πλουσίως (plousiōs)
plousiōs
richly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb plousiōs translates to "richly" or "abundantly," describing an action that is performed with fullness and generosity. Derived from the word for wealth, it suggests a quality of abundance rather than mere quantity. In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, primarily in pastoral letters where it modifies how believers should live or receive grace.
Its usage highlights a specific texture of Christian experience. For instance, Colossians 3:16 urges that the word of Christ dwell in believers plousiōs, implying a deep, saturated presence rather than a superficial acquaintance. Similarly, 1 Timothy 6:17 describes God’s gifts as richly provided, emphasizing His lavish generosity toward humanity.
The word carries theological weight by contrasting human scarcity with divine sufficiency. It appears in 2 Peter 1:11 regarding the entrance into the eternal kingdom, suggesting that such entry is granted with full abundance. Translators consistently render it as "richly," preserving the sense of overflowing provision found in these texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word plousiōs paints a picture of abundance that goes far beyond simple sufficiency. When Scripture speaks of God providing 'richly,' it suggests an overflowing generosity that saturates our daily lives. This is not a sparse provision meant for survival, but a lavish supply intended for our enjoyment and spiritual growth.
In Colossians 3:16, we are invited to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. This implies a deep, intimate presence where His teachings shape our thoughts and interactions with others. It is an invitation to live in a state of spiritual fullness, allowing divine wisdom to guide our relationships and worship.
Whether considering the entrance into the eternal kingdom or the daily gifts we receive, this term reminds us that God’s grace is never stingy. We can rest in the assurance that our needs are met with a measure of love that exceeds our expectations, offering hope and stability in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- richly3×
- richly,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλουσίως3×
- πλουσίως,1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
This verse uses the word to describe the depth and saturation of Christ's teaching within the believer's heart, influencing how they teach and sing.
-
I Timothy 6:17
Charge those who are rich in this present age that they not be arrogant, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
Here it modifies 'provides,' emphasizing that God’s supply of material goods is abundant and intended for human enjoyment rather than hoarding.
-
II Peter 1:11
For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The term describes the manner of entry into the eternal kingdom, suggesting a secure and fully supplied access granted through faithfulness.