### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G5248}}` (hyperperisseúō) is a compound word formed from ὑπέρ (hyper, `{{G5228}}`), meaning "over, above, beyond," and περισσεύω (perisseúō, `{{G4052}}`), meaning "to be over and above, to abound, to excel, to be more than enough." Therefore, `{{G5248}}` signifies an intensified form of abounding: to "super-abound," "exceedingly abound," "overflow," or "be overwhelmingly abundant." It denotes not merely a sufficiency or even a general abundance, but a surplus that goes far beyond expectation, often implying a surprising or overwhelming degree. The prefix ὑπέρ lends a sense of transcendence, superiority, or extreme intensity to the concept of abounding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G5248}}` appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Pauline epistles, highlighting profound theological truths:
* **[[Romans 5:20]]**: "Now the law came in to increase the trespass, so that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." (NIV: "The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.")
* In this pivotal verse, Paul contrasts the abounding of sin (περισσεύω) with the *super-abounding* of grace (ὑπερπερισσεύω). The Law exposed and amplified sin, demonstrating humanity's profound need. Yet, God's grace is presented as not merely sufficient to counter sin, but overwhelmingly superior to it. The "much more" (ὑπερπερισσεύω) emphasizes that divine grace triumphs decisively and extravagantly over the dominion of sin, demonstrating an overwhelming victory. It is a quantitative and qualitative superiority of grace over sin's power.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:4]]**: "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort, I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation." (NIV: "I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.")
* Here, Paul uses `{{G5248}}` to describe the nature of his joy amidst severe tribulation. Despite external hardships and suffering, his internal joy "super-abounds" or "exceeds all bounds." This is a profound testament to the spiritual reality that Christian joy is not dependent on favorable circumstances but is a supernatural gift, enabling believers to experience an overwhelming abundance of joy even in the midst of adversity. It underscores the transformative power of God's Spirit within the believer.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **περισσεύω (perisseúō, `{{G4052}}`):** The base word, meaning to abound, be left over, excel. `{{G5248}}` is its intensified form.
* **ὑπερβολή (hyperbolē, `{{G5236}}`):** "Excellence, exceeding greatness." Related to the "hyper-" prefix, indicating going beyond the usual measure.
* **ὑπερεκπερισσοῦ (hyperekperissou, `{{G5237}}`):** An adverb meaning "exceedingly, beyond measure," another compound emphasizing extreme abundance or intensity.
* **πλεονάζω (pleonazō, `{{G4121}}`):** To abound, increase, be more than enough. Similar in meaning to περισσεύω but perhaps without the same emphasis on surplus.
* **Grace (χάρις, charis, `{{G5485}}`):** A key concept often associated with `{{G5248}}`, particularly in the context of God's abundant provision and mercy.
* **Joy (χαρά, chara, `{{G5479}}`):** The subject of `{{G5248}}` in [[2 Corinthians 7:4]], illustrating the supernatural nature of Christian experience.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G5248}}` holds profound theological significance, revealing aspects of God's character and the nature of Christian experience:
* **God's Extravagant Grace:** In [[Romans 5:20]], `{{G5248}}` powerfully articulates the boundless and overwhelming nature of God's grace. It signifies that God's response to human sin is not merely adequate, but infinitely more, demonstrating His inexhaustible love and mercy. This concept is foundational to understanding justification by grace through faith; grace does not just cover sin, it utterly overwhelms and triumphs over it.
* **The Efficacy of the Cross:** The "super-abounding" grace points to the complete and triumphant efficacy of Christ's atoning work. The cross is not merely a solution to sin, but a demonstration of God's overwhelming victory over sin and death, providing a surplus of redemptive power.
* **Supernatural Christian Experience:** In [[2 Corinthians 7:4]], `{{G5248}}` highlights the supernatural dimension of the believer's life. The ability for joy to "super-abound" amidst tribulation is a testament to the indwelling Holy Spirit and God's power to sustain and bless His people beyond natural human capacity. It speaks to a spiritual resilience and abundant inner life that transcends external circumstances, offering a profound witness to the world.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** Implicit in `{{G5248}}` is the truth that God's provisions, whether in salvation or in daily sustenance, are always more than sufficient. His resources are limitless, and His plan for humanity is marked by an overwhelming generosity that goes beyond what is strictly necessary, demonstrating His sovereign control and benevolent nature.
### Summary
`{{G5248}}` (hyperperisseúō) denotes an extraordinary and overwhelming abundance, a "super-abounding" that transcends normal measure. Its two biblical occurrences powerfully illustrate key theological truths: in [[Romans 5:20]], it underscores the magnificent, triumphant, and limitless nature of God's grace, which decisively overwhelms the abounding of sin. In [[2 Corinthians 7:4]], it describes the supernatural capacity for Christian joy to abound exceedingly even amidst severe tribulation, revealing the transformative power of God within the believer. This word thus points to God's character as one of extravagant generosity and the surprising, overflowing blessings available to those in Christ, demonstrating that His divine provisions are always more than sufficient.
TRV