Brief Overview of περισσοτέρως (Strong’s G4056: perissoterōs)

Strong’s G4056: An adverb derived from περισσότερος (perissoteros), meaning “more abundantly” or “more earnestly.” In biblical usage, it intensifies actions or emotions, expressing exceptional degree or urgency beyond normal measure, often in contexts of spiritual fervor or emotional intensity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs) functions as an intensifying adverb expressing actions or states that exceed normal bounds. Its primary meaning emphasizes doing something “more abundantly” or “more earnestly,” while secondary meanings include “more intensely” or “to a greater degree.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of heightened emotional or spiritual intensity, often describing passionate responses to God’s work or urgent spiritual needs. Early church writers employed this term to express fervent devotion and overwhelming divine action. Today, it challenges believers to respond to God with extraordinary intensity and to recognize His superabundant work in their lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισσοτέρως, perissoterōs, per-is-sot-er’-oce
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + sot (as in “sought”) + er (as in “air”) + oce (as in “dose”)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• περισσότερος (perissoteros) – comparative adjective meaning “more abundant”
• -ως (-ōs) – adverbial suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• More abundantly
• More earnestly
• More intensely
• More exceedingly
• With greater urgency

For compound words:
Base word περισσότερος indicates comparative abundance
Suffix -ως transforms it into an adverb of manner

Translation Options:

1. More earnestly – emphasizes emotional intensity
2. Much more – captures degree of increase
3. More abundantly – highlights exceptional measure

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μᾶλλον (mallon) [mal’-lon] – rather, more, but less emphatic
• ἐκτενέστερον (ektenesteron) [ek-ten-es’-ter-on] – more fervently
• σφοδρότερον (sphodroteron) [sfod-rot’-er-on] – more violently

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adverbial Features:

• Fixed form (doesn’t decline)
• Comparative degree
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: περισσότερος
• Base adjective: περισσός

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing intensity beyond normal measure. Thayer’s notes its frequency in emotional or urgent contexts. LSJ documents its classical usage indicating exceptional degree. Vine’s connects it to the concept of abundance in action. Strong’s highlights its meaning of “more superabundantly.” Moulton and Milligan note its use in intensifying expressions in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But they cried out all the more [περισσοτέρως], ‘Crucify him!'” (Mark 15:14)

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 1:12
2 Corinthians 2:4
2 Corinthians 7:13
2 Corinthians 7:15
Galatians 1:14
Philippians 1:14
1 Thessalonians 2:17
Hebrews 2:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισσοτέρως powerfully expresses the intensity with which we should pursue and respond to God. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus deserves and inspires our most passionate devotion. This word challenges believers to move beyond lukewarm faith to fervent devotion, recognizing that God’s extraordinary grace demands our extraordinary response.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears frequently in ancient letters expressing urgent appeals.
2. Early Christian martyrs’ accounts often used this word to describe their devotion to Christ.
3. It was used in medical texts to describe intensified treatments.

Strong’s G4056: An intensifying adverb expressing exceptional degree or urgency beyond normal measure. Used in contexts of heightened emotional or spiritual intensity, particularly in expressing passionate responses to divine action or urgent spiritual needs.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #intensity #abundance #earnest #fervor #devotion #urgency #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology #Kingdom #Passion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​