Brief Overview of περισσότερος (Strong’s G4055: perissoteros)
Strong’s G4055: A comparative adjective derived from περισσός (perissos), meaning “more abundant” or “greater.” In biblical contexts, it emphasizes exceptional abundance or superiority, often describing the surpassing nature of spiritual realities and divine provision.
U- Unveiling the Word
Περισσότερος (perissoteros) functions as a comparative adjective expressing the concept of “more abundant” or “greater.” Its primary meaning emphasizes exceptional degree or quantity, while secondary meanings include “more excellent” or “surpassing.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting the superior nature of spiritual realities and divine provision. Early church writers employed this term to emphasize the surpassing excellence of Christ and the superior quality of New Covenant blessings. Today, it continues to express the extraordinary nature of God’s work and provision in believers’ lives.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: περισσότερος, perissoteros, per-is-sot’-er-os
- Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + sot (as in “sought”) + er (as in “air”) + os (as in “os”)
- Part of Speech: Comparative Adjective
Etymology:
- περισσός (perissos) – base adjective meaning “abundant”
- -τερος (-teros) – comparative suffix indicating “more”
D – Defining Meanings
- More abundant
- Greater
- More excellent
- Surpassing
- More earnestly
For compound words:
Base word περισσός indicates abundance or superiority
Suffix -τερος creates comparative form
Translation Options:
- More abundant – emphasizes quantity and quality
- Greater – highlights comparative superiority
- More excellent – captures qualitative superiority
E – Exploring Similar Words
- μείζων (meizōn) [mide’-zone] – greater, focusing on size or importance
- πλείων (pleiōn) [ply’-own] – more, emphasizing quantity
- κρείσσων (kreissōn) [krice’-sone] – better, stressing quality
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Adjective Features:
- Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
- Degree: Comparative
Example forms:
Masculine nominative singular: περισσότερος
Feminine nominative singular: περισσοτέρα
Neuter nominative singular: περισσότερον
Cross-references:
- Base adjective: περισσός
- Related adverb: περισσοτέρως
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG defines περισσότερος as expressing a degree beyond ordinary bounds. Thayer’s emphasizes its comparative force in both quantity and quality. LSJ documents its classical usage indicating superiority. Vine’s connects it to the concept of surpassing abundance. Strong’s highlights its meaning of “more superabundant.” Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in comparative contexts in papyri.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
[Note: While this word appears in various forms throughout the New Testament, many translations render it differently based on context.]
Additional References:
2 Corinthians 2:7
2 Corinthians 7:15
Hebrews 6:17
Hebrews 7:15
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Plato: Republic | “The greater [περισσότερος] wisdom leads to more excellent governance.” |
| Thucydides: History | “They showed more abundant [περισσότερος] courage than their allies.” |
| Aristotle: Ethics | “The more excellent [περισσότερος] virtue produces greater happiness.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Περισσότερος powerfully expresses the comparative excellence of life in God’s kingdom. It proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, we find not just abundance, but superabundance; not just blessing, but greater blessing. This comparative excellence challenges believers to experience and express the surpassing greatness of God’s provision and presence.
D – Did You Know?
- The word frequently appears in ancient Greek philosophical discussions about degrees of excellence.
- Early Christian writers used it to describe the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood.
- It appears in ancient commercial documents describing premium quality merchandise.
Strong’s G4055: A comparative adjective expressing exceptional abundance or superiority. Used to emphasize the surpassing nature of spiritual realities and divine provision. In biblical contexts, often describes the extraordinary quality or quantity of God’s work and blessings.
Part of speech: Comparative Adjective
Tags: #comparative #abundance #superior #excellence #greater #more #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology #Kingdom #Grace
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
