ΠΕΡΙΣΣΕΥΜΑ (perisso_eth) — Lexarithmos 1041 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, perisseuma (τό) is "that which is left over, remainder, surplus, abundance." The word derives from the verb "perisseuō," meaning "to exceed, to abound, to have a surplus." Its fundamental meaning concerns anything that goes beyond a specific measure or quantity, whether as a residue after a process or as a surplus indicating plenty.

In classical Greek, perisseuma is often used to describe material remnants or excesses. However, in Koine Greek, and particularly in the texts of the New Testament, the word's meaning expands to acquire significant ethical and theological dimensions. There, perisseuma refers not only to material goods but also to spiritual blessings, grace, or even emotions and thoughts that overflow from the heart.

The word underscores the idea of fullness that exceeds what is necessary, whether it is the abundance of food left over after the multiplication of loaves (Matt. 14:20), the superabundance of God's grace (2 Cor. 8:14), or the spiritual state of the heart from which words and actions emanate (Luke 6:45). Thus, perisseuma becomes a key term for expressing generosity, fullness, and transcendence in ethical and theological thought.

Etymology

perisseuma ← perisseuō ← perissos ← peri + -sso- (Ancient Greek root)

The word "perisseuma" derives from the verb "perisseuō," which in turn is formed from the adjective "perissos." "Perissos" is understood to originate from the preposition "peri" (meaning "around, beyond, in addition to") with the addition of an adjectival suffix -sso-. This internal Greek development highlights the concept of "that which exceeds" or "that which is additional" as fundamental to the root, without requiring recourse to extra-Greek sources.

The root "periss-" has given rise to a series of words expressing the idea of exceeding, abundance, or remainder. The adjective "perissos" (excessive, superfluous, odd number) serves as the base, from which the verb "perisseuō" (to abound, to be left over) is derived. Other cognate words include the adverb "perissōs" (exceedingly) and the noun "perisseia" (superabundance), as well as the variants "perittos" and "peritteuō," all retaining the core meaning of exceeding measure or fullness.

Main Meanings

That which is left over, remainder — The primary and most literal meaning, referring to anything that remains after a process or consumption. E.g., the leftover pieces of bread.
Surplus, excess — Something existing in a quantity greater than what is necessary or expected. It can carry a neutral or negative connotation (e.g., an excess of words).
Abundance, fullness — The state of something existing in large quantity, often with a positive connotation, implying blessing or prosperity.
Spiritual or ethical abundance — In the New Testament, it refers to the fullness of grace, spiritual gifts, or the inner state of the heart (e.g., "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks").
Profit, gain — In certain contexts, it can denote the extra amount obtained as profit or benefit from an activity.
Increased quantity or degree — The idea of exceeding a measure, not necessarily as a remainder, but as an increased intensity or quantity compared to the usual.

Word Family

periss- (root of perissos, meaning "that which exceeds, excessive")

The root periss- generates a family of words sharing the concept of exceeding, surplus, or remainder. Originating from the preposition "peri" (around, beyond), the root implies something that lies "beyond" a limit or measure. This fundamental meaning manifests in derivatives that describe both quantitative abundance and qualitative superiority or the superfluous nature of something.

περισσός adjective · lex. 865

The adjective from which the family originates. It means "exceeding, superfluous, odd (number)." The original form of the root, describing something beyond the usual or necessary. It is attested in Homer referring to things that are "additional" or "unusual."

περισσεύω verb · lex. 1800

The active verb expressing the state or action of abundance or of something remaining as a residue. It means "to exceed, to abound, to have a surplus." In the New Testament, it is often used for the abundance of grace or material goods (e.g., Matt. 14:20).

περισσεία ἡ · noun · lex. 611

A noun denoting the quality or state of excess or abundance. It means "superabundance, surplus, excess." Used by Paul (e.g., 2 Cor. 8:2) for the abundance of generosity.

περισσῶς adverb · lex. 1595

It intensifies the concept of exceeding, indicating a high degree. It means "exceedingly, abundantly, greatly." In the New Testament, it can mean "much more" or "exceptionally" (e.g., Mark 6:51).

περισσότερος adjective · lex. 1340

The comparative degree of "perissos," implying an even greater quantity or quality. It means "more abundant, greater, more." Often used to emphasize superiority or increased abundance (e.g., 2 Cor. 10:8).

περισσοτέρως adverb · lex. 2070

The comparative degree of "perissōs," indicating an even higher degree or manner. It means "more abundantly, more." Used to emphasize the intensity of an action (e.g., Gal. 1:14).

περιττός adjective · lex. 1265

A variant of "perissos," often carrying the negative connotation of "superfluous" or "useless." It means "superfluous, excessive, useless." In classical usage, it can refer to something that is "beyond what is necessary."

περιττεύω verb · lex. 1900

The verb derived from "perittos," expressing the state of something being superfluous or remaining as a residue, sometimes with the sense of "being meaningless." It means "to be superfluous, to be left over."

