περισσότερον (perissoteron)
perissoteron
more excessive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The comparative form perissoteron describes something that is more abundant, excessive, or surpassing in degree. Derived from the root meaning "leftover" or "remaining," it conveys a sense of superabundance that goes beyond the ordinary measure. In the New Testament, this term appears sparingly, often intensifying adverbs to emphasize the magnitude of an action or state.
Its usage highlights extreme intensity rather than simple quantity. For instance, in Mark 10:26 and 15:14, it modifies how astonished or insistent people were, indicating a level of surprise or pressure that exceeded normal bounds. Similarly, Acts 26:11 uses it to describe Paul’s excessive persecution of the church, suggesting a zeal that had become uncontrolled and violent.
Translators typically render this word as "exceedingly," "more abundantly," or "more excessively" depending on context. It serves as a linguistic tool to push descriptions past their usual limits, reminding readers that some biblical events or emotions defy standard measurement. The term underscores the overwhelming nature of divine actions or human reactions when they break free from conventional expectations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word points to a superabundance that defies ordinary limits. When we encounter divine grace or human reaction in Scripture, it often exceeds what we can measure or predict. It reminds us that God’s work is not bound by our expectations of sufficiency or restraint.
In Hebrews 6:17, the term describes how God interposed with an oath to show this superabundant certainty to those who trust Him. This assurance anchors our faith when circumstances feel uncertain. We are invited to rest in a promise that is more than enough, surpassing every human standard of reliability.
Similarly, Paul reflects on his own labor in 1 Corinthians 15:10, attributing his intensity not to personal ambition but to the grace working within him. This word encourages us to see our efforts and God’s actions as part of a larger, overflowing reality that sustains us through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more excessive4×
- more excellent2×
- excessive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περισσότερον6×
- περισσότερόν1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 6:17
In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath,
It intensifies 'show' to emphasize that God's oath provides an overwhelming level of certainty for believers.
-
Hebrews 7:15
This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
It underscores the clear evidence that Jesus' priesthood follows the pattern of Melchizedek.