ὑπερβολή (huperbolē)
huperbolē
surpassing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun huperbolē literally means a throwing beyond, describing something that exceeds normal limits. In Scripture it conveys superiority, excellence, or an intensity that goes past ordinary measure. Paul uses it frequently to describe experiences so powerful they defy simple description.
For instance, he speaks of the "surpassing greatness" of God's power at work in believers (Ephesians 1:19) and of afflictions that are "surpassingly great" (2 Corinthians 4:17). The phrase "beyond measure" appears when Paul describes his zeal for persecuting the church (Galatians 1:13) or when he urges believers to abound in love even more (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Its root combines huper ("over, beyond") and bolē ("a throw"). This imagery suggests not just a little extra, but a deliberate casting past a boundary. Translators often render it as "surpassing" or "exceedingly," capturing the sense of something that stands out by its sheer magnitude.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word huperbolē paints a picture of something thrown far beyond its usual limits. It is not merely an increase in size, but a qualitative shift into a realm that defies ordinary measurement. When Scripture uses this term, it points to realities that overwhelm our standard expectations, whether in the intensity of suffering or the magnitude of divine power.
In Ephesians 1:19 and 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul describes the 'surpassing greatness' of God's power. This is not a quiet influence but an overwhelming force that operates within us. It reminds us that our spiritual strength does not come from our own limited capacity, but from a source that exceeds all human boundaries.
Conversely, this word also describes afflictions that are 'beyond measure' (2 Corinthians 1:8). These moments can feel crushing, yet they serve to highlight the eternal weight of glory that follows. The intensity of the trial reveals the depth of God's sustaining grace, showing us that even in our weakest moments, His power is at work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- surpassingness1×
- surpassing1×
- excessiveness1×
- excessively1×
- excess1×
- exceeding measure1×
- by surpassingness1×
- a more surpassing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπερβολὴν6×
- ὑπερβολῇ1×
- ὑπερβολὴ1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.
This verse uses the word to contrast human fragility with divine strength, ensuring that the 'exceeding greatness' of power is credited to God alone rather than human ability.
-
II Corinthians 12:7
By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.
Here the term explains the cause of Paul's thorn in the flesh, indicating that his revelations were so overwhelming he needed a restraint to prevent pride.
-
Galatians 1:13
For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God and ravaged it.
Paul uses this word to quantify his past persecution of the church, emphasizing that his zeal exceeded all normal limits before his conversion.