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 word **pleonázō**, represented by `{{G4121}}`, means to do, make or be more, to increase, or to superabound. This term, which can be used both transitively and intransitively, appears 11 times in 8 unique verses. It conveys a dynamic of increase, whether in a negative or positive sense, signifying growth, abundance, and having an excess.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4121}}` is used to illustrate several key dynamics of increase. It is famously used to describe the effect of the law, which "entered, that the offence might **abound**" [[Romans 5:20]]. In the same verse, it describes the proliferation of sin itself. However, the word is also central to the concept of grace, as seen in the question, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may **abound**?" [[Romans 6:1]]. The term is applied to the growth of Christian virtues, such as when the Lord is asked to **make** believers **to increase** and abound in love [[1 Thessalonians 3:12]]. It also describes the result of spiritual maturity, where abounding virtues ensure a believer is not barren or unfruitful [[2 Peter 1:8]]. In a unique context, it refers to having a material surplus, as when it was written that he who gathered much **had** nothing **over** [[2 Corinthians 8:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify and expand upon the concept of abounding:
* `{{G5248}}` **hyperperisseúō** (to super-abound): This intensified form is used in direct contrast to `{{G4121}}` to show the superiority of grace. Where sin abounded, grace "did **much more abound**" [[Romans 5:20]].
* `{{G4052}}` **perisseúō** (to superabound, be in excess): This word is used as a synonym in parallel with `{{G4121}}`, highlighting a desired state of spiritual growth, as in the prayer for believers to "increase and **abound** in love" [[1 Thessalonians 3:12]].
* `{{G1641}}` **elattonéō** (to diminish, fall short): This term functions as an antonym to `{{G4121}}`. It is used to show a state of balance in God's provision, where one who gathered much had nothing over, while another who gathered little **had** no **lack** [[2 Corinthians 8:15]].
* `{{G5232}}` **hyperauxánō** (to increase above ordinary degree): This word emphasizes extraordinary growth and is used to describe how the Thessalonians' faith **groweth exceedingly** while their charity **aboundeth** (`{{G4121}}`) [[2 Thessalonians 1:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4121}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of sin, grace, and Christian life.
* **The Proliferation of Sin and Grace:** The word is central to the theological argument that the introduction of the law caused transgression to **abound**. This increase of sin, however, serves a greater purpose: to reveal the even greater, superabounding nature of God's grace [[Romans 5:20]].
* **Growth in Christian Virtues:** `{{G4121}}` is repeatedly used to define the goal of the Christian life, which is to **increase** and abound in qualities like love [[1 Thessalonians 3:12]], charity [[2 Thessalonians 1:3]], and other virtues that lead to fruitful knowledge of Christ [[2 Peter 1:8]].
* **Divine Provision and Sufficiency:** The use of `{{G4121}}` in the context of the Israelites gathering manna illustrates a principle of divine economics. It shows that God's provision prevents both excessive surplus and debilitating lack within His community [[2 Corinthians 8:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4121}}` is a powerful word that captures the essence of increase and abundance. It is not merely a quantitative term but a dynamic one, describing the growth of both sin and the virtues of the Christian faith. Its most profound use is in expressing the paradox where the abounding of sin becomes the backdrop against which God's grace is shown to superabound even more, defining a core tenet of salvation and the believer's spiritual journey.
TRV