In the Bible, “exceedingly” refers to something that is done to a great degree or intensity, surpassing ordinary limits. It often denotes abundance or overwhelming magnitude, as seen in passages like Psalm 126:2, where joy is described as exceedingly great.
Scripture
1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
2 “I will establish my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”
3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him,
4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations.”
5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”
Exceedingly in the Bible: Meaning Explained
The term “exceedingly” in the Bible conveys a profound sense of abundance, intensity, and unparalleled greatness, reflecting the nature of God’s actions and blessings in the lives of His people. This concept appears frequently throughout Scripture, emphasizing God’s capacity to provide far beyond human understanding or expectation. For example, in Ephesians 3:20, Paul writes, “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,” which highlights not only God’s power but also His inclination to bless His children in ways that transcend ordinary human limitations. This notion invites believers to trust in God’s provision and possibility, assuring them that His plans and purposes exceed their own aspirations.
Moreover, the idea of “exceedingly” also reinforces themes of grace and mercy found throughout the Bible. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus instructs His followers that their righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, suggesting a call to a deeper, more genuine spiritual life rather than mere adherence to the law. This teaching accentuates that God’s expectations surpass outward actions, urging an internal transformation. As seen in 2 Corinthians 9:8, where the Apostle Paul asserts that God is able to make all grace abound to the believer so that they have sufficiency in all things, the term “exceedingly” encapsulates the overflowing love and generosity of God which empowers believers to live abundantly and joyously, extending His grace to others in a world that often falls short of such divine measures.
The concept of “exceedingly” is further echoed in various biblical narratives, illustrating God’s profound generosity and the extraordinary outcomes of His covenant promises. For instance, in the story of Solomon’s reign, we witness an abundance of wisdom, wealth, and honor given by God, far beyond what any earthly king had known. This surpassed even the expectations of those who came to witness Solomon’s grandeur, including the Queen of Sheba, who acknowledged that the half had not been told (1 Kings 10:7). Such narratives demonstrate how God’s provisions and blessings are not merely adequate but are supremely overflowing, emphasizing His nature as the ultimate provider.
Similarly, in the prophetic writings, God frequently reassures His people of His capacity to deliver and bless them in excess. The prophetic promises in Isaiah and Jeremiah about restoration and future hope often depict a scenario where God’s grace and mercy surpass what the people could conceive. For instance, in Isaiah 40:31, it is declared that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, soar on wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. This imagery illustrates not just a restoration of energy but an upgraded existence—one marked by continual renewal and empowerment from the Almighty, thus reiterating that with God, believers can expect experiences that are extraordinarily transformative and beyond the ordinary limits of human capacity. Ultimately, the theme of “exceedingly” encapsulates the overarching narrative of divine favor that invites believers to embrace the immeasurable greatness of God’s love and promises in their lives.
Abundance of Blessings
In the Bible, the term “exceedingly” often signifies an abundance of blessings that God bestows upon His people. This concept reflects the idea that God’s provisions and gifts are not just sufficient but overflowing, surpassing human expectations. It emphasizes the generosity of God’s grace and mercy, illustrating that His blessings can far exceed what one might anticipate or hope for.
Divine Power and Capability
Another broader meaning of “exceedingly” relates to the divine power and capability of God. It underscores the belief that God is able to accomplish far more than humans can imagine or comprehend. This notion serves to remind believers of the limitless nature of God’s power, encouraging them to trust in His ability to work wonders in their lives, even in seemingly impossible situations.
Heightened Spiritual Aspirations
The term “exceedingly” also conveys a call to heightened spiritual aspirations. It challenges believers to strive for a deeper relationship with God and to pursue a life that reflects His character. This pursuit is not merely about achieving personal goals but about seeking to embody the qualities of love, righteousness, and holiness that God exemplifies, thereby exceeding the standards of the world.
How to Embrace Abundance through Grace and Faith
Embracing abundance through grace and faith is a transformative journey that invites us to shift our perspective from scarcity to the overflowing blessings that God has in store for us. It begins with recognizing that grace is a gift freely given, not something we earn through our actions; this understanding allows us to let go of the burdens of self-doubt and fear. As we deepen our faith, we learn to trust in God’s provision, believing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Practically, this means cultivating a heart of gratitude, celebrating the small blessings in our lives, and sharing generously with others, reflecting the abundance we have received. Remember, abundance isn’t just about material wealth; it encompasses love, joy, peace, and the richness of relationships. So, lean into your faith, embrace the grace that surrounds you, and watch how your life flourishes in ways you never imagined.
Bible References to Exceedingly in Scripture:
Exodus 1:7-12: 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.
10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.”
11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens.
12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.
Numbers 14:6-9: 6 And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes
7 and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land.
8 If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.
9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”
Deuteronomy 6:1-5: 1 “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it,”
2 that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.
3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
1 Kings 3:10-14: 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.
11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,
12 behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.
13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.
14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.
2 Chronicles 1:7-12: 7 In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.”
8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place.
9 Now, O Lord God, let your promise to David my father be established, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”
11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king,
12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have.
Psalm 119:96-104: 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Isaiah 55:6-9: 6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;”
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord,
that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God,
for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Daniel 3:19-25: 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated.
20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace.
22 Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
3 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Matthew 5:10-12: 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Luke 6:22-23: 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!”
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
Romans 5:15-17: 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.
16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.
17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18: 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.
Ephesians 3:20-21: 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:12-13: 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13: 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,
10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,
12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,
13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
1 Peter 1:6-9: 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.