Greek · Strong's G4052
περισσεύω
perisseúō (per-is-SEH-oo-o)
verb
To superabound, be in excess, or be superfluous; to cause to superabound or excel in quantity or quality.
Perisseúō describes something that is in abundance or overflows. It can refer to having more than enough, experiencing an excess, or even causing something to be in abundance. This concept is often applied to material possessions, as seen in the feeding miracles where baskets of food were "left over" (Matthew 14:20, 15:37). However, its theological significance extends beyond the material to encompass spiritual blessings, grace, and even character traits.
The word carries the idea of an overflowing measure, often implying a generous or lavish supply. In Romans 5:15, for example, it highlights the superabundant nature of God's grace in contrast to the offense of Adam. This indicates that God's provision and blessing are not merely sufficient but are overwhelmingly abundant. It also conveys the notion of growth and increase, as in the exhortation to "increase more and more" in love (1 Thessalonians 4:10, Philippians 1:9).
Perisseúō can also be used transitively to mean "cause to superabound" or "excel." This is exemplified in Philippians 1:9, where Paul prays that the Philippians' love "may abound yet more and more in knowledge." Here, love is not just present, but it is to be continually increasing and excelling. The term thus emphasizes a dynamic and plentiful reality, whether it be God's grace, spiritual virtues, or even the sufficiency of earthly provisions.
Common English renderings
- abound
- abundant
- increase
- left over
- excel
Key verses
"And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full."
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"But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger!"
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"But not as the trespass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many."
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"I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want."
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"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;"
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