The Greek word hyperperissōs, represented by G5249, means superabundantly or exceedingly. It is formed from the words ὑπέρ and περισσῶς and is defined as "beyond measure." This specific term appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, marking a moment of exceptional reaction.
The sole appearance of G5249 occurs in Mark 7:37. In this passage, the crowd is reacting to Jesus healing a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. The verse states that they "were beyond measure astonished," a direct result of seeing this miracle. Their astonishment was so great that it prompted them to proclaim, "He hath done all things G3956 well G2573: he maketh both the deaf G2974 to hear G191, and the dumb G216 to speak G2980."
Several related words found in its immediate context clarify the meaning and impact of G5249:
- G1605 ekplḗssō (to strike with astonishment): This is the verb directly modified by hyperperissōs. The crowd was not merely astonished, but astonished to a superabundant degree, emphasizing the overwhelming power of the event they witnessed Mark 7:37.
- G2573 kalōs (well): This adverb explains the reason for the crowd's extreme reaction. They observed Jesus' actions and concluded that He had performed them "well," which was the foundation for their being astonished "beyond measure" Mark 7:37.
- G2974 kōphós (deaf, dumb): This adjective describes the state of the man who was healed. The act of restoring hearing to the "deaf" was so profound that it generated the exceptional response captured by G5249 Mark 7:37.
- G4160 poiéō (to make or do): This verb is used twice in the crowd's declaration, stating that Jesus has "done" all things well and "maketh" the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak, highlighting His active power and creative work Mark 7:37.
The theological significance of G5249 is tied directly to its singular context.
- Validation of Divine Power: The use of "beyond measure" illustrates that Jesus' miracle was undeniable and overwhelming. It was not a quiet or ambiguous event but a public display of power that produced an extreme and appropriate level of awe.
- The Quality of Christ's Work: The crowd's astonishment is linked to their declaration that He has "done all things G3956 well G2573." The intensity of their reaction serves as a powerful testimony to the perfect and complete nature of His actions.
- Human Reaction to the Miraculous: G5249 captures a peak human response to a divine encounter. It shows that witnessing God's power firsthand can produce an astonishment that is "superabundantly" beyond normal experience.
In summary, G5249 hyperperissōs is a rare but impactful word that signifies the highest degree of amazement. Its single use in scripture is crucial, describing the crowd's reaction to Jesus' healing of a deaf and mute man in Mark 7:37. The term conveys that the miracle was so profound and perfectly executed that it pushed the onlookers past simple surprise into a state of being "beyond measure" astonished, confirming that His work was done "well."
TRV