Brief Overview of περισσός (Strong’s G4053: perissos)

Strong’s G4053: An adjective derived from περί (peri, “beyond”), meaning extraordinary, abundant, or exceeding the usual number or size. In biblical contexts, it describes that which goes beyond normal bounds or expectations, often describing God’s extraordinary grace or actions.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισσός (perissos) fundamentally describes something that goes beyond normal bounds or expectations. Its primary meaning centers on that which is extraordinary or superior, while secondary meanings include superfluous, abundant, or excessive. In the New Testament, it carries significant theological weight, often describing the extraordinary nature of God’s grace and the superior quality of life in Christ. The early church employed this term to emphasize the exceptional character of Christian living and divine provision. Today, it continues to challenge believers to embrace and express the extraordinary nature of God’s kingdom, contrasting worldly mediocrity with divine excellence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισσός, perissos, per-is-sos’
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + sos (as in “sauce”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

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

D – Defining Meanings

• Extraordinary
• Abundant
• Superior
• Beyond measure
• Exceptional

For compound words:
Prefix περί indicates the concept of “beyond” or “around”
Suffix -σσός indicates a state of completeness

Translation Options:

1. Extraordinary – emphasizes the exceptional quality
2. Abundant – captures the quantitative aspect
3. Superior – highlights the comparative excellence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπερβάλλων (hyperballōn) [hoop-er-bal’-lon] – surpassing, with emphasis on exceeding limits
• πλεονάζων (pleonazōn) [ple-on-ad’-zon] – increasing, focusing on multiplication
• ὑπερέχων (hyperechōn) [hoop-er-ekh’-on] – superior, emphasizing position or rank

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second

Example forms:
Masculine nominative singular: περισσός
Feminine nominative singular: περισσή
Neuter nominative singular: περισσόν

Cross-references:

• Verb form: περισσεύω
• Noun form: περίσσευμα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines περισσός as that which exceeds ordinary or prescribed bounds. Thayer’s emphasizes its meaning of superiority and abundance. LSJ notes its classical usage indicating excess or superfluity. Vine’s connects it to the concept of surpassing measure. Strong’s highlights its meaning of “beyond usual.” Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri describing exceptional quality or quantity.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more [περισσός] than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37)

Additional References:
Mark 6:51
John 10:10
Romans 3:1
2 Corinthians 9:1
Ephesians 3:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισσός powerfully expresses the extraordinary nature of God’s kingdom and His ways. It proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, we receive not just ordinary life but extraordinary abundance. This word challenges us to embrace and express the superior quality of life found in Christ, where divine excellence replaces human mediocrity, and God’s supernatural provision exceeds all natural expectations.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient Greek mathematics to describe numbers that exceeded regular patterns.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe the miraculous nature of Christ’s works.
3. It appears in ancient commercial documents describing premium quality goods.

Strong’s G4053: An adjective signifying that which goes beyond normal bounds or expectations. Derived from περί (peri, “beyond”), it describes extraordinary quality or quantity. In biblical usage, often characterizes divine action and provision, emphasizing the supernatural nature of God’s work.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #extraordinary #abundant #superior #excellence #supernatural #provision #grace #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology #Kingdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​