Brief Overview of περισσότερον (Strong’s G4054: perissoteron)

Strong’s G4054: A comparative adverb/adjective derived from περισσός (perissos), meaning “more abundantly” or “much more.” In biblical contexts, it emphasizes degree of superiority or abundance beyond normal measure, often used to express heightened spiritual realities or divine excellence.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισσότερον (perissoteron) serves as an intensifier, expressing the concept of “more than” or “to a greater degree.” Its primary meaning emphasizes comparative abundance or superiority, while secondary meanings include “more earnestly” or “more abundantly.” In the New Testament, it often appears in contexts highlighting the surpassing nature of Christ’s work or the superior quality of New Covenant realities. Early church fathers employed this term to emphasize the exceeding greatness of God’s grace and the superior nature of Christian living compared to other religious expressions. Today, it continues to underscore the transformative power of the gospel, challenging believers to embrace and experience “more abundant” life in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισσότερον, perissoteron, per-is-sot’-er-on
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + sot (as in “sought”) + er (as in “air”) + on (as in “on”)
• Part of Speech: Comparative Adverb/Adjective

Etymology:

• περισσός (perissos) – base word meaning “abundant”
• -τερον (-teron) – comparative suffix indicating “more”

D – Defining Meanings

• More abundantly
• To a greater degree
• Much more
• More earnestly
• More severely

For compound words:
Base word περισσός indicates abundance or superiority
Suffix -τερον creates comparative form

Translation Options:

1. Much more – emphasizes degree of increase
2. More abundantly – captures the overflow aspect
3. Far greater – highlights comparative superiority

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μᾶλλον (mallon) [mal’-lon] – rather, more, but less emphatic
• πλεῖον (pleion) [ply’-own] – more, focusing on quantity
• μειζότερον (meizoteron) [mide-zot’-er-on] – greater, emphasizing magnitude

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjectival/Adverbial Features:

• Case: When used as adjective – Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural (when adjectival)
• Gender: Neuter (when adjectival)
• Degree: Comparative

Example forms:
As adjective: περισσότερον (nominative neuter singular)
As adverb: περισσότερον (fixed form)

Cross-references:

• Base adjective: περισσός
• Related verb: περισσεύω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its comparative force, indicating superiority in degree or measure. Thayer’s notes its usage both as adverb and adjective. LSJ documents its classical usage indicating excess or superiority. Vine’s connects it to the concept of abundance beyond measure. Strong’s emphasizes its meaning of “more superabundant.” Moulton and Milligan highlight its frequent appearance in comparative contexts in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you will receive greater [περισσότερον] condemnation.” (Matthew 23:14)

Additional References:
Mark 12:40
Luke 12:4
1 Corinthians 15:10
2 Corinthians 7:13
Hebrews 7:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισσότερον powerfully expresses the “more than” quality of life in God’s kingdom. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus offers not just life, but life more abundantly; not just grace, but grace upon grace. This comparative term challenges believers to constantly press into the “much more” of God’s provision, experiencing and expressing the superior reality of life in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient mathematical texts comparing quantities.
2. Early Christian literature used it to describe the superiority of Christ’s priesthood.
3. It was commonly used in legal documents to indicate additional penalties or rewards.

Strong’s G4054: A comparative form emphasizing degree of superiority or abundance beyond measure. Used both adverbially and adjectivally to express the concept of “more than” or “to a greater degree.” In biblical contexts, often highlights the surpassing nature of divine realities.

Part of speech: Comparative Adverb/Adjective

Tags: #comparative #abundance #superior #more #greater #increase #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology #Kingdom #Grace​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​