from πλείων; to do, make or be more, i.e. increase (transitively or intransitively); by extension, to superabound:--abound, abundant, make to increase, have over.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4121}}` (πλεονάζω, *pleonázō*) is derived from `{{G4119}}` (πλείων), meaning "more" or "greater." At its core, `{{G4121}}` signifies an increase, an augmentation, or a becoming more in quantity or degree. It can be used both transitively, meaning "to make to increase" or "to cause to abound," and intransitively, meaning "to become more," "to increase," or "to abound." By extension, the term can convey the idea of "superabounding" or "having over," indicating an overflowing abundance that exceeds what is merely sufficient. The semantic range thus encompasses growth, multiplication, surplus, and intensification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G4121}}` appears several times in the New Testament, consistently conveying the sense of increase or abundance, often with profound theological implications.
* **Romans 5:20**: This verse famously states, "But the law came in so that the transgression might *increase* (πλεονάσῃ); but where sin *increased* (ἐπλεόνασεν), grace *abounded all the more* (ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν)." Here, `{{G4121}}` describes the effect of the Law in making sin manifest and multiplying its recognition. Crucially, it sets the stage for the even greater, superabounding grace of God.
* **Romans 6:1**: Following the declaration in 5:20, Paul poses the rhetorical question, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may *increase* (πλεονάσῃ)?" This highlights the misunderstanding that could arise from the concept of abounding grace, emphatically rejecting the notion that sin should be embraced for grace to multiply.
* **2 Corinthians 4:15**: "For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is *spreading* (πλεονάσασα) through more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." Here, grace is depicted as *increasing* or *multiplying* in its reach and effect among believers, leading to greater thanksgiving.
* **Philippians 4:17**: Paul writes, "Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which *increases* (πλεονάζοντα) to your account." In this context, `{{G4121}}` refers to the spiritual return or blessing that accrues to the Philippians due to their generosity, indicating a growing spiritual credit.
* **2 Thessalonians 1:3**: "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is *growing* (πλεονάζει) abundantly, and the love of each one of you toward one another is *increasing* (πλεονάζει)." This verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic and progressive nature of spiritual growth, where both faith and love are seen to be actively multiplying among believers.
* **1 Thessalonians 3:12**: "And may the Lord cause you to *increase* (πλεονάσαι) and *abound* (περισσεύσαι) in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you." This passage pairs `{{G4121}}` with `{{G4052}}` (περισσεύω), emphasizing a desire for an overflowing and ever-growing love.
* **1 Timothy 1:14**: "and the grace of our Lord *was more than abundant* (ὑπερεπλεόνασεν) with faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus." Here, the intensified form of `{{G4121}}` (with the prefix *hyper-*) underscores the exceeding and overwhelming nature of God's grace.
* **2 Peter 1:8**: "For if these qualities are yours and *are increasing* (πλεονάζοντα), they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse encourages the cultivation of Christian virtues, indicating that their *increase* is vital for effective and fruitful spiritual life.
Across these occurrences, `{{G4121}}` consistently points to a dynamic process of growth and multiplication, whether in the realm of sin, divine grace, or Christian virtues.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G4121}}` is closely related to its root, `{{G4119}}` (πλείων, *pleiōn*), meaning "more" or "greater." Other words in the New Testament that share a similar semantic field of increase or abundance include:
* `{{G4052}}` (περισσεύω, *perisseuō*): To be over and above, to abound, to excel, to cause to abound. This word often emphasizes an overflowing or superabundant quantity, frequently appearing alongside or interchangeably with `{{G4121}}`, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 3:12.
* `{{G5248}}` (ὑπερπερισσεύω, *hyperperisseuō*): To abound exceedingly, to overflow beyond measure. This is an intensified form of `{{G4052}}`, often used to describe the immense magnitude of God's grace (e.g., Romans 5:20).
* `{{G837}}` (αὐξάνω, *auxanō*): To grow, increase, or cause to grow. While `{{G4121}}` often implies a quantitative increase, `{{G837}}` frequently denotes an organic, qualitative growth (e.g., of a seed, a body, or the church).
* `{{G4183}}` (πολύς, *polys*): Much, many, large. A general term for quantity.
The interplay between `{{G4121}}` and these related terms enriches the biblical portrayal of divine generosity and spiritual progression.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4121}}` is profound, illuminating several key aspects of Christian doctrine and experience:
1. **The Abundance of God's Grace**: The most striking theological use of `{{G4121}}` is in Romans 5:20 and 1 Timothy 1:14, where it describes the overwhelming and superabundant nature of God's grace. In the face of humanity's increasing sin, God's grace does not merely suffice but *abounds much more*. This highlights God's boundless mercy and power to redeem, demonstrating that His grace is always greater than the sum of human transgression.
2. **The Paradox of Law and Sin**: The statement that the Law came in so that transgression might `{{G4121}}` underscores the Law's revelatory function. It does not create sin, but exposes it, making humanity's fallen state evident and thereby highlighting the desperate need for a Savior. This increase of sin, however, is ultimately overshadowed by the greater increase of grace.
3. **Dynamic Spiritual Growth**: `{{G4121}}` frequently describes the expected and desired growth in the Christian life. The increase of faith and love among believers (2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:12) and the multiplying of Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:8) are presented as vital signs of spiritual vitality and maturity. This emphasizes that the Christian life is not static but a journey of continuous progression and deepening relationship with God.
4. **Divine Generosity and Reciprocity**: In Philippians 4:17, the concept of spiritual "profit" or "fruit" *increasing* to the believers' account underscores the principle of divine reciprocity. Generosity towards God's work is not without its spiritual dividends, as God blesses and multiplies the spiritual returns for those who give.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G4121}}` (πλεονάζω, *pleonázō*) fundamentally means "to increase," "to abound," or "to superabound." Its usage in the New Testament reveals a dynamic and often overflowing quality, applied to various spiritual realities. Theologically, it powerfully articulates the **superabundance of God's grace** in overcoming sin, the **paradoxical role of the Law** in revealing transgression, and the **essential nature of spiritual growth** in faith, love, and virtue within the lives of believers. `{{G4121}}` thus paints a picture of a God whose provisions and blessings are not merely sufficient but are characterized by an overwhelming and ever-increasing abundance, calling believers to a life of dynamic spiritual progression.
TRV