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περίσσευμα

perísseuma

G4051 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A state of exceeding amount, abundance, or surplus; specifically, the portion or quantity that exceeds what is usual, necessary, or expected. In various contexts, can indicate an overflow, a remainder, or what is left over after needs have been met. Also used metaphorically to denote spiritual or moral abundance, such as generosity or fullness of virtue.

Semantic Range

surplus, abundance, overflow, excess, remainder, what is left over, superfluity (material or metaphorical)

Root / Etymology

From the verb περισσεύω ('to abound, to be in excess, to overflow'), which derives from the root περίσς- indicating 'beyond the ordinary, excessive'. The suffix -μα denotes a result or product, so περίσσευμα refers to the result of abounding: the surplus or excess.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, περίσσευμα often denoted a numerical or physical surplus (such as leftover food, resources, or goods). In the Septuagint, it tends to translate Hebrew terms for remainder or what is left after a distribution or event (e.g., Leviticus 14:42, surplus stones). In the New Testament, its primary contexts are material abundance (e.g., 2 Corinthians 8:14—excess resources to aid others) and metaphorical abundance (Romans 5:17—the 'superabundance' of grace and righteousness). English translations as 'abundance' or 'overflow' are generally accurate but can obscure whether the term refers to a physical surplus or a metaphorical fullness. Not to be confused with πλοῦτος, which more specifically denotes wealth or riches, rather than excess. The term does not inherently carry a positive or negative connotation; the context determines whether the surplus is viewed favorably or as waste.

Translation Consistency

primary "surplus" 5 occurrences

Frequency and naturalness: the attested P2 renderings overwhelmingly use “surplus” (4 of 5) and it straightforwardly covers the lemma’s primary senses (abundance, excess, remainder, overflow). “Surplus” is a simple, natural English noun that fits both material and metaphorical uses and will provide consistent renderings across all forms of G4051.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from περισσεύω; a surplus, or superabundance:--abundance, that was left, over and above.

Root Family

περισσ- (perisseía) — to exceed, to be more than enough, to abound

Root περισσ- to exceed, to go beyond, to abound
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4050 περισσεία superabundance
G4052 περισσεύω they were abounding
G4053 περισσός the superabundant
G4054 περισσότερον
G4055 περισσότερος to the more abundant (feminine)

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4051-01 περίσσευμα perisseuma N NOM N SG abundance surplus surplus 2
G4051-03 περισσεύματος perisseumatos N GEN N SG abundance of surplus surplus 2
G4051-02 περισσεύματα perisseumata N ACC N PL remnants surpluses surpluses 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4051-03 Matthew 12:34 περισσεύματος perisseumatos N GEN N SG abundance of surplus surplus
G4051-02 Mark 8:8 περισσεύματα perisseumata N ACC N PL remnants surpluses surpluses
G4051-03 Luke 6:45 περισσεύματος perisseumatos N GEN N SG abundance of surplus surplus
G4051-01 2 Corinthians 8:14 περίσσευμα perisseuma N NOM N SG abundance surplus surplus
G4051-01 2 Corinthians 8:14 περίσσευμα perisseuma-2 N NOM N SG abundance surplus surplus
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