Transcendent Measure: ὑπερβολή (Strong’s G5236: hyperbolē) Reveals Infinite Excellence

Strong’s G5236: A feminine noun derived from ὑπερβάλλω (to surpass), meaning “exceeding measure, excellence, surplus.” Used in the New Testament to express extraordinary degree or quality, particularly in describing God’s power, glory, and the transcendent nature of spiritual realities.

U – Unveiling the Word

The noun ὑπερβολή expresses the concept of something that transcends normal measure or boundaries. Derived from ὑπερβάλλω (to throw beyond), it describes excellence or excess that goes beyond ordinary limits. In the New Testament, Paul frequently uses this term to describe both the extraordinary nature of divine attributes and the extreme character of human experiences. The early church understood this word as expressing transcendent qualities, particularly in relation to God’s power and glory. Today, this word continues to convey the idea that spiritual realities often exceed our normal categories of measurement and understanding.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερβολή, hyperbolē, /hy.per.bo.lē/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-bō-lā’ (where ü as in German über)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō)
• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “beyond”
• Root: βάλλω (ballō) meaning “to throw”
• Suffix: -ή (-ē) forming feminine abstract nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Excellence beyond measure
• Surpassing greatness
• Extraordinary degree
• Exceeding abundance

For compound words: The components combine to express the concept of throwing beyond normal limits, with the nominal ending making it an abstract quality.

Translation Options:

• “surpassing measure” – emphasizes transcendence
• “extraordinary degree” – captures exceptional quality
• “exceeding greatness” – highlights superior magnitude

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περισσεία (perisseia) /pe.ris.sei.a/ – abundance – See G4050
• ὑπεροχή (hyperochē) /hy.per.o.khē/ – superiority – See G5247
• πλεονασμός (pleonasmos) /ple.o.nas.mos/ – abundance – See G4124

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Features of this noun:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

The noun appears in various cases:

• Nominative: ὑπερβολή (subject)
• Genitive: ὑπερβολῆς (of excess)
• Dative: ὑπερβολῇ (in excess)
• Accusative: ὑπερβολήν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons offer valuable insight into ὑπερβολή’s meaning and significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing extraordinary quality or degree. Thayer’s notes its development from literal excess to qualitative superiority. LSJ traces its classical usage in rhetoric and mathematics. Vine’s highlights its frequent use in Paul’s writings to describe divine qualities. Strong’s emphasizes its connection to transcendence and superiority. Moulton and Milligan document its common use in expressing exceptional circumstances or qualities in everyday language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 7:13: “Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly [ὑπερβολή] sinful.”

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 1:8, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Galatians 1:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπερβολή powerfully expresses how divine realities transcend our normal categories of measurement. Paul uses it to describe both the depths of sin’s evil and the heights of God’s glory and power. This word proclaims the good news by showing that God’s provisions in the Messiah – His power, glory, and grace – exceed all human need or comprehension. It reminds us that in His Kingdom, we encounter realities that surpass our natural understanding.

D – Did You Know?

• Our English word “hyperbole” derives from ὑπερβολή
• The word appears eight times in the New Testament
• It’s used most frequently in 2 Corinthians

Strong’s G5236: A feminine noun derived from ὑπερβάλλω (to surpass), meaning “exceeding measure, excellence, surplus.” Used in the New Testament to express extraordinary degree or quality, particularly in describing God’s power, glory, and the transcendent nature of spiritual realities.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: excellence, transcendence, measure, abundance, divine power, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, superiority, spiritual reality, extraordinary​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​