← G5235 G5237 →

ὑπερβολή

hyperbolḗ

G5236 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primary meaning: a surpassing or exceeding measure; an extraordinary, excessive degree. In various contexts, ὑπερβολή signifies something that goes beyond the usual limit, such as excess, superabundance, or extraordinary degree—frequently used figuratively to describe something remarkable or extreme (e.g., 'exceptional greatness'). Contextually, it may refer to: (1) overwhelming quantity or intensity (e.g., 'extraordinary abundance,' 'excess'), (2) extremity in quality (e.g., 'outstanding excellence,' 'preeminence'), and (3) in rhetoric, a figure of speech (hyperbole), though this sense appears later and is not typical of NT usage.

Semantic Range

excess, superabundance, an exceeding or preeminent measure, extraordinary status or degree, superiority, rhetorical hyperbole (in post-classical Greek)

Root / Etymology

From ὑπερβάλλω (to throw over or beyond, to surpass). ὑπερ– (over, beyond) + βάλλω (to throw). The noun is formed by adding the nominal suffix –ή, yielding the sense of 'the act or result of surpassing/beyond-throwing.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὑπερβολή denotes exceeding the normal bounds, especially the idea of something being thrown beyond the mark—in rhetoric, it came to mean 'hyperbole' in the technical sense of exaggeration. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the word is primarily used to describe superabundance or surpassing quality—often with adjectives or genitives to specify what is exceeded (e.g., 'the exceeding greatness of his power,' Eph. 1:19). The word's later rhetorical sense (an intentional exaggeration for effect) is not typical in NT usage. Traditional English translations often capture the intensity with terms like 'exceeding,' 'abundance,' or 'surpassing measure,' though not always conveying the nuance of going beyond what is ordinary or expected. The usage in the NT and LXX maintains the core sense of surpassing measure or extraordinary degree, not limited to quantity but extending to quality, status, or power.

Translation Consistency

primary "exceeding" 6 occurrences

Chosen because it is the most common existing rendering (6 of 8 P2 occurrences), it naturally covers the primary SILEX meanings (excess, superabundance, an extraordinary or surpassing degree), and it reads idiomatically in English for both positive (surpassing/preeminence) and negative (excess) senses. It therefore gives a consistent, natural base for all forms of G5236.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"surpassing measure" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑπερβάλλω; a throwing beyond others, i.e. (figuratively) supereminence; adverbially (with εἰς or κατά) pre- eminently:--abundance, (far more) exceeding, excellency, more excellent, beyond (out of) measure.

Root Family

ὑπερβολή (hyperbolē) — surpassing, exceeding, going beyond, excess, superabundance

Root ὑπερβολ- to surpass, to go beyond, to exceed

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5236-02 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen N ACC F SG excess an exceeding measure an exceeding measure 6
G5236-01 ὑπερβολὴ uperbole N NOM F SG excellency surpassing measure surpassing measure 2

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5236-02 Romans 7:13 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen N ACC F SG exceeding an exceeding measure an exceeding measure
G5236-02 1 Corinthians 12:31 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen N ACC F SG excess an exceeding measure an exceeding measure
G5236-02 2 Corinthians 1:8 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen N ACC F SG excess an exceeding measure an exceeding measure
G5236-01 2 Corinthians 4:7 ὑπερβολὴ uperbole N NOM F SG excellency surpassing measure surpassing measure
G5236-02 2 Corinthians 4:17 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen N ACC F SG excess an exceeding measure an exceeding measure
G5236-02 2 Corinthians 4:17 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen-2 N ACC F SG excess an exceeding measure an exceeding measure
G5236-01 2 Corinthians 12:7 ὑπερβολῇ uperbole N DAT F SG surpassingness surpassing measure surpassing measure
G5236-02 Galatians 1:13 ὑπερβολὴν uperbolen N ACC F SG measure an exceeding measure an exceeding measure
← G5235 Greek Lexicon G5237 →