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.
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.
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.
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.
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