In biblical terms, the concept of surplus is often associated with God's provision, stewardship, and the moral responsibilities that come with abundance. The Bible addresses surplus in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of using excess resources wisely and generously.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, surplus is frequently linked to God's blessings and the covenant relationship with Israel. For instance, during the time of Joseph in Egypt, God provided a surplus of grain during the seven years of plenty, which was stored to sustain the people during the subsequent seven years of famine (Genesis 41:47-49). This narrative highlights the importance of prudent management and foresight in times of abundance.

The Mosaic Law also addresses surplus in the context of agricultural practices. Farmers were instructed to leave the gleanings of their fields for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10). This command underscores the principle of sharing one's surplus with those in need, reflecting God's concern for justice and compassion.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings often focus on the spiritual implications of material wealth and surplus. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus warns against hoarding wealth without regard for one's spiritual state or the needs of others. The rich man in the parable plans to store his surplus grain in larger barns, only to lose his life that very night. Jesus concludes with the admonition, "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

The early church exemplified the sharing of surplus in Acts 4:32-35, where believers held all things in common and distributed to anyone as they had need. This communal approach to surplus reflects the unity and generosity that characterized the early Christian community.

Principles of Stewardship

The Bible consistently teaches that surplus is a gift from God and should be managed with a sense of stewardship. Believers are called to use their resources to further God's kingdom and to care for others. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul writes, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" . This passage encourages believers to view their surplus as an opportunity to engage in good works and to support the ministry of the church.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The ethical use of surplus is a recurring theme in Scripture. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" . This wisdom literature emphasizes the paradoxical nature of generosity, where giving leads to greater blessing.

Furthermore, James 5:1-5 warns the wealthy about the dangers of hoarding wealth and exploiting laborers, reminding them that their surplus will testify against them in the last days. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the moral responsibility that accompanies material abundance.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not condemn wealth or surplus in itself, it consistently calls for a heart attitude that prioritizes God's kingdom and the well-being of others. Surplus is seen as an opportunity to practice generosity, stewardship, and justice, reflecting the character of God in the world.1. (n.) That which remains when use or need is satisfied, or when a limit is reached; excess; surplus.

2. (n.) Specifically, an amount in the public treasury at any time greater than is required for the ordinary purposes of the government.

3. (a.) Being or constituting a surplus; more than sufficient; as, surplus revenues; surplus population; surplus words.

4052. perisseuo -- to be over and above, to abound
... 4052 (from 4012 , "all-around" which indicates abundance or surplus) -- properly,
exceed, go beyond the expected measure, ie above and beyond ("more than ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4052.htm - 9k

4051. perisseuma -- superfluity
... abundance, that was left. From perisseuo; a surplus, or superabundance --
abundance, that was left, over and above. see GREEK perisseuo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4051.htm - 7k

4050. perisseia -- superfluity
... abundance, surplus. From perisseuo; surplusage, ie Superabundance -- abundance(-
ant, (-ly)), superfluity. see GREEK perisseuo. (perisseia) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4050.htm - 7k

3632. oinophlugia -- drunkenness, debauchery
... drunkenness. From oinos and a form of the base of phluaros; an overflow (or surplus)
of wine, ie Vinolency (drunkenness) -- excess of wine. see GREEK oinos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3632.htm - 6k

4684. spatalao -- to live riotously
... 4684 -- properly, to indulge in luxury (unneeded surplus). The , "The modern term ','
in which the notion of than that of sensual indulgence, .". ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4684.htm - 6k

8083. shemoneh -- eight (a cardinal number)
... shmonah {shem-o-naw'}; or shmownah {shem-o-naw'}; apparently from shamen through
the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the ...
/hebrew/8083.htm - 6k

Whether the Semen is Produced from Surplus Food?
... OF THE PROPAGATION OF MAN AS TO THE BODY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether the semen
is produced from surplus food? Objection 1: It would seem ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the semen is produced.htm

