περισσοτέρως (perissoterōs)
perissoterōs
more excessively
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb perissoterōs means to a greater degree or more abundantly, intensifying the action it modifies. It does not suggest excess in a negative sense, but rather an abundance that surpasses a previous measure. In the New Testament, it appears eleven times, with a significant concentration in Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Philippians.
Its root lies in perissos, meaning "superabundant" or "left over." The word conveys a sense of overflowing generosity or heightened intensity. For instance, Paul describes his joy as increasing perissotero̓s when he sees that Titus’s spirit has been refreshed (2 Corinthians 7:13). Similarly, he notes that his zeal for the Jewish religion exceeded many of his contemporaries (Galatians 1:14).
Translators often render this term as "more abundantly," "exceedingly," or "more earnestly." The nuance is one of comparative intensity. It marks a step beyond the ordinary, indicating that something has increased in degree or fervor. This usage highlights the dynamic nature of spiritual experiences and personal growth within the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word perissoterōs points to a measure of love or effort that goes beyond the ordinary limit. It describes an overflow rather than a lack of control. When Paul uses this term, he is not describing chaos but a generous intensity that seeks to give more than was asked.
In your own life, this might look like patience that grows longer when tested, or kindness that increases when it is met with resistance. It invites you to consider how your care for others can deepen over time. The goal is not exhaustion but a sustained, abundant giving that reflects the character of God.
This abundance offers comfort because it shows that spiritual growth is dynamic. You do not have to settle for a minimum standard of faith. Instead, you are invited into a relationship where love and service can expand, bringing hope and stability to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more abundantly9×
- more abundantly,1×
- [the] more abundantly1×
- More abundantly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περισσοτέρως10×
- περισσοτέρως,2×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 2:4
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made to grieve, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.
Paul clarifies that his painful letter was written to demonstrate the abundance of his love for the Corinthian believers.
-
Philippians 1:14
and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
The imprisonment of Paul actually caused other brothers to speak the word of God with greater boldness and confidence.
-
II Corinthians 12:15
I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
Paul questions whether his willingness to spend himself abundantly for their souls means he is loved less in return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does perissoterōs mean in the New Testament?
Is this word used in a negative sense?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 5 books)
II Corinthians 6 verses
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom…
II Corinthians 2:4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made to grieve,…
II Corinthians 7:13Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his…
II Corinthians 7:15His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you…
II Corinthians 11:23Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself.) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more…
II Corinthians 12:15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?