Overflowing Grace: ὑπερπλεονάζω (Strong’s G5250: hyperpleonazō) Reveals Divine Abundance

Strong’s G5250: A compound verb joining hyper (beyond) with pleonazō (abound), signifying to super-abound or be exceedingly abundant. Used in Pauline literature to describe the overwhelming nature of God’s grace, emphasizing its limitless and overflowing quality.

U- Unveiling the Word

ὑπερπλεονάζω (hyperpleonazō) represents a powerful compound verb that combines the concept of “beyond” (ὑπερ) with “abundance” (πλεονάζω) to express an overwhelming, super-abounding quality. In its theological context, particularly in 1 Timothy 1:14, Paul employs this term to describe the immeasurable nature of divine grace. The early church fathers frequently referenced this word to emphasize the inexhaustible nature of God’s mercy and grace, especially in contexts of conversion and transformation. Today, this word continues to remind believers that God’s grace isn’t merely sufficient but overflows beyond all human expectation or need.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερπλεονάζω, hyperpleonazō, hoop-er-ple-on-AHD-zo
• Detailed Pronunciation: hoo (as in “hoop”) + per (as in “pair”) + ple (as in “play”) + on (as in “on”) + ahd (as in “odd”) + zo (as in “zone”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• ὑπέρ (hyper) – prefix meaning “above, beyond”
• πλεονάζω (pleonazō) – verb meaning “to abound, increase”
• πλέον (pleon) – base meaning “more”
• -άζω (-azō) – verbal suffix indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To super-abound
• To be exceedingly abundant
• To overflow beyond measure

For compound words:

• ὑπέρ (hyper) adds the sense of “beyond normal bounds”
• πλεονάζω (pleonazō) contributes the meaning of “increasing, multiplying”
• The combination expresses supernatural abundance

Translation Options:

• “Super-abounded” – maintains the compound nature of the word
• “Overflowed beyond measure” – captures both the abundance and exceeding aspects
• “Was exceedingly abundant” – emphasizes the overwhelming nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλεονάζω (pleonazō, ple-on-AHD-zo) – “to abound, increase” – lacks the “beyond” intensity
  See G4121
• περισσεύω (perisseuō, per-is-SYOO-o) – “to overflow, abound”
  See G4052
• ὑπερπερισσεύω (hyperperisseuō, hoop-er-per-is-SYOO-o) – “to abound more exceedingly”
  See G5248

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὑπερπλεονάζω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist (in its NT usage)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Perfective

The word would morph in English as follows:

• Present: super-abounds
• Past: super-abounded
• Perfect: has super-abounded
• Future: will super-abound

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπερπλεονάζω. BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in describing divine grace, noting its intentional hyperbole. Thayer’s lexicon highlights its intensive force, suggesting it describes something that goes beyond normal abundance. LSJ notes its rare occurrence in classical literature, making its New Testament usage particularly significant. Vine’s emphasizes its connection to God’s grace, particularly in the context of Paul’s conversion. Strong’s connects it to the concept of super-abundance, while Moulton and Milligan observe its usage in papyri describing overwhelming quantities or qualities.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Timothy 1:14: “And the grace of our Lord [ὑπερπλεονάζω] was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in the Messiah Jesus.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ὑπερπλεονάζω stands as a powerful testament to the immeasurable nature of God’s grace. Paul coined this compound word to express how divine grace not only filled his life but overwhelmed it completely. This word reminds us that God’s grace isn’t merely sufficient but super-abundant, going beyond our greatest needs or imagination. The good news embedded in this word is that God’s grace isn’t just enough—it overflows, transforming both our present reality and eternal destiny through the finished work of King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερπλεονάζω is a hapax legomenon (appears only once) in the New Testament
• Paul likely coined this compound word specifically to describe his conversion experience
• The word influenced Christian vocabulary in describing divine attributes, particularly in Eastern Orthodox writings

Strong’s G5250: A compound verb joining hyper (beyond) with pleonazō (abound), signifying to super-abound or be exceedingly abundant. Used in Pauline literature to describe the overwhelming nature of God’s grace, emphasizing its limitless and overflowing quality.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: grace, abundance, overflow, Pauline epistles, divine attributes, salvation, transformation, conversion, mercy, super-abundance, pastoral epistles, hapax legomenon​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​