Sacred Suffering: ὑπερβαλλόντως (Strong’s G5234: hyperballontōs) Reveals Extraordinary Service

Strong’s G5234: An adverb derived from ὑπερβάλλω (to surpass), meaning “beyond measure, exceedingly.” Used by Paul to describe the extraordinary extent of his sufferings and labors for the gospel, emphasizing sacrificial service that exceeds normal bounds.

U – Unveiling the Word

The adverb ὑπερβαλλόντως represents an extraordinary degree or measure that surpasses normal limits. Derived from ὑπερβάλλω (to throw beyond), it describes something that goes far beyond ordinary bounds. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term specifically to describe the extraordinary extent of his sufferings for the gospel. The early church understood this word as expressing the radical nature of apostolic sacrifice and service. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to consider the extraordinary measures sometimes required in genuine service to the Messiah and His Kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερβαλλόντως, hyperballontōs, /hy.per.bal.lon.tōs/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-bäl-lōn’-tōs (where ü as in German über, ä as in father)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• From ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō)
• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “beyond”
• Root: βάλλω (ballō) meaning “to throw”
• Suffix: -όντως (-ontōs) forming adverbs from participles

D – Defining Meanings

• Beyond measure
• Exceedingly
• Extraordinarily
• Far more abundantly

For compound words: The combination creates the sense of throwing or going beyond normal limits, with the adverbial ending indicating manner.

Translation Options:

• “beyond measure” – emphasizes exceeding limits
• “far more abundantly” – captures the degree of excess
• “extraordinarily” – highlights exceptional nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• περισσῶς (perissōs) /pe.ris.sōs/ – abundantly – See G4057
• ὑπερβάλλω (hyperballō) /hy.per.bal.lō/ – to surpass – See G5235
• σφόδρα (sphodra) /spho.dra/ – exceedingly – See G4970

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb:

• Does not change form
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Derived from present participle
• Indicates manner or degree

The word remains unchanged but affects the intensity of:

• Actions it modifies
• Qualities it describes
• Other modifications it enhances

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπερβαλλόντως’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in describing extraordinary situations or actions. Thayer’s notes its derivation from ὑπερβάλλω and its intensifying function. LSJ traces its classical usage in contexts of exceptional circumstances. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Paul’s description of his sufferings. Strong’s emphasizes its connection to exceeding normal bounds. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri for describing extraordinary events or actions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 11:23: “Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often [ὑπερβαλλόντως] in danger of death.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of ὑπερβαλλόντως in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπερβαλλόντως powerfully expresses the extraordinary nature of sacrificial service in the Kingdom. Paul uses it to describe his sufferings, not for self-glorification, but to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This word proclaims the good news by showing that following the Messiah may require extraordinary sacrifice, but such sacrifice demonstrates the surpassing worth of knowing Him. It challenges us to consider what “beyond measure” service looks like in our own walk with the Lord.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερβαλλόντως appears only once in the New Testament
• It’s used in Paul’s most personal defense of his ministry
• The word influenced early church understanding of apostolic sacrifice

Strong’s G5234: An adverb derived from ὑπερβάλλω (to surpass), meaning “beyond measure, exceedingly.” Used by Paul to describe the extraordinary extent of his sufferings and labors for the gospel, emphasizing sacrificial service that exceeds normal bounds.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: extraordinary, sacrifice, service, suffering, Paul’s ministry, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, apostolic labor, devotion, commitment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​