περισσεύω (perisseuō)
perisseuō
to exceed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb perisseuō describes a state of superabundance, meaning to exceed a measure or remain over and above what is needed. In the Gospels, it often refers to physical leftovers, such as the fragments remaining after Jesus feeds the crowds (Matthew 14:20; John 6:13). This usage highlights a tangible overflow that leaves more than enough for immediate consumption.
In Paul’s letters, particularly in Second Corinthians and Philippians, the word shifts to describe spiritual or emotional richness. It characterizes the grace that abounds in believers (2 Corinthians 1:5) and the joy that increases in Christian communities (Philippians 1:26). The term captures a quality of life marked by sufficiency and excellence, suggesting that divine provision is never scarce.
Its root implies being "over" or "above," pointing to a quantity that surpasses ordinary limits. Translators often render it as "abound" or "excel," reflecting its dual sense of having more than enough and being superior in quality. This lexical range allows the New Testament to portray God’s work not merely as adequate, but as overflowing with grace and power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perisseuō paints a picture of life that overflows beyond mere survival. In the Gospels, it describes the twelve baskets left after Jesus fed five thousand people, showing us that God’s provision is not tight or scarce but generous and abundant. This physical surplus points to a deeper spiritual reality: His grace is sufficient for every need and then some.
In Paul’s letters, this abundance shifts from bread to character. He encourages believers to abound in faith, love, and good works, suggesting that Christian maturity is marked by an excess of virtue rather than just meeting minimum standards. When we face trials or daily tasks, we are invited to rest in the confidence that God supplies more than enough strength for the moment.
This promise invites us to live without anxiety about scarcity. Whether facing hardship or celebrating joy, the same God who multiplies loaves and fishes multiplies grace in our hearts. We can trust that His resources are never running low, allowing us to focus on serving others with the surplus He provides.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to abound3×
- abounding3×
- you may abound2×
- may abound2×
- is remaindering2×
- abounds2×
- abounded2×
- you may exceed.1×
- you may abound.1×
- you abound,1×
- will be abundant [to him]1×
- were increasing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περισσεύειν4×
- ἐπερίσσευσεν3×
- περισσεύει3×
- περισσεῦον2×
- περισσεύῃ2×
- περισσεύσῃ2×
- περισσεύοντος2×
- περισσεύοντες2×
- περισσεύητε2×
- περισσευθήσεται·2×
- ἐπερίσσευσεν.1×
- ἐπερίσσευσαν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:20
They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
This verse records the tangible leftovers from the feeding miracle, illustrating that God’s provision exceeds immediate consumption needs.
-
II Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
Paul explains that God’s ability to make grace abound ensures believers always have sufficiency for every good work.
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Romans 5:15
But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. 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 to the many.
The text contrasts human trespass with divine gift, showing that grace abounds to many far beyond the impact of sin.
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I Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Believers are urged to abound in the Lord’s work, linking this superabundance to the certainty that their labor is not in vain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word perisseuō mean?
How is perisseuō different from simple sufficiency?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (35 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 5 verses
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…
Matthew 13:12For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken…
Matthew 14:20They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
Matthew 15:37They all ate and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.
Matthew 25:29For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he…