ὑπερπλεονάζω (G5250) — Greek Lexicon

ὑπερπλεονάζω

hyperpleonázō

G5250 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To abound greatly, to overflow, to be exceedingly abundant or plentiful. The verb emphasizes an exceptionally high degree of increase or surplus, surpassing what is usual or expected. Contextually, it is often used metaphorically to express the surpassing abundance of immaterial qualities (such as grace or mercy) or benefits.

Semantic Range

to be overflowing, to abound exceedingly, to be present in extreme abundance, to be superabundant; to surpass expectation or need in quantity or intensity (especially in reference to immaterial qualities)

Root / Etymology

Formed by the prefix ὑπέρ (hyper, 'over, beyond, exceedingly') and the verb πλεονάζω (pleonazō, 'to abound, to increase'). The etymology indicates an intensification of πλεονάζω, stressing the superlative degree of abundance or excess.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὑπερπλεονάζω is a rare verb, found only in late Koine Greek. Its primary attestation in the New Testament is in 1 Timothy 1:14, where it expresses the overwhelming or lavish character of divine grace. The use of the ὑπέρ- prefix intensifies the sense of πλεονάζω, and this pattern is common in Koine and later Greek to form intensives. Compared to related words like περισσεύω ('to abound, to be more than enough'), ὑπερπλεονάζω connotes an even greater surplus, emphasizing not just abundance but excess beyond measure. English translations often render it as 'exceeding abundant' or 'overflowed,' but such renderings may not fully convey the sense of surpassing all bounds. The term is absent from classical Greek; it reflects the linguistic creativity and intensification characteristic of Jewish-Greek (Septuagintal and New Testament) usage. In non-biblical sources, comparable compounds with ὑπέρ- function to denote intensification pressingly beyond the norm.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὑπέρ and πλεονάζω; to superabound:--be exceeding abundant.

Root Family

ὑπερπλεονάζω (hyperpleonazō) — to increase greatly, to abound exceedingly, to overflow beyond measure

Root πλεονάζω to increase, to abound

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5250-01`	ὑπερεπλεόνασεν	uperepleonasen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	overflowed	superabounded	overflowed exceedingly	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5250-01`	1 Timothy 1:14	ὑπερεπλεόνασεν	uperepleonasen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	overflowed	superabounded	overflowed exceedingly

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