Whether Bishops Sin Mortally if they Distribute not to the Poor ...
... Therefore if bishops keep for themselves, or give to their relations or friends,
their surplus of ecclesiastical goods, it would seem that they are bound to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether bishops sin mortally if.htm

To J. Tarn, Esq. , Under-Treasurer of the British and Foreign ...
... Total, 27 pounds, 7s, 6d. Surplus of money, 9 pounds, 12s, 6d. From which surplus
of 9 pounds, 12s.6d. ... Surplus due to Mr. Tarn, 2 pounds, 8s, 6d. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to j tarn esq under-treasurer.htm

Whether Almsgiving is a Matter of Precept?
... On the part of the giver, it must be noted that he should give of his surplus,
according to Lk.11:41: "That which remaineth, give alms." This surplus is to be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether almsgiving is a matter.htm

Whether Whatever in the Body Belonged to the Truth of Human Nature ...
... children that which his child derives from him must needs be of the flesh of other
men partaken of by his father, since the seed is from the surplus of food ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether whatever in the body.htm

A Story of a Barber's Payments, Introduced for the Sake of ...
... began to purchase it for a large sum of shillings he spent on a tiny bit of meat
all the shillings that he had gained, and did not take home a surplus of even ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xiii a story of.htm

Whether the Lust that is About Venereal Acts Can be a Sin?
... For the venereal act consists in the emission of semen which is the surplus from
food, according to the Philosopher (De Gener. Anim. i, 18). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the lust that is.htm

Whether Consanguinity is Rightly Defined?
... Objection 3: Further, carnal procreation, according to the Philosopher (De
Gener. Anim. ii, 19), is effected from the surplus food [*Cf. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether consanguinity is rightly defined.htm

Whether in the State of Innocence Man had Need of Food?
... Objection 4: Further, the consumption of food involves voiding of the surplus,
which seems unsuitable to the state of innocence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the state of 4.htm

'Fragments' or 'Broken Pieces'
... We are taught to think of the large surplus in Christ's gifts over and above our
need. Our Lord has Himself given us a commentary upon this miracle. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/fragments or broken pieces.htm

Surplus (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) That which remains when use or need is
satisfied, or when a limit is reached; excess; surplus. ...
/s/surplus.htm - 7k

Ransom (46 Occurrences)
... it was found that the number of the firstborn exceeded the number of the Levites,
equivalence was maintained by ransoming at a certain price the surplus of the ...
/r/ransom.htm - 43k

Surprise (27 Occurrences)

/s/surprise.htm - 15k

Overflow (43 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) That which flows over; a superfluous portion; a superabundance. 7. (n.)
An outlet for the escape of surplus liquid. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/o/overflow.htm - 19k

Overmuch (16 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Too much. 2. (adv.) In too great a degree; too much. 3. (n.) An excess;
a surplus. Multi-Version Concordance Overmuch (16 Occurrences). ...
/o/overmuch.htm - 11k

Overplus (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) That which remains after a supply, or beyond a quantity
proposed; surplus. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OVERPLUS. ...
/o/overplus.htm - 7k

Jether (8 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Surplus; excellence. (1.) Father-in-law of Moses
(Exodus 4:18 marg.), called elsewhere Jethro (qv). (2 ...
/j/jether.htm - 11k

Washing (56 Occurrences)
... rubbing the fist of one hand in the hollow of the other, then placed the ten
finger-tips together, holding the hands up, so that any surplus water might flow ...
/w/washing.htm - 38k

Tarsus (5 Occurrences)
... the emperor Justinian (527-65 AD) attempted to provide by cutting a new channel,
starting a short distance North of the city, to divert the surplus water into ...
/t/tarsus.htm - 30k

Testament (13 Occurrences)
... It is the surplus of this grace that in Paul's presentation is commonly
overlooked" (Mabie, The Divine Reason of the Cross 116). ...
/t/testament.htm - 101k

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