The term "surpasseth" is an archaic form of the verb "surpass," which means to exceed or go beyond in degree, quality, or performance. In the context of the Bible, "surpasseth" is often used to describe the immeasurable and incomparable nature of God's attributes, particularly His love, peace, and understanding.

Divine Love:

One of the most profound uses of "surpasseth" in the Bible is in reference to the love of Christ. In Ephesians 3:19, the Apostle Paul writes, "and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" . Here, Paul emphasizes that the love of Christ is beyond human comprehension. It is a love that transcends all understanding and is foundational to the believer's spiritual growth and fullness in God.

Peace of God:

The peace of God is another divine attribute described as surpassing human understanding. Philippians 4:7 states, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This peace is not merely the absence of conflict or anxiety but a profound sense of tranquility and assurance that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. It is a peace that protects and stabilizes the believer's heart and mind amidst life's uncertainties.

Divine Wisdom and Knowledge:

The wisdom and knowledge of God are also depicted as surpassing human capacity. In Romans 11:33, Paul exclaims, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" . God's wisdom is infinite and beyond the scope of human reasoning. His judgments and ways are perfect, though often inscrutable to finite minds. This acknowledgment of God's surpassing wisdom calls believers to trust in His divine plan and purpose.

Moral and Ethical Standards:

The moral and ethical standards set by God also surpass human standards. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). This surpassing righteousness is not merely about external adherence to the law but involves a transformation of the heart, motivated by love and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

The concept of "surpasseth" in the Bible serves to highlight the infinite and transcendent nature of God's attributes. Whether it is His love, peace, wisdom, or moral standards, each surpasses human understanding and capability, inviting believers to a deeper trust and reliance on Him.

Christ the Pearl of Great Price.
... well-pleased." [5197] But "that which hath been made glorious hath not been made
glorious in this respect by reason of the glory that surpasseth;" [5198] and ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/9 christ the pearl of.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 24, "Hitherto have Ye Asked ...
... If thou hast given thyself charity which surpasseth all things, thou hast made
God of light account with thee. What more can God give thee? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcv on the words.htm

Psalm CXV.
... have hands, and handle not; feet have they, and walk not; neither cry they through
their throat" (ver.7). Even their artist therefore surpasseth them, since he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxv.htm

Philippians iv. 7-Apr
... Jesus." What meaneth this? "The peace of God" which He hath wrought toward
men, surpasseth all understanding. For who could have ...
/.../homily xiv philippians iv 7-apr.htm

Dionysius the Presbyter, to his Fellow-Presbyter Timothy.
... in a transcendently inexpressible manner), that we cannot conceive nor utter It,
nor in any wise contemplate the same, seeing that It surpasseth all things ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter i dionysius the presbyter.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 1, "In the Beginning was the ...
... it may be understood of how great a price is the Word which could be announced by
such a man; yea, rather how without price is That which surpasseth all things ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxvii on the words.htm

Happiness Deriving from Perfect Uniformity.
... This is the abiding peace which, in the experience of the saints, "surpasseth all
understanding [37] ." It surpasses all pleasures rising from gratification of ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/3 happiness deriving from perfect.htm

Profession of Soeur Therese
... On the morning of September 8, a wave of peace flooded my soul, and, in "that peace
which surpasseth all understanding,"[2] I pronounced my holy vows. ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter viii profession of soeur.htm

What is the Power of Prayer? Also Concerning the Blessed ...
... [231] And let us begin with an invocation of the Trinity, the Which, as It surpasseth
Goodness, and is the Source of all goodness, doth reveal all conjoined ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter iii what is the.htm

Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all ...
... 2. His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit
find therein the hidden manna.(2) But there are many who, though they ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter i of the imitation.htm

Surpasseth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Surpasseth (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 3:10
For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been ...
/s/surpasseth.htm - 6k

Surpassing (21 Occurrences)

/s/surpassing.htm - 13k

Surpasses (5 Occurrences)

/s/surpasses.htm - 7k

Verily (146 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:10 For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made
glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth. (ASV). ...
/v/verily.htm - 39k

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