Brief Overview of περίσσευμα (Strong’s G4051: perisseuma)

Strong’s G4051: A noun derived from περισσεύω (perisseuō), meaning abundance or surplus. Denotes that which is left over, an overflow, or superfluity. In biblical context, often refers to spiritual abundance or the overflow of what fills the heart, emphasizing both quantity and quality of excess.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περίσσευμα (perisseuma) embodies the concept of abundance that exceeds normal requirements or expectations. Its primary meaning centers on surplus or overflow, while secondary meanings include excess, abundance, and fullness. The word carries theological significance in expressing both material and spiritual abundance. In early church usage, it often portrayed God’s overflowing grace and the resulting abundance in believers’ lives. The concept remains relevant today as it speaks to God’s abundant provision and the overflow of His presence in believers’ lives, challenging modern Christians to live from a place of divine surplus rather than scarcity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περίσσευμα, perisseuma, per-is’-syoo-mah
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + syoo (as in “sue”) + mah (as in “ma”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• περισσεύω (perisseuō) – verb meaning “to exceed, abound”
• -μα (-ma) suffix – indicates result of action
  The suffix -μα transforms the verbal concept into a concrete noun representing the result or product of the abundance.

D – Defining Meanings

• Surplus, overflow
• Abundance beyond necessity
• That which remains or is left over
• Fullness that results in overflow

For compound words:
Base word περισσεύω indicates exceeding or abundance
Suffix -μα indicates the concrete result of the action

Translation Options:

1. Abundance – captures the fullness aspect
2. Overflow – emphasizes the dynamic nature
3. Surplus – highlights the “more than enough” concept

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλήρωμα (plērōma) [play-ro-ma] – fullness, but emphasizes completion
• πλεόνασμα (pleonasma) [ple-on-as-ma] – increase, with emphasis on multiplication
• περισσεία (perisseia) [per-is-si-a] – abundance, but more abstract

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Third Declension

Example morphological changes:
Nominative singular: περίσσευμα
Genitive singular: περισσεύματος
Dative plural: περισσεύμασι

Cross-references:

• Verb form: περισσεύω
• Adjective form: περισσός

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines περίσσευμα as abundance or surplus, specifically what remains or is left over. Thayer’s emphasizes the abundance aspect, particularly in relation to spiritual matters. LSJ provides classical usage examples highlighting material surplus. Vine’s connects it to the overflow of the heart in Matthew 12:34. Strong’s emphasizes the superabundance aspect. LEH and Moulton and Milligan provide additional contexts from Hellenistic usage, emphasizing both material and spiritual applications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance [περίσσευμα] of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)

Additional References:
Mark 8:8
Luke 6:45
2 Corinthians 8:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περίσσευμα represents more than mere surplus; it embodies God’s principle of abundance in both material and spiritual realms. This word reveals that God’s economy operates on overflow, not scarcity. The good news of King Jesus demonstrates that He came to give life abundantly, with περίσσευμα characterizing His provision for His people. This abundance flows from heart to actions, transforming both the recipient and those around them.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in papyri documents regarding grain storage, showing its practical economic usage.
2. Early church fathers used περίσσευμα to describe the overwhelming nature of God’s grace.
3. The concept influenced early Christian practices of sharing resources within communities.

Strong’s G4051: A noun derived from περισσεύω (perisseuō), meaning abundance or surplus. Denotes that which is left over, overflow, or superfluity. In biblical context, often refers to spiritual abundance or the overflow of what fills the heart, emphasizing both quantity and quality of excess.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #abundance #overflow #surplus #wealth #provision #heart #speech #giving #grace #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​