ὑπερπλεονάζω (huperpleonazō)
huperpleonazō
to abound
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb huperpleonazō describes a state of abounding exceedingly or overflowing with abundance. Its meaning is built from two parts: the prefix huper, indicating something beyond or over, and pleonazō, which means to be in excess or superabundant. Together, they convey a sense of surpassing plenty that goes far beyond ordinary measures.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 1:14. The Apostle Paul uses it to describe how God’s grace was poured out upon him with all faithfulness and love. By choosing this specific term, Paul emphasizes that divine grace did not merely meet his needs but overflowed them completely, filling him with a surplus of spiritual strength.
The rarity of huperpleonazō in Scripture highlights its intensity. While other words exist for general abundance, this one stresses the overwhelming nature of what is given. It suggests that God’s gifts are not limited or rationed but are given in such measure that they exceed all expectation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at 1 Timothy 1:14, Paul uses a rare Greek word to describe God’s grace. The term huperpleonazō means to abound exceedingly or overflow beyond normal limits. It is not just enough; it is more than enough. This tells us that God does not give grace in small, measured doses. Instead, He pours it out with such abundance that it covers every need and then some.
This truth offers deep comfort when you feel spiritually empty or overwhelmed by your mistakes. The same grace that filled Paul’s life is available to you today. It is not a scarce resource that runs out when we use it too much. Rather, it is an endless supply rooted in Christ Jesus. You can rest in the knowledge that God’s love for you is vast and surpassing.
Let this reality shape how you see yourself and others. If grace abounds over your past failures, it also empowers your future steps. There is no situation too dark for this light to reach. May you find peace in knowing that His generosity knows no bounds, inviting you to live freely in His love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Surpassingly increased1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑπερεπλεόνασεν1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 1:14
The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This verse uniquely employs huperpleonazō to emphasize that God's grace did not merely meet Paul's needs but overflowed them completely with faith and love.