Lexical Summary perisseia: Abundance, surplus, superfluity, overflow Original Word: περισσεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abundance, surplusFrom perisseuo; surplusage, i.e. Superabundance -- abundance(-ant, (-ly)), superfluity. see GREEK perisseuo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4050 perisseía (a feminine noun from 4012 /perí, "comprehensively all-around") – properly, a brand of abundance, i.e. what exceeds normal expectations. See 4012 (peri). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom perisseuó Definition superfluity NASB Translation abundance (2), more (1), remains (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4050: περισσείαπερισσεία, περισσειας, ἡ (περισσεύω, which see); 1. abundance: τῆς χάριτος, Romans 5:17; τῆς χαρᾶς, 2 Corinthians 8:2; εἰς περισσείαν, adverbially, superabundantly, superfluously, (A. V. out of measure), 2 Corinthians 10:15 (Boeckh, Corpus inscriptions i., p. 668, no. 1378, 6; Byzantine writings). 2. superiority; preference, preeminence: יותֵר, Ecclesiastes 6:8; for יִתְרון, Ecclesiastes 2:13; Ecclesiastes 10:10. 3. gain, profit: for יִתְרון, Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 2:11; Ecclesiastes 3:9, etc. 4. residue, remains: κακίας, the wickedness remaining over in the Christian from his state prior to conversion, James 1:21, see περίσσευμα, 2; (others adhere in this passive to the meaning which the word bears elsewhere in the N. T. viz. 'excess','superabundance,' (A. V. superfluity)). The term highlights the idea of an overflow—something that exceeds the expected measure. Whether describing grace, generosity, or wickedness, the word pictures a surplus so large that it spills over the boundaries of ordinary experience. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Romans 5:17 ― Paul contrasts the reign of death with the surpassing reign of life in Christ: “those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” The “abundant provision” underscores grace as more than adequate to reverse Adam’s failure. 2. 2 Corinthians 8:2 ― The Macedonian churches, though impoverished, possess an “abundant joy” that overflows into liberality. Their example proves that true generosity springs from inward spiritual wealth, not material plenty. 3. 2 Corinthians 10:15 ― Paul anticipates a future in which “your faith increases” so that his field of ministry will “greatly expand.” Spiritual growth in the Corinthians is expected to create an overflow of gospel outreach beyond current boundaries. 4. James 1:21 ― Believers are exhorted to lay aside “every expression of evil” (literally, the overflow of wickedness) and receive the implanted word. The image flips the normal usage by showing how unchecked sin can also accumulate until it spills over. Theological Significance Grace exceeds sin (Romans 5:17); generosity exceeds poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2); ministry impact exceeds present limits (2 Corinthians 10:15); and unchecked sin exceeds restraint (James 1:21). The thread tying the passages together is the principle that whatever takes root in the heart—whether grace, faith, or evil—will not stay contained. It will multiply and spread. Thus Scripture calls the believer to cultivate what should overflow and to uproot what should not. Historical Context In first–century Macedonia extreme taxation and famine had drained resources, yet the churches there still overflowed in giving. Paul uses their example to challenge the more prosperous Corinthian assembly. Likewise, early Jewish believers addressed by James were tempted to vent frustration against oppression; the apostle warns that such “overflow” of anger and moral filth would choke the implanted word. Practical Ministry Implications • Stewardship: Material lack is no barrier to an overflow of generosity when hearts are filled with joy in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:2). • Evangelism: As congregational faith matures, ministry horizons naturally widen (2 Corinthians 10:15). Leaders should plan for expansion rather than maintenance. • Discipleship: Encourage believers to identify and remove any accumulating “excess” of sin, replacing it with the implanted word that brings salvation (James 1:21). • Assurance: The abundance of divine grace (Romans 5:17) comforts those battling guilt, affirming that Christ’s life overwhelms the reign of death. Applications for Today 1. Cultivate overflow moments—times when gratitude or compassion exceeds normal limits, prompting acts of sacrificial service. 2. Monitor the heart’s “surplus.” What overflows through speech and behavior reveals the dominant influence within. 3. Teach new believers to expect growth that moves beyond personal transformation to communal and missional expansion. 4. Rest in the fact that God’s grace is not a mere match for sin but an inexhaustible surplus that secures victorious living. In every instance, 4050 calls the church to live beyond the bare minimum, trusting that God’s provision, when embraced, always runs over the brim. Englishman's Concordance Romans 5:17 N-AFSGRK: οἱ τὴν περισσείαν τῆς χάριτος NAS: who receive the abundance of grace KJV: they which receive abundance of grace INT: those the abundance of grace 2 Corinthians 8:2 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 10:15 N-AFS James 1:21 N-AFS Strong's Greek 4050 |
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