### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb γεμίζω (gemízō), Strong's `{{G1072}}`, is derived from the intransitive verb γέμω (gemō) `{{G1071}}`, meaning "to be full." Thus, gemízō signifies the transitive action of "to fill entirely" or "to make full." It consistently conveys the sense of filling something to its complete capacity, often to the brim or to the point of being overloaded. The emphasis is on the thoroughness and completeness of the filling, leaving no room or space unfilled. While primarily used for physical filling, its semantic range extends to metaphorical applications where a space or entity is completely permeated or dominated by something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
γεμίζω appears in the New Testament primarily in narrative contexts, illustrating a complete saturation or abundance:
* **Physical Filling to Capacity:**
* In the miracle at Cana, Jesus commands the servants to "fill the waterpots with water" (γεμίσατε τὰς ὑδρίας ὕδατος) [[John 2:7]]. The text notes they filled them "to the brim," emphasizing the completeness of the action.
* Following the miraculous catches of fish, the disciples' boats were so "filled" (ἐγέμισαν) with fish that they began to sink [[Luke 5:7]], demonstrating an overwhelming abundance.
* After the feeding of the multitudes, the disciples gathered twelve and seven baskets "full" (γεμίζω) of broken pieces, underscoring the superabundance of Christ's provision [[Matthew 14:20]], [[Matthew 15:37]], [[Mark 6:43]], [[Mark 8:19]].
* **Sensory/Experiential Filling:**
* Mary anoints Jesus' feet, and "the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment" (ἐπληρώθη ἡ οἰκία ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου), though some manuscripts use ἐγεμίσθη here, πληρόω `{{G4137}}` is more common. However, gemízō is used in [[Revelation 5:8]] where the golden bowls are "full of incense" (γεμόντας θυμιαμάτων), representing the prayers of the saints, indicating a complete presence.
* **Metaphorical Pervasion:**
* The Sanhedrin accuses the apostles: "you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching" (πεπληρώκατε τὴν Ἱερουσαλὴμ τῆς διδαχῆς ὑμῶν) [[Acts 5:28]]. While πληρόω `{{G4137}}` is used here, the concept of pervasive influence is similar to gemízō's sense of complete saturation.
* In [[Luke 6:11]], the enemies of Jesus were "filled with fury" (ἐπλήσθησαν ἀνοίας), again using πληθω `{{G4130}}`, but conveying a complete emotional state.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **γέμω (gemō) `{{G1071}}`**: The root intransitive verb meaning "to be full." gemízō is the causative form, "to make full."
* **πληρόω (plēroō) `{{G4137}}`**: "To fill, fulfill, complete." This is a broader term often used for fulfilling prophecy, completing time, or filling a spiritual lack. While it can overlap in meaning with gemízō (e.g., filling a vessel), gemízō specifically emphasizes filling *to capacity* or *to the brim*, often with a physical or tangible substance.
* **πίμπλημι (pimplēmi) `{{G4092}}` / πληθω (plēthō) `{{G4130}}`**: "To fill, be full." These are frequently used for being filled with the Holy Spirit, joy, fear, or other emotional and spiritual states. While also denoting fullness, gemízō typically conveys a more concrete, physical sense of reaching a limit or being completely occupied.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of gemízō carry profound theological weight, particularly in relation to divine action and provision:
* **Divine Abundance and Super-Provision:** The repeated use of gemízō in the feeding miracles and the miraculous catch of fish powerfully demonstrates God's (through Christ's) boundless capacity to provide for His creation. The "filled" baskets and boats signify not just sufficiency, but a superabundance that far exceeds human expectation and need. This points to the overflowing grace and power of God.
* **Completeness of Divine Transformation:** In the Cana miracle, the waterpots being "filled to the brim" before being turned into wine underscores the completeness of Christ's transformative power. The old is entirely filled and then completely changed into the new, symbolizing the radical nature of the new covenant.
* **Pervasive Influence of God's Presence/People:** While less frequent for abstract concepts, the idea of a space being "filled" (e.g., the temple with smoke in [[Revelation 15:8]], though this is gemō `{{G1071}}`) or the house with fragrance from worship (`{{G1072}}` in some manuscripts of [[John 12:3]]) points to the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's glory, judgment, or the impact of faithful devotion. The early church's "filling" Jerusalem with their teaching (using plēroō but conceptually aligned) highlights the irresistible spread and transformative power of the Gospel.
### Summary
γεμίζω (gemízō) `{{G1072}}` is a New Testament verb meaning "to fill entirely" or "to make full," emphasizing a complete saturation or occupation of space. Its primary usage describes physical objects being filled to their absolute capacity, often to the point of overflowing. Theologically, gemízō powerfully illustrates God's superabundant provision and limitless power, particularly evident in Christ's miracles of sustenance. It also conveys the thoroughness of divine transformation and, by extension, the pervasive influence of spiritual realities like worship or the spread of the Gospel. Distinct from other "fill" words, gemízō highlights the reaching of a complete limit or the total occupation of a container or space.
TRV