Brief Overview of περισσεία (Strong’s G4050: perisseia)

Strong’s G4050: A noun derived from περισσός (abundant), meaning “abundance, superfluity, surplus.” Used in the New Testament to describe the superabounding nature of God’s grace and spiritual gifts, emphasizing divine provision that exceeds all human need or expectation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισσεία represents supernatural abundance and overflow. Derived from περισσός, it describes a quantity or quality that exceeds normal measures. In the New Testament, it appears particularly in contexts of divine grace, describing God’s superabounding provision. The word carries profound theological significance in expressing the lavish nature of God’s gifts to believers. Early church writers used it to discuss both spiritual and material abundance as evidence of divine generosity. Today, it reminds believers that God’s provision always exceeds our needs and expectations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισσεία, perisseia, [peh-ris-SEI-ah]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ris-SEI-ah (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περισσός (perissos): root meaning “abundant, excessive”
• -εία (-eia): noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality
• Combined meaning: state of abundance or excess

D – Defining Meanings

• Abundance
• Superabundance
• Overflow

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derived from περισσός with the abstract noun suffix -εία

Translation Options:

1. Abundance – Basic meaning
2. Superabundance – Emphasizes excess
3. Overflow – Captures dynamic aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλήρωμα [pleroma, PLAY-ro-mah] – fullness
• πλεονασμός [pleonasmos, pleh-o-NAS-mos] – increase
• ὑπερβολή [hyperbole, hoo-per-bo-LAY] – excess

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:
Nominative: περισσεία
Genitive: περισσείας
Dative: περισσείᾳ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes supernatural abundance. Thayer’s notes its connection to grace. LSJ provides examples of excess. Vine’s connects it to divine provision. Strong’s emphasizes superabundance. Moulton and Milligan document its use in prosperity contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive [abundance] of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17)

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 8:2, 10:15, James 1:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισσεία powerfully illustrates God’s extravagant grace. The good news of King Jesus is not about mere sufficiency but about superabounding provision, showing that God gives far beyond our needs or expectations, demonstrating His unlimited generosity and love.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient economic texts for surplus
2. Applied in philosophical discussions of virtue
3. Significant in early church teachings on divine provision

Strong’s G4050: Noun expressing supernatural abundance or overflow. Used especially of God’s grace and spiritual gifts, emphasizing divine provision that exceeds all human need or expectation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Abundance #Grace #Provision #Overflow #BiblicalGreek #DivineGenerosity #Blessing #Surplus #God’sGifts #Superabundance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​