### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ὑπερπερισσῶς (G5249, transliterated *hyperperissōs*) is a compound word derived from two intensifying elements: the preposition ὑπέρ (`{{G5228}}`, *hyper*), meaning "over," "above," or "beyond," and the adverb περισσῶς (`{{G4057}}`, *perissōs*), meaning "exceedingly" or "abundantly." The combination of these two elements creates a powerful superlative, conveying a sense of "super-abundantly," "beyond measure," or "exceedingly beyond." It signifies a degree or extent that is not merely great or abundant, but overwhelmingly so, transcending normal limits or expectations. The prefix ὑπέρ acts to intensify περισσῶς, suggesting a double emphasis on excess or surpassing quality. Its semantic range thus encompasses the ideas of extraordinary abundance, unparalleled degree, and an overwhelming or immeasurable quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb ὑπερπερισσῶς (G5249) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular usage is profoundly impactful.
In [[Mark 7:37]], describing the crowd's reaction to Jesus's healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment, the text states: "And they were **beyond measure** astonished, saying, 'He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.'" (ESV).
The context is crucial. Jesus has just performed a remarkable miracle, opening the ears and loosening the tongue of a man who was profoundly afflicted. The crowd's response is not merely "astonished" (ἐξεπλήσσοντο, *exeplēssonto*), but "beyond measure astonished" (*hyperperissōs exeplēssonto*). This indicates an astonishment that surpassed all normal human capacity for wonder. It was an overwhelming, almost incomprehensible amazement that recognized the extraordinary nature of what had occurred. The crowd's subsequent declaration, "He has done all things well," further underscores their recognition of divine power and perfect execution. The use of hyperperissōs here highlights the profound impact of Jesus's miraculous work, demonstrating that His power was not just effective, but superlatively so, evoking a response of awe that transcended ordinary human experience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of ὑπερπερισσῶς reveal its strong semantic ties to other Greek terms denoting abundance and intensity:
* ὑπέρ (`{{G5228}}`, *hyper*): As a prefix, hyper- is frequently used in Greek to intensify verbs and nouns, indicating superiority, excess, or transcendence. Examples include ὑπεραυξάνω (*hyperauxanō*, "to grow exceedingly") and ὑπερνικάω (*hypernikaō*, "to be more than a conqueror").
* περισσῶς (`{{G4057}}`, *perissōs*): This adverb itself means "exceedingly," "abundantly," or "more than enough." It is derived from περισσός (`{{G4053}}`, *perissos*), meaning "superfluous," "excessive," or "abundant."
* περισσεύω (`{{G4052}}`, *perisseuō*): The verb form, meaning "to abound," "to be in abundance," or "to overflow."
Other Greek words conveying high degrees of intensity include:
* λίαν (`{{G3029}}`, *lian*): "very," "exceedingly."
* πολύς (`{{G4183}}`, *polys*): "much," "many," "great."
* ἐκπερισσῶς (`{{G1537}}`, *ekperissōs*): "exceedingly," "beyond measure," which is similar to perissōs but with the intensifying prefix ἐκ (*ek*).
The unique combination in ὑπερπερισσῶς represents a compounded intensification, making it one of the strongest adverbs of degree in the Greek lexicon. It suggests a level of experience or emotion that goes beyond merely "very" or "exceedingly," reaching a point of overwhelming or immeasurable impact.
### Theological Significance
Though ὑπερπερισσῶς (G5249) appears only once, its theological significance in [[Mark 7:37]] is profound.
1. **Testimony to Divine Power:** The "beyond measure astonishment" of the crowd serves as a powerful testament to the truly divine nature of Jesus's miracles. Their reaction was not merely one of appreciation for a skilled healer, but of overwhelming awe at an act that transcended human capability. This superlative astonishment points directly to the supernatural power of God at work through Jesus.
2. **The Nature of Miracles:** The word underscores that Jesus's miracles were not just impressive feats, but events so profoundly impactful that they evoked an extreme, superlative human response. They were undeniable demonstrations of God's presence and power, designed to reveal His glory and authority.
3. **Human Response to the Divine:** The crowd's reaction exemplifies an appropriate human response to encountering the extraordinary work of God. It is a response of profound wonder, awe, and recognition of divine goodness, leading to the proclamation, "He has done all things well." This astonishment can be seen as a precursor to faith, a recognition of divine intervention that can lead to deeper belief and worship.
4. **Glory to God:** Ultimately, the hyperperissōs astonishment redounds to the glory of God. The crowd's inability to contain their wonder, expressed through this powerful adverb, is a form of worship, acknowledging the unparalleled goodness, power, and perfection of the One performing these deeds.
### Summary
ὑπερπερισσῶς (G5249, *hyperperissōs*) is a potent Greek adverb meaning "super-abundantly," "exceedingly beyond measure," or "overwhelmingly." Its etymology reveals a double intensification, combining ὑπέρ (beyond) and περισσῶς (exceedingly), to denote an extreme degree of something. Its single occurrence in [[Mark 7:37]] powerfully describes the crowd's "beyond measure astonishment" at Jesus's miraculous healing. This profound reaction highlights the extraordinary nature of divine acts, demonstrating that God's power, as manifested through Jesus, transcends all human expectations and capabilities. The word underscores the overwhelming impact of encountering the divine, leading to awe, recognition of God's goodness, and ultimately, His glorification. It serves as a vivid descriptor for an experience that is truly immeasurable in its impact.
TRV