### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5240 (hyperekchýnō) is a compound word formed from the preposition ὑπέρ (hyper, `{{G5228}}`), meaning "over, above, beyond, exceedingly," and ἐκχέω (ekcheō, `{{G1632}}`), which means "to pour out, shed, spill." The combination thus signifies "to pour out over" or, in its passive form as it appears in the New Testament, "to overflow" or "to run over." The prefix ὑπέρ intensifies the action of ἐκχέω, conveying a sense of superabundance, excess, or an outpouring that goes beyond what is merely full or sufficient. It implies a state of being so completely filled that the contents spill over the brim, indicating an overwhelming quantity or measure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5240 (hyperekchýnō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 6:38]]**: "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over (ὑπερεκχυννόμενον) will be put into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
In this singular occurrence, hyperekchýnō is used as a present participle, describing the state of the measure being returned. The context is Jesus' teaching on generous giving and the reciprocal nature of divine blessing. The imagery is vivid and agricultural, depicting a container (perhaps a fold in a garment, or a basket) being filled with grain. Not only is the measure full, but it is pressed down to maximize capacity, shaken together to settle the contents, and then filled to the point of overflowing. The word hyperekchýnō powerfully conveys this overflowing abundance, emphasizing that the return will not just be ample, but superabundant, exceeding all expectation and capacity. It illustrates the lavish generosity of God in response to human generosity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning of G5240:
* ἐκχέω (ekcheō, `{{G1632}}`): The base verb, meaning "to pour out" or "to shed." It is used in various contexts, such as pouring out water, shedding blood, or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [[Acts 2:17]]). The addition of ὑπέρ to ekcheō elevates the action from a simple outpouring to an *excessive* or *superabundant* outpouring.
* ὑπέρ (hyper, `{{G5228}}`): The prefix itself, which denotes "over," "beyond," or "exceedingly." It is frequently used in compounds to indicate superiority, excess, or intensity (e.g., ὑπερβολή (hyperbolē, `{{G5236}}`), "excellence, surpassing quality"; ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō, `{{G5248}}`), "to abound exceedingly").
* περισσεύω (perisseuō, `{{G4052}}`): "To abound, to overflow, to be left over." This verb also speaks to abundance and surplus, often used to describe spiritual blessings or material provision (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 9:8]]). While perisseuō denotes abundance, hyperekchýnō specifically emphasizes the *act* or *state* of *overflowing* due to an *excessive* filling.
* Concepts of Divine Generosity: The imagery relates to the boundless nature of God's giving, which transcends human limitations and expectations. This concept is foundational to understanding God's character and His relationship with humanity.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G5240 in [[Luke 6:38]] carries profound theological weight, primarily revealing the nature of God's reciprocity and generosity.
1. **God's Superabundant Generosity**: The word hyperekchýnō vividly portrays God's giving as not merely sufficient but overwhelmingly abundant. It signifies that God's blessings and provisions, whether spiritual or material, are not meted out sparingly but poured out to an extent that they cannot be fully contained by human capacity. This challenges a transactional view of faith, emphasizing instead a divine economy of lavish grace.
2. **Principle of Reciprocity in the Kingdom**: The verse establishes a direct link between human giving and divine receiving. The "running over" measure is the promised return for those who give generously. This is not a promise of material prosperity alone, but a spiritual principle that generous hearts will experience an overflowing return in various forms—blessing, grace, spiritual insight, and divine provision—beyond what they can imagine or contain. It underscores that the measure we use for others is the measure God will use for us.
3. **Reflecting God's Character**: The imagery of overflowing abundance reflects God's very character as one who is infinitely generous and gives beyond measure. It invites believers to emulate this divine attribute in their own lives, becoming conduits of God's overflowing love and provision to the world.
### Summary
G5240 (hyperekchýnō) is a powerful Greek verb, occurring uniquely in [[Luke 6:38]], that literally means "to pour out over" or "to overflow." Composed of ὑπέρ (hyper) and ἐκχέω (ekcheō), it signifies an excessive, superabundant outpouring. In its sole New Testament context, it vividly describes the measure of blessing that will be returned to those who give generously: a measure so full that it is pressed down, shaken together, and literally "running over." Theologically, hyperekchýnō serves as a profound descriptor of God's boundless generosity, His willingness to give beyond all human expectation, and the spiritual principle that those who sow generously will reap an overflowing harvest from the divine hand. It calls believers to embrace a life of open-handed generosity, trusting in the superabundant provision of God.
TRV