περισσότερος (perissoteros)
perissoteros
more excessive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective perissoteros describes something that is superabundant, surpassing, or far beyond the usual measure. As a comparative form derived from perissos, it indicates a degree that exceeds expectations or standard limits. In the New Testament, this word appears nine times, with a notable concentration in the letters of Paul and the Gospel of Luke.
Its usage often carries a sense of overflow or excess that is positive rather than negative. For instance, Paul uses it to describe the abundance of grace and knowledge given to believers (2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 1:5). It also appears in Luke’s account of the feeding of the five thousand, where the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers, signifying a superabundance that surpassed the initial need (Luke 9:17).
The term highlights a quality of magnitude that goes beyond mere sufficiency. Translators typically render it as "more abundant," "surpassing," or "extraordinary." This reflects a theological emphasis on God’s generosity, which does not merely meet requirements but overflows them, providing more than what is strictly necessary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word perissoteros points to a quality that goes beyond what is merely sufficient. It describes an abundance so rich it overflows its container. In the life of faith, this reminds us that God’s provision is not tight or grudging. He gives with an open hand, offering grace that exceeds our immediate needs and leaves room for generosity toward others.
Paul uses this term to describe the honor we give to those who seem less significant in the world's eyes. By bestowing more abundant honor on them, we reflect God’s own heart, which values the overlooked. This superabundance is not about excess for its own sake, but about a love that refuses to hold back.
When we encounter situations where resources or kindness seem scarce, this word invites us to look higher. It assures us that true spiritual wealth is measured by how freely it flows, not by how tightly it is kept. May you find peace in knowing that your God provides more than enough for every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more excessive9×
- by more excessive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περισσότερον4×
- περισσοτέραν3×
- περισσότερόν2×
- περισσοτέρᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 12:23
Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant modesty,
Paul uses this comparative to instruct the church to bestow extra honor on body parts deemed less honorable, highlighting God's value system.
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II Corinthians 2:7
so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.
The term describes excessive sorrow that could overwhelm a repentant believer, urging the community to offer comfort instead of judgment.
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Luke 12:48
but he who didn’t know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.
Jesus contrasts degrees of punishment based on knowledge, using the comparative to show that greater responsibility brings stricter accountability.