Philosophical Journey

The trajectory of "perisseuma" from classical to Koine Greek and Christian literature highlights a significant evolution in its meaning, from the material to the spiritual.

5th-4th C. BCE

Classical Greek

The word is primarily used to denote material remainder or surplus. In Xenophon, for example, it can refer to what is left over from food or goods.

3rd-1st C. BCE

Septuagint Translation

In the Old Testament, perisseuma often translates Hebrew terms denoting abundance, blessing, or surplus, particularly in relation to harvests or prosperity given by God.

1st C. CE

New Testament

Here the word acquires central significance, especially in the Gospels and Paul's Epistles. It describes both material surplus (e.g., after the multiplication of loaves) and spiritual abundance (e.g., of grace, faith, love).

2nd-5th C. CE

Patristic Literature

The Church Fathers continue to use perisseuma with theological significance, referring to the superabundance of divine providence, grace, and spiritual gifts, emphasizing the transcendent nature of divine bestowal.

Modern Greek

Neo-Hellenic Usage

The word retains the meaning of remainder and surplus, but its spiritual dimension has largely faded in everyday use, remaining primarily in religious or literary texts.

In Ancient Texts

Three characteristic passages from the New Testament that highlight the diverse uses of "perisseuma":

«καὶ ἦραν τὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων δώδεκα κοφίνους πλήρεις.»

And they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.

Gospel of Matthew 14:20

«ἵνα ἐκ τοῦ περισσεύματος ὑμῶν γένηται καὶ ἐκείνων τὸ ὑστέρημα.»

so that out of your abundance there may be a supply for their lack.

Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 8:14

«ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ περισσεύματος τῆς καρδίας λαλεῖ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ.»

for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Gospel of Luke 6:45

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΠΕΡΙΣΣΕΥΜΑ is 1041, from the sum of its letter values:

Π = 80

Pi

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ι = 10

Iota

Σ = 200

Sigma

Σ = 200

Sigma

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Υ = 400

Upsilon

Μ = 40

Mu

Α = 1

Alpha

= 1041

Total

80 + 5 + 100 + 10 + 200 + 200 + 5 + 400 + 40 + 1 = 1041

1041 decomposes into 1000 (hundreds) + 40 (tens) + 1 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΠΕΡΙΣΣΕΥΜΑ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	1041	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	6	6 — The hexad, often associated with creation (the six days of creation), human labor, and imperfection in contrast to the perfection of seven. Perisseuma can refer both to the abundance of creation and to human efforts to manage surplus.
Letter Count	10	10 — The decad, a symbol of completeness, perfection, and divine order. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments. Perisseuma, as fullness, connects with this notion of completion.
Cumulative	1/40/1000	Units 1 · Tens 40 · Hundreds 1000
Odd/Even	Odd	Masculine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	P-E-R-I-S-S-E-U-M-A	Plenty Exceeds Righteousness In Spiritual Sustenance, Ensuring Unending Mercy Abundantly
Grammatical Groups	5V · 2S · 3M	5 vowels denote harmony and flow, 2 semivowels balance, and 3 mutes stability. This composition reflects the fullness and dynamism of perisseuma.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Jupiter ♃ / Capricorn ♑	1041 mod 7 = 5 · 1041 mod 12 = 9

Isopsephic Words (1041)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1041) but a different root:

πεντηκοστή

The "Pentecost" (πεντηκοστή), the Jewish Feast of Weeks later associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit, bears the same lexarithmos as "perisseuma." This coincidence may suggest the "superabundance" of grace and spiritual gifts poured out at Pentecost, a spiritual fullness that transcends human measures.

πράϋνσις

The term "praÿnsis" (πράϋνσις), meaning "gentleness, meekness," shares the lexarithmos 1041. Gentleness, as an ethical virtue, can be seen as a "perisseuma" of inner peace and self-control, an abundance of mild character that transcends anger or aggression.

σῶμα

The "sōma" (σῶμα), the human or material body, is isopsephic with "perisseuma." This connection can be interpreted in various ways: either as the "abundance" of material creation, or as the "body" that receives the "abundance" of life or grace, or even as the "body" that, in its fallen state, has a "superfluity" of weakness.

ὑπερμετρία

The term "hypermetria" (ὑπερμετρία), meaning "excess, lack of measure," is directly conceptually linked to "perisseuma" through its lexarithmos. While "perisseuma" can be positive (abundance), "hypermetria" denotes a negative excess, an overabundance that leads to imbalance or dysfunction, highlighting the need for moderation.

εὐελπιστία

The term "euelpistia" (εὐελπιστία), "good hope" or "confidence," carries the same lexarithmos. Hope, especially Christian hope, can be considered a "perisseuma" of faith and expectation for the future, an abundance of trust that transcends present difficulties and uncertainties.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 107 words with lexarithmos 1041. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed., Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Louw, J. P., Nida, E. A. — Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, 2nd ed., New York: United Bible Societies, 1989.
Thayer, J. H. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, New York: American Book Company, 1889.
Strong, J. — Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1990.
Septuaginta — Rahlfs-Hanhart Edition, Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006.