Testament consistently emphasizes an exceptional degree or intensity.
In [[Mark 10:26]], the disciples are described as "exceedingly astonished" (ἐξεπλήσσοντο περισσῶς) by Jesus' teaching about the difficulty of the rich entering the Kingdom of God. Here, *perissōs* underscores the depth and overwhelming nature of their amazement, indicating a reaction far beyond mere surprise. Their astonishment was not just great, but "out of measure," reflecting the profound challenge Jesus' words posed to their prevailing understanding.
Similarly, in [[Mark 14:31]], Peter "said the more vehemently" (περισσῶς ἔλεγεν) that he would never deny Jesus, even if it meant dying with Him. This adverb highlights the intense conviction and fervent protestation of Peter, showing his strong, almost excessive, commitment in that moment. It conveys a passionate, emphatic declaration, emphasizing the *degree* of his resolve.
Another striking instance is found in [[Acts 26:11]], where Paul, recounting his past as a persecutor of Christians, states that he was "exceedingly mad against them" (περισσῶς ἐμμαινόμενος αὐτοῖς). Here, *perissōs* vividly portrays the extreme and irrational nature of his hatred and zeal against the early followers of Christ. It paints a picture of a fury that was beyond reasonable bounds, demonstrating the depth of his opposition before his conversion.
In each context, *perissōs* functions as a powerful intensifier, revealing the extraordinary nature of the emotion, declaration, or action described. It compels the reader to recognize a level of experience or commitment that transcends the ordinary.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G4057 *perissōs* is rich, encompassing several closely related Greek terms that share a common root and convey notions of abundance, excess, and surpassing measure.
* **G4053 *perissos* (περισσός):** The adjectival form from which *perissōs* is derived, meaning "superfluous," "exceeding," "abundant," "more than enough." It describes something that is beyond what is necessary or expected.
* **G4052 *perisseuō* (περισσεύω):** The verb form, meaning "to abound," "to be left over," "to be in excess," "to overflow." This verb often describes God's abundant grace or the overflowing spiritual blessings experienced by believers (e.g., [[Romans 5:20]], [[2 Corinthians 9:8]]).
* **G4051 *perisseia* (περισσεία):** The noun form, meaning "abundance," "superabundance," "overflow." It can refer to material abundance or spiritual richness (e.g., [[Romans 5:17]], [[2 Corinthians 8:2]]).
Other Greek adverbs that convey a sense of intensity or degree, though perhaps not always the specific nuance of "superabundance," include:
* **G3029 *lian* (λίαν):** "very," "exceedingly."
* **G4970 *sphodra* (σφόδρα):** "very much," "exceedingly," "greatly."
* **G5236 *hyperbolē* (ὑπερβολή):** "excellence," "surpassing quality," often used adverbially in phrases like *kath' hyperbolēn* ("exceedingly," "beyond measure," e.g., [[2 Corinthians 4:17]]).
While these terms share a common function of intensification, *perissōs* often carries the specific connotation of "beyond measure" or "superabundantly," emphasizing an overflow or an extraordinary degree that goes beyond simple "very much."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4057 *perissōs* lies in its capacity to underscore the extraordinary nature of divine and human realities within the biblical narrative. While *perissōs* itself is an adverb and does not carry inherent theological weight apart from its context, its consistent use to describe intense reactions, fervent declarations, or extreme states highlights key theological themes.
When applied to human responses, *perissōs* reveals the depth of human emotion and conviction in the face of divine revelation. The "exceeding astonishment" of the disciples ([[Mark 10:26]]) at Jesus' words about salvation emphasizes the radical nature of the Kingdom's demands and the profound impact of truth. Peter's "vehement" declaration ([[Mark 14:31]]) showcases the earnest, albeit sometimes flawed, commitment of a disciple. Paul's "exceeding madness" ([[Acts 26:11]]) vividly portrays the destructive power of sin and zeal without knowledge, setting the stage for the dramatic transformation wrought by God's grace.
Though *perissōs* directly modifies human actions or states, its underlying root of "abundance" and "overflow" resonates with the broader biblical theme of God's character. God's grace, love, mercy, and provision are consistently portrayed as "abundant" or "exceeding" (often with G4052 *perisseuō* or G4051 *perisseia*). Thus, when human reactions are described as *perissōs*, it can reflect the overwhelming reality of encountering a God who acts and speaks "beyond measure." It points to the intensity of spiritual realities that evoke responses of awe, zealous commitment, or even profound opposition. The word therefore contributes to a biblical worldview where divine activity often transcends human expectation, eliciting responses that are similarly "exceeding" or "out of measure."
### Summary
G4057 *perissōs* is a powerful Greek adverb meaning "superabundantly," "exceedingly," or "out of measure." Derived from the root of "abundance" (G4053 *perissos*), it functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the extraordinary degree or intensity of an action, emotion, or state. Biblical occurrences, such as the disciples' "exceeding astonishment" in [[Mark 10:26]], Peter's "vehement" declaration in [[Mark 14:31]], and Paul's "exceeding madness" in [[Acts 26:11]], consistently demonstrate its role in highlighting something beyond the ordinary. Theologically, *perissōs* illuminates the profound impact of divine truth and the intensity of human response, whether in awe, commitment, or opposition. It enriches the biblical narrative by underscoring the magnitude of spiritual realities and the depth of human experience in relation to God's unfolding plan.
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