### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **perissōs**, represented by `{{G4057}}`, is an adverb meaning **superabundantly**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. It is used to describe an action or state that is **exceedingly** great, **out of measure**, or intensified **the more**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4057}}` consistently heightens the intensity of human reactions in critical moments. It is used to describe the extreme fury of Paul before his conversion, when he was **exceedingly** mad against the followers of Jesus and persecuted them [[Acts 26:11]]. The word also captures the escalating clamor of the crowd before the governor, who **cried out the more** for Jesus to be crucified [[Matthew 27:23]]. Finally, it expresses the profound shock of the disciples, who were **astonished out of measure** upon hearing Jesus' teachings about salvation [[Mark 10:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the contexts in which `{{G4057}}` appears:
* `{{G1605}}` **ekplḗssō** (to strike with astonishment): This verb denotes a state of being amazed. It is the very reaction that `{{G4057}}` amplifies when the disciples heard Jesus’ doctrine and were astonished [[Mark 1:22]].
* `{{G2896}}` **krázō** (to cry out): This word means to scream or call aloud, often with great urgency. It is the action intensified by `{{G4057}}` in [[Matthew 27:23]] and is also used to describe the heart-cry of believers to God as "Abba, Father" [[Romans 8:15]].
* `{{G1377}}` **diṓkō** (to pursue, persecute): This term signifies a pursuit that can be either hostile, as when Paul persecuted the church [[Acts 26:11]], or positive, as in the call to **follow** after peace [[Hebrews 12:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4057}}` lies in its capacity to measure the extremity of human responses to God's revelation.
* **Intensity of Opposition:** The word highlights the profound depth of human hostility toward the divine. Paul's persecution was not a passive disagreement but an action driven by being **exceedingly** mad [[Acts 26:11]]. Similarly, the crowd’s rejection of Jesus intensified to an extreme degree [[Matthew 27:23]].
* **Measure of Divine Impact:** The term is also used to show the powerful effect of Jesus's words. His teaching on salvation was so counter to worldly wisdom that it left his disciples **astonished out of measure**, revealing a heavenly standard that startles the human mind [[Mark 10:26]].
* **Amplification of Human State:** Ultimately, `{{G4057}}` demonstrates that encounters with God provoke powerful, not neutral, reactions. Whether it is rage, rejection, or astonishment, this adverb shows that the response is superabundant.
### Summary
In summary, **perissōs** `{{G4057}}` functions as a crucial amplifier in scripture. Though used sparingly, it powerfully conveys the extreme nature of human emotions and actions when confronted with divine matters. It is a word that marks the highest degree of response, whether in persecuting the church, crying for crucifixion, or being astonished by the words of Christ. It illustrates that spiritual encounters elicit reactions far beyond the ordinary.
TRV