4056. perissoterós adv. from NG4055

Lexical Summary

perissoterós adv. from NG4055: more abundantly, exceedingly, even more

Original Word: περισσοτέρως
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: perissoterós adv. from NG4055
Pronunciation: pe-ris-so-te-ROS
Phonetic Spelling: (per-is-sot-er'-oce)
KJV: more abundant(-ly), X the more earnest, (more) exceedingly, more frequent, much more, the rather
Word Origin: [adverb from G4055 (περισσότερος - Greater)]

1. more superabundantly

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

more abundantly, much more

Adverb from perissoteros; more superabundantly -- more abundant(-ly), X the more earnest, (more) exceedingly, more frequent, much more, the rather.

see GREEK perissoteros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
(even) more, especially.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4056: περισσοτέρως

περισσοτέρως, adverb (from περισσῶς, which see) (cf. Winers Grammar, § 11, 2 c.; Buttmann, 69 (61));

1. properly, more abundantly (so in Diodorus 13, 108; Athen. 5, p. 192 f.); in the N. T. more, in a greater degree; more earnestly, more exceedingly, (cf. Winer's Grammar, 243 (228)): Mark 15:14 Rec.; 2 Corinthians 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Galatians 1:14; Philippians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 13:19; opposed to ἧττον, 2 Corinthians 12:15; περισσοτέρως μᾶλλον, much more (R. V. the more exceedingly), 2 Corinthians 7:13.

2. especially, above others (A. V. more abundantly): 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:4.

Topical Lexicon

Overview of Meaning and Emphasis

The adverb περισσοτέρως expresses “to a greater degree,” “still more,” or “all the more.” Scripture employs it whenever the writer wishes to heighten the force of a statement—whether describing the growing impact of Christ’s ministry, the overflowing zeal of the apostles, or the believer’s responsibility to deepen devotion and diligence.

Intensified Spread of Jesus’ Fame

Mark and Luke both record occasions when, despite deliberate secrecy, reports about Jesus multiplied:
• Mark 7:36 – “However, the more He ordered them, the more they proclaimed it.”
• Luke 5:15 – “Yet the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.”

The term underscores how divine works cannot remain hidden. Even restraint by Christ Himself could not stem the tide of witness. For evangelism today, this nuance teaches that authentic encounters with the Lord inevitably overflow into proclamation, regardless of opposition or caution.

Zeal Redirected by Grace

Galatians 1:14 speaks of Paul’s pre-conversion rigor: “I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” His zeal (“all the more”) was misapplied until grace intervened. The same word later describes his post-conversion sufferings and labors (2 Corinthians 11:23). The contrast highlights the transforming power of the gospel: zeal, once misdirected, becomes a holy drive in service of Christ.

Apostolic Endurance and Ministry Overflow

Paul repeatedly uses περισσοτέρως to magnify the scale of his service and affection:
• 2 Corinthians 1:12 – integrity in ministry is “in godly sincerity and purity… not by worldly wisdom but by the grace of God, and especially so toward you.”
• 2 Corinthians 7:13 – Titus rejoiced “all the more” because of the Corinthians’ obedience.
• 2 Corinthians 11:23 – “in far greater labors, in far more imprisonments…”

Suffering does not diminish ministry; rather, it multiplies it. The church is thereby encouraged to view hardship not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for super-abounding fruitfulness.

Heightened Longing for Christ and the Saints

Philippians 1:23 provides the believer’s ultimate comparative: “to depart and be with Christ… far better indeed.” Meanwhile 1 Thessalonians 2:17 records Paul’s “all the more eagerly” desire to see the Thessalonians. In both cases περισσοτέρως marks an affection that grows rather than wanes with time or distance. Healthy Christian community should mirror this intensifying love.

Urgency of Spiritual Attention

Hebrews adopts the word to press home critical exhortations:
• Hebrews 2:1 – “We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
• Hebrews 13:19 – “And I especially urge you to pray that I may be restored to you as soon as possible.”

In a book warning against sluggishness, the comparative adverb calls believers to heightened vigilance and intercession.

Historical Usage Beyond Scripture

Classical and Hellenistic writers employ the same adverb when amplifying intensity—military historians for fiercer battles, rhetoricians for stronger arguments. The New Testament writers draw on this ordinary linguistic tool yet infuse it with redemptive substance, showing that all human language finds its fullest expression when declaring the works and will of God.

Ministry Applications

1. Proclamation: Gospel witness flourishes “all the more” under restraint; believers should not fear opposition.
2. Discipleship: Encourage zeal, but continually submit it to gospel truth so that passion is purified rather than misdirected.
3. Perseverance: Trials may multiply, yet grace enables service to multiply even more.
4. Fellowship: Cultivate ever-increasing affection and eagerness for gathering, prayer, and mutual encouragement.
5. Vigilance: In a drifting culture, give “closer attention” to doctrine and practice.

Summary

περισσοτέρως reminds readers that in every realm—the spread of the gospel, love for Christ, endurance in hardship, and diligence in holiness—God calls His people to go beyond the ordinary and to abound “all the more” to His glory.

Forms and Transliterations

περισσοτέρως

Englishman's Concordance

περισσεύουσα — 1 Occ.
περισσεῦσαι — 2 Occ.
περισσεῦσαν — 1 Occ.
περισσεύσαντα — 1 Occ.
περισσεύσῃ — 2 Occ.
περισσευθήσεται — 2 Occ.
περισσὸν — 5 Occ.
περισσοτέρᾳ — 1 Occ.
περισσοτέραν — 3 Occ.
περισσότερον — 13 Occ.
ἐκπερισσῶς — 1 Occ.
περισσῶς — 4 Occ.
περισσοτέρως — 12 Occ.
περιστεραί — 1 Occ.
περιστερὰν — 4 Occ.
περιστεράς — 4 Occ.
περιστερῶν — 1 Occ.
περιέτεμεν — 2 Occ.
περιετμήθητε — 1 Occ.
περιτεμεῖν — 2 Occ.