Lexical Summary perisseuma: Abundance, surplus, overflow Original Word: περισσεῦμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abundance, that was leftFrom perisseuo; a surplus, or superabundance -- abundance, that was left, over and above. see GREEK perisseuo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4051 perísseuma (a neuter noun derived from 4012 /perí, "all-around/excess") – abundance, especially as effects a situation (i.e. by its results); what is greater than expected (thought to be the limit); what exceeds (what was measured), i.e. "more than anticipated." See 4052 (perisseuō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom perisseuó Definition superfluity NASB Translation abundance (2), full of what was left over (1), which fills (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4051: περίσσευμαπερίσσευμα, περισσεύματος, τό (περισσεύω); 1. abundance, in which one delights; opposed to ὑστέρημα, 2 Corinthians 8:14 (13), 14; tropically, of that which fills the heart, Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45, (Eratosthenes, Plutarch). 2. what is left over, residue, remains: plural Mark 8:8. The noun translated as “surplus,” “overflow,” or “abundance” appears five times in the Greek New Testament. Its settings range from the miraculous feeding of thousands, to Christ’s teaching on speech, to Paul’s appeal for generous giving. In every case the term highlights a reality that is more than sufficient—whether food, resources, or the contents of the heart—and therefore capable of spilling over to bless or to harm. Abundance in the Material Realm Mark 8:8 records the aftermath of the feeding of the four thousand: “The people ate and were satisfied, and they picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” The surplus underscores Jesus’ complete provision; He does not merely meet need but supplies in superabundance, reinforcing His identity as the Messianic Shepherd of Ezekiel 34 who feeds His flock. Paul employs the word twice in 2 Corinthians 8:14 as he urges Gentile believers to relieve the famine-stricken saints in Jerusalem: “At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn, their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.” Here surplus is not hoarded but redistributed, embodying the communal ethos seen in Acts 2:44–45. Paul envisions reciprocal seasons in which God supplies abundance to one group so that another may be sustained, reinforcing the interdependence of the body of Christ. Overflow of the Heart Jesus applies the term metaphorically in Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45. “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Speech, whether good or evil, is the natural spillover of internal realities. The word therefore exposes the illusion that words can be detached from character; instead, they reveal the inner reservoir, calling believers to cultivate hearts saturated with truth and grace. Theological Significance 1. Divine Provision. The surplus at Mark 8:8 displays Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness in Jesus, echoing Psalm 23:5, “My cup overflows.” Historical Context The Jerusalem collection (2 Corinthians 8–9) likely took place during the famine of the mid-40s A.D. (Acts 11:27-30). Paul’s use of “surplus” tapped into prevailing Greco-Roman reciprocity codes while grounding generosity in Christ’s incarnation: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). At the feeding miracle in Mark 8, seven baskets (larger, gentile “spyrides”) reflect ministry in the Decapolis, signaling that Gentiles too would share in Israel’s promised abundance. Practical Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Believers discern seasons of surplus and shortage, holding resources loosely for evangelism, mercy ministry, and missions. Relation to Other Biblical Concepts Surplus is thematically linked with: – “Grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). – The “fullness” (pleroma) of Christ in whom believers share (Colossians 2:9-10). – The principle of sowing bountifully to reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). Christological Focus Jesus Himself embodies holy surplus. He is the Bread of Life whose broken pieces never run out (John 6:35), and His heart overflowed in words of life (John 6:68). At the Cross, His poured-out life became the inexhaustible surplus of redemption, so that “from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Concluding Reflections Wherever Scripture employs this term, the lesson is clear: God intends overflow to circulate, not stagnate. Materially, it meets needs; spiritually, it overflows in gracious speech; missionally, it advances the gospel. In Christ the church possesses an everlasting surplus, called to share until He returns and every cup runs over forever. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 12:34 N-GNSGRK: γὰρ τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας NAS: speaks out of that which fills the heart. KJV: out of the abundance of the heart INT: indeed the abundance of the heart Mark 8:8 N-ANP Luke 6:45 N-GNS 2 Corinthians 8:14 N-NNS 2 Corinthians 8:14 N-NNS Strong's Greek 4051 |
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