The Greek word gemízō, represented by G1072, is a transitive verb meaning to fill entirely. It appears 12 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes the action of making something completely full, whether it be a physical container, a building, or even a person's stomach.
In scripture, G1072 is used in both literal and symbolic contexts. It literally describes filling objects, such as when Jesus commands the servants to fill the waterpots with water at the wedding in Cana John 2:7, or when the disciples filled twelve baskets with leftover fragments after the feeding of the five thousand John 6:13. It is also used to describe a ship becoming full of water during a storm Mark 4:37. Symbolically, it illustrates the fulfillment of a divine purpose, as when the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God Revelation 15:8 or when a lord commands his servant to compel people to come in so his house may be filled Luke 14:23.
Several related words clarify the action or purpose associated with filling:
- G4863 synágō (to lead together, i.e. collect or convene): This action precedes the filling of the baskets with leftovers, as the disciples first gathered them together before the baskets were filled John 6:13.
- G1525 eisérchomai (to enter (literally or figuratively)): This word is linked to filling a space with people. In the parable of the great supper, the servant is told to compel people to come in so that the house might be filled Luke 14:23.
- G4222 potízō (to furnish drink, irrigate): The act of filling can be for the purpose of giving a drink. A sponge was filled with vinegar and then used to give Jesus a drink Mark 15:36.
- G906 bállō (to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)): This verb can describe the action that follows the filling. An angel filled a censer with fire and then cast it into the earth, initiating judgment Revelation 8:5.
The theological weight of G1072 is demonstrated in its various applications.
- Divine Abundance: The word is used in contexts of