περισσεία (perisseia)
perisseia
excess
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun perisseia denotes a state of abundance or surplus, describing something that goes beyond what is merely sufficient. In the New Testament, it appears in only four verses, primarily within Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians, as well as in James. The word captures the idea of an overflowing measure, whether referring to material resources or spiritual grace.
Its usage highlights a distinct theological contrast. In Romans 5:17, Paul describes how those who receive God’s grace reign in life through this abundance, suggesting a superiority that overcomes sin. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 8:2 and 10:15, the term illustrates the generous giving of believers and the resulting superabundance that encourages further faith. James 1:21 uses it to urge readers to receive the word with meekness, implying a surplus of spiritual profit that remains after cleansing.
The root verb perisseuō emphasizes being in excess or having more than enough. This lexical background gives perisseia its weight as a term for pre-eminence or gain. Translators often render it as "abundance" or "superfluity," capturing the sense of a residue or remainder that signifies victory rather than waste. The word consistently points to a divine provision that exceeds human expectation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perisseia describes a surplus that goes beyond mere sufficiency. In Romans 5:17, Paul explains that those who receive this abundance of grace do not just survive; they reign in life through Jesus Christ. This suggests that God’s gift is not a small allowance but a rich provision that empowers us to live victoriously over sin and death.
This same concept appears in 2 Corinthians 8:2, where believers in deep poverty still possessed an abundance of joy that led to generosity. It reminds us that spiritual wealth is not tied to material circumstances. When we trust God, He can create a surplus of joy and giving even in difficult seasons.
In James 1:21, we are urged to receive the implanted word with humility. The text implies that this word holds a surplus of saving power for our souls. Rather than just offering basic instruction, it provides an overflowing measure of spiritual life and transformation for those who listen.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- excess3×
- excess,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περισσείαν2×
- περισσείαν,1×
- περισσεία1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 5:17
For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.
Paul contrasts the reign of death with the reign of life through the 'abundance' of grace, showing this surplus overcomes sin.
-
II Corinthians 8:2
how in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
The term describes how extreme poverty and affliction did not stop the believers from having an abundance of joy and generosity.
-
James 1:21
Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James uses the word to describe the saving power of the implanted word, which offers a surplus of spiritual profit beyond mere knowledge.