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περισσότερος

perissóteros

G4055 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root περισσ- to exceed, to be in surplus, to surpass

Definition

Comparative form of 'perissos,' indicating 'more abundant,' 'greater in degree,' or 'exceeding to a larger extent.' Used to express a comparative sense of surplus, excess, or surpassing measure, character, or quantity. Depending on context, may refer to greater intensity, larger number, higher quality, or surpassing status.

Semantic Range

more abundant, greater, far more, far greater, more excessive, more than usual, exceptionally more

Root / Etymology

Formed from περισσός (abundant, excessive, exceeding) with the Greek comparative suffix -τερος, indicating a comparative degree. Thus, περισσότερος means 'more than abundant,' or 'more surpassing.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

περισσότερος occurs in Hellenistic and Koine Greek to emphasize that something or someone surpasses another in degree, quantity, or quality. In the New Testament and LXX, it often intensifies statements (e.g., 'all the more,' 'far greater'). This form is typically reserved for contrastive or emphatic comparison, highlighting surplus or excess relative to another reference point. English translations frequently render it as 'more abundantly,' 'all the more,' 'far more,' or 'especially.' However, these renderings sometimes understate the surpassing, excessive connotation inherent in the term. The word does not inherently carry a positive or negative value, but describes exceeding normal measure—potentially for better or worse. The term is closely related to the classical Greek use of περισσός, which can mean 'more than necessary,' 'extraordinary,' or 'exceptional,' and its comparative extends this sense. It should be distinguished from other comparatives of quantity in Greek (such as πλείων, 'more [in number]'). Situational nuance often depends on whether the subject or predicate is evaluated as beneficial, surplus, or excessive.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative of περισσός; more superabundant (in number, degree or character):--more abundant, greater (much) more, overmuch.

Root Family

περισσότερος (perissoteros) — to exceed, to be in surplus, to surpass

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4056 περισσοτέρως the greater one

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4055-03 περισσότερον perissoteron ADJ.S ACC M SG more the greater one 7
G4055-02 περισσοτέραν perissoteran ADJ.A ACC F SG COMP more abundant more surpassing 3
G4055-01 περισσοτέρᾳ perissotera ADJ.A DAT F SG COMP to the more abundant (feminine) 1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4055-03 Matthew 11:9 περισσότερον perissoteron ADJ.S ACC M SG the greater one
G4055-03 Mark 12:33 περισσότερόν perissoteron ADJ.P NOM N SG more the greater one
G4055-03 Mark 12:40 περισσότερον perissoteron ADJ.A ACC N SG COMP greater the greater one
G4055-03 Luke 7:26 περισσότερον perissoteron ADJ.S ACC M SG more the greater one
G4055-03 Luke 12:4 περισσότερόν perissoteron ADJ.S ACC N SG more the greater one
G4055-03 Luke 20:47 περισσότερον perissoteron ADJ.A ACC N SG COMP greater the greater one
G4055-02 1 Corinthians 12:23 περισσοτέραν perissoteran ADJ.A ACC F SG COMP more abundant more surpassing
G4055-02 1 Corinthians 12:23 περισσοτέραν perissoteran-2 ADJ.A ACC F SG COMP more abundant more surpassing
G4055-02 1 Corinthians 12:24 περισσοτέραν perissoteran ADJ.S ACC F SG more abundant more surpassing
G4055-01 2 Corinthians 2:7 περισσοτέρᾳ perissotera ADJ.A DAT F SG COMP to the more abundant (feminine)
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