Superabundant Grace: ὑπερπερισσεύω (Strong’s G5248: hyperperisseuō) Overwhelms All Sin

Strong’s G5248: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (beyond) and περισσεύω (to abound), meaning “to superabound, to be exceedingly abundant.” Used to describe grace’s overwhelming superiority over sin and the overflowing fullness of divine consolation.

U – Unveiling the Word

The verb ὑπερπερισσεύω expresses abundance that exceeds all measure. As a compound word combining “beyond” (ὑπέρ) with “to abound” (περισσεύω), it describes overflowing abundance that surpasses all expectations. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term to describe both the superabounding nature of grace over sin and the overwhelming fullness of divine comfort. The early church understood this word as expressing the immeasurable nature of God’s grace and provision. Today, this word continues to proclaim the inexhaustible nature of divine grace and the overwhelming sufficiency of God’s comfort in all circumstances.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερπερισσεύω, hyperperisseuō, /hy.per.pe.ris.seu.ō/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-pe-ris-syü’-ō (where ü as in German über)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “beyond”
• Root: περισσεύω (perisseuō) meaning “to abound”
• Combined meaning: “to abound beyond measure”

D – Defining Meanings

• To superabound
• To overflow exceedingly
• To exceed all measure
• To be abundantly excessive

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ intensifies περισσεύω’s meaning of abundance, creating the concept of overwhelming, excessive abundance.

Translation Options:

• “to superabound” – emphasizes extreme abundance
• “to overflow beyond measure” – captures uncontainable nature
• “to exceed abundantly” – highlights surpassing fullness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περισσεύω (perisseuō) /pe.ris.seu.ō/ – to abound – See G4052
• πλεονάζω (pleonazō) /ple.o.na.zō/ – to increase – See G4121
• ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō) /hy.per.bal.lō/ – to excel – See G5235

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this verb:

• Tense: Aorist/Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar/Continuous

Common forms include:

• ὑπερπερισσεύω – I superabound
• ὑπερεπερίσσευσεν – it superabounded (aorist)
• ὑπερπερισσεύων – superabounding (participle)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπερπερισσεύω’s meaning and significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing divine grace and comfort that exceeds all measure. Thayer’s notes how the double intensification (ὑπέρ + περισσεύω) expresses supreme abundance. LSJ traces similar compound formations expressing excessive abundance. Vine’s highlights its use in describing grace’s triumph over sin. Strong’s emphasizes the intensifying effect of the prefix. Moulton and Milligan note its rare usage, suggesting its special theological significance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 5:20: “The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more [ὑπερπερισσεύω].”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 7:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπερπερισσεύω powerfully expresses the overwhelming nature of divine grace. It proclaims that no matter how great sin becomes, grace always rises immeasurably higher. This word announces the good news that God’s grace is never exhausted, never matched, and never overcome. It reminds us that in the Messiah, we receive not just sufficiency but superabundance of grace that overwhelms all opposition.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερπερισσεύω appears twice in the New Testament
• It combines two intensive prefixes for maximum emphasis
• The word may have been coined by Paul

Strong’s G5248: A compound verb combining ὑπέρ (beyond) and περισσεύω (to abound), meaning “to superabound, to be exceedingly abundant.” Used to describe grace’s overwhelming superiority over sin and the overflowing fullness of divine consolation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: abundance, grace, divine provision, overflow, superabundance, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, divine sufficiency, comfort, triumph over sin​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​