The Greek word hyperbállō, represented by G5235, is a term used to convey the idea of surpassing or excelling. Its base definition is to throw beyond the usual mark, or figuratively, to surpass, and it is translated as exceeding, excel, or pass. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible.
In its biblical usage, G5235 consistently describes divine qualities that are beyond human measure or comparison. It is used to characterize the "exceeding greatness" of God's power toward believers Ephesians 1:19 and the "exceeding riches" of His grace Ephesians 2:7. The term also describes the love of Christ, which "passeth knowledge" Ephesians 3:19, highlighting a spiritual reality that transcends intellectual understanding. Similarly, it defines the "exceeding grace of God" at work in believers 2 Corinthians 9:14. The word is also used to contrast the superior nature of the new covenant, which has a "glory that excelleth" 2 Corinthians 3:10.
Several related Greek words help illuminate the contexts in which G5235 appears:
- G1411 dýnamis (force; specially, miraculous power): This is directly modified by G5235 to describe the "exceeding greatness of his power" available to those who believe Ephesians 1:19.
- G5485 cháris (graciousness; especially the divine influence upon the heart): The immense nature of God's grace is twice described as "exceeding," emphasizing its boundless quality (Ephesians 2:7, 2 Corinthians 9:14).
- G1391 dóxa (glory (as very apparent)): This term is used to show the preeminence of the new covenant, whose glory "excelleth" to such a degree that the former glory is considered "no glory" in comparison 2 Corinthians 3:10.
- G1108 gnōsis (knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge): The love of Christ is described as surpassing or passing knowledge, indicating that it is a reality to be experienced beyond mere intellectual comprehension Ephesians 3:19.
The theological weight of G5235 is significant, as it is reserved for describing concepts of an almost incomprehensible scale.
- Divine Immeasurability: The word underscores that God's core attributes—His power, grace, and love—operate on a level that surpasses human standards and measurement. The greatness of His power is "exceeding" Ephesians 1:19, and His love "passeth knowledge" Ephesians 3:19.
- Overwhelming Grace: It communicates the overwhelming and abundant nature of God's kindness toward believers. His grace is not merely sufficient but is described in terms of "exceeding riches" Ephesians 2:7 and as an "exceeding" gift 2 Corinthians 9:14.
- The Supremacy of the New Covenant: By stating that the glory of the new covenant "excelleth," G5235 establishes its absolute superiority over the old, framing it not just as an improvement but as something of an entirely different and higher order 2 Corinthians 3:10.
In summary, G5235 is a powerful term used to express that which is superlatively great and beyond measure. It is not just about being "more" but about existing in a category that transcends ordinary comparison. Its usage is focused on conveying the immeasurable nature of God's power, the boundless riches of His grace, the love of Christ that surpasses understanding, and the unparalleled glory of the new covenant.
TRV