Definition and Meaning:
The term "superfluity" generally refers to an excess or abundance beyond what is necessary. In a biblical context, it often denotes an overflow of something, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. The concept is closely associated with the idea of excessiveness that can lead to sin or moral corruption.

Biblical References:
The most direct reference to superfluity in the Bible is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle of James. James 1:21 states, "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls." The phrase "every expression of evil" is sometimes translated as "superfluity of naughtiness" in other versions, indicating an overflow of wickedness or moral corruption.

Theological Implications:
In the context of James 1:21, superfluity is associated with moral filth and evil, suggesting that believers are to rid themselves of any excess that hinders their spiritual growth. The passage emphasizes the importance of humility and receptiveness to God's Word, which is seen as the antidote to such excesses. The call to remove superfluity is a call to holiness and purity, aligning one's life with the teachings of Christ.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral standpoint, superfluity can be seen as a warning against indulgence and the accumulation of material or sinful excesses that distract from a godly life. The Bible often warns against the dangers of excess, whether in wealth, behavior, or speech, as these can lead to a departure from righteous living. Proverbs 30:8-9 echoes this sentiment: "Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God."

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas of superfluity that may hinder their relationship with God. This involves a conscious effort to eliminate excesses that lead to sin and to cultivate a life of moderation and self-control. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the need for self-discipline and the avoidance of behaviors that lead to spiritual downfall (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

Historical Context:
In the early Christian community, the call to avoid superfluity was particularly relevant as believers sought to distinguish themselves from the surrounding pagan cultures, which often indulged in excesses of various kinds. The emphasis on simplicity and purity was a hallmark of the early Church's moral teaching.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not frequently use the term "superfluity," the concept is woven throughout its teachings on moral and spiritual discipline. Believers are called to live lives marked by moderation, humility, and a focus on the transformative power of God's Word, avoiding the pitfalls of excess that can lead to spiritual and moral decay.1. (n.) A greater quantity than is wanted; superabundance; as, a superfluity of water; a superfluity of wealth.

2. (n.) The state or quality of being superfluous; excess.

3. (n.) Something beyond what is needed; something which serves for show or luxury.

SUPERFLUOUS; SUPERFLUITY

su-pur'-floo-us, su-per-floo'-i-ti (sara`; perissos (2 Corinthians 9:1), perisseia): According to the Levitical Law, "a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a fiat nose, or anything superfluous" could not fulfill priestly functions (Leviticus 21:18; Leviticus 22:23). According to Dillmann (Baentsch, BDB) the word should be rendered "a limb too long," but Ewald (following the Septuagint) suggests "having cropped ears." The only instance of superfluity occurs in James 1:21, the King James Version "superfluity of naughtiness"; according to Mayor "overflowing ebullition of malice" (the Revised Version (British and American) "overflowing of wickedness," margin "malice"); but the Greek word is used in other connections, e.g. of "grace" (Romans 5:17); "joy" (2 Corinthians 8:2).

T. Lewis

4050. perisseia -- superfluity
... superfluity. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: perisseia Phonetic
Spelling: (per-is-si'-ah) Short Definition: abundance Definition: abundance ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4050.htm - 7k

4051. perisseuma -- superfluity
... superfluity. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: perisseuma Phonetic Spelling:
(per-is'-syoo-mah) Short Definition: abundance Definition: abundance ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4051.htm - 7k

8294. Serach -- a daughter of Asher
... Sarah, Serah. By permutation for cerach; superfluity; Serach, an Israelitess --
Sarah, Serah. see HEBREW cerach. 8293, 8294. Serach. 8295 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/8294.htm - 6k

Of the Danger of Superfluity of Words
... THE FIRST BOOK. ADMONITIONS PROFITABLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CHAPTER X
Of the danger of superfluity of words. Avoid as far as thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x of the danger.htm

Letter Xlviii. --Letter to Amun . Written Before 354 AD
... us on this point, telling us that there are certain necessary passages accorded
to the animal body, to provide for the dismissal of the superfluity of what is ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xlviii letter to amun.htm

Of Two Other Degrees of Greater Perfection, by which we May Love ...
... Now there are other souls who neither love superfluities, nor yet with superfluity,
but love only that which God wills and as he wills:"blessed souls, who ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v of two other.htm

Letter ix. (AD 389. )
... We have a somewhat parallel instance in the fact that we do not perceive how it
is that superfluity of bile impels us to more frequent outbursts of passionate ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ix a d 389.htm

How Six of These Faults are Related, and the Two which Differ from ...
... For from superfluity of gluttony fornication is sure to spring, and from fornication
covetousness, from covetousness anger, from anger, dejection, and from ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x how six of.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by James and Jude.
... and guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and shows itself in evil speakings, so James
tells us to lay apart "all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness," or ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter x entire sanctification as.htm

Of Two Degrees of Perfection with which this Commandment May be ...
... It is plain, Theotimus, that these souls love too ardently and with superfluity;
still, as they love not the superfluities, but only the thing, which may be ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv of two degrees.htm

2 Cor. Ix. 1
... Nor is this all that is admirable in him; but that as he prayed not for superfluity,
so he doth not press sore on them nor compel them to give of their want ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 2 cor ix.htm

How St. Augustine, Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope ...
... Yet the woman, nevertheless, must not be forbidden to come into the church whilst
she has her courses; because the superfluity of nature cannot be imputed to ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxvii how st augustine.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
... Yet still a woman, while suffering from her accustomed sickness, ought not to be
prohibited from entering the church, since the superfluity of nature cannot be ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxiv to augustine bishop.htm

Superfluity (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A greater quantity than is wanted; superabundance; as, a superfluity
of water; a superfluity of wealth. ... SUPERFLUOUS; SUPERFLUITY. ...
/s/superfluity.htm - 9k

Superfluous (4 Occurrences)
... (a.) More than is wanted or is sufficient; unnecessary; excessive; as, a superfluous
price. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SUPERFLUOUS; SUPERFLUITY. ...
/s/superfluous.htm - 9k

Naughtiness (3 Occurrences)
... person," literally, "man of Belial," is in the Revised Version (British and American)
"worthless person." In the New Testament, "superfluity of naughtiness" in ...
/n/naughtiness.htm - 8k

Equalization (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Corinthians 8:14 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having
in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in ...
/e/equalization.htm - 6k

Emergency (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Corinthians 8:14 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having
in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in ...
/e/emergency.htm - 7k

Deficiency (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:14 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having
in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in ...
/d/deficiency.htm - 7k

Burdens (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:14 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having
in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in ...
/b/burdens.htm - 17k

Supplied (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:14 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having
in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in ...
/s/supplied.htm - 13k

Later (89 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:14 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity having
in the present emergency supplied their deficiency, their superfluity may in ...
/l/later.htm - 31k

Spread (257 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:12 And the superfluity in the curtains of the tent -- the half of the
curtain which is superfluous -- hath spread over the hinder part of the ...
/s/spread.htm - 40k

Superfluity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus