Brief Overview of περισσεύω (Strong’s G4052: perisseuō)

Strong’s G4052: A verb derived from περισσός (perissos), meaning to be over and above, to abound, to exceed. In biblical contexts, it signifies abundance beyond measure, supernatural increase, or overflow. Used to describe both material abundance and spiritual fullness, particularly God’s grace and provision.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισσεύω (perisseuō) fundamentally expresses the concept of exceeding boundaries or normal measures. Its primary meaning centers on abounding or increasing beyond measure, while secondary meanings include excelling, remaining over, or having more than enough. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance, often describing God’s supernatural provision and the abundant life found in Christ. The early church understood this term as expressing the overwhelming nature of divine grace and the Christian’s appropriate response of abundant generosity. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to live in the reality of God’s limitless provision and to manifest this abundance in both spiritual growth and practical generosity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισσεύω, perisseuō, per-is-syoo’-o
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + syoo (as in “sue”) + o (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri) – prefix meaning “around, beyond”
• -σσός (-ssos) – suffix indicating fullness or completeness
• -εύω (-euō) – verbal suffix indicating ongoing action

D – Defining Meanings

• To exceed a fixed measure
• To be abundant or superior
• To overflow or have more than enough
• To increase or excel

For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates movement beyond normal bounds
Suffix -εύω indicates continuous or repeated action

Translation Options:

1. Abound – emphasizes the state of abundance
2. Overflow – captures the dynamic aspect of increase
3. Excel – highlights the comparative superiority

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλεονάζω (pleonazō) [ple-on-ad’-zo] – to increase, but emphasizes multiplication
• πληθύνω (plēthynō) [play-thoo’-no] – to multiply, focusing on numerical increase
• αὐξάνω (auxanō) [ow-xan’-o] – to grow, emphasizing organic development

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Example conjugations:
Present Active Indicative: περισσεύω (I abound)
Future Active Indicative: περισσεύσω (I will abound)
Aorist Active Indicative: ἐπερίσσευσα (I abounded)

Cross-references:

• Noun form: περίσσευμα
• Adjective form: περισσός

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes περισσεύω’s meaning of “to exist in abundance” and “to have more than enough.” Thayer’s highlights its usage in both material and spiritual contexts. LSJ traces its classical usage in describing excess or superiority. Vine’s notes its frequent application to God’s gifts and grace. Strong’s connects it to the concept of superabundance. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri regarding commercial surplus and abundance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds [περισσεύω] that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)

Additional References:
Matthew 13:12
Mark 12:44
Luke 15:17
John 6:12
Acts 16:5
Romans 5:15
2 Corinthians 9:8
Philippians 1:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισσεύω powerfully expresses the transformative nature of God’s kingdom, where abundance replaces scarcity, and overflow characterizes the believer’s life. This word proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, we find not just sufficiency but supernatural abundance. His grace doesn’t merely meet our needs but overflows, empowering us to excel in good works and generosity toward others.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears over 100 times in various forms throughout the New Testament.
2. It was commonly used in ancient commerce to describe profitable business ventures.
3. Early Christian manuscripts show this word being used to describe the multiplication of loaves and fishes in Jesus’ miracles.

Strong’s G4052: A verb expressing supernatural abundance and increase, derived from περισσός (perissos). Denotes exceeding normal measures, overflowing, or abounding. In biblical usage, often describes God’s grace, spiritual growth, and material provision, emphasizing both quantity and quality of increase.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #abundance #overflow #increase #excel #growth #provision #grace #giving #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology #Kingdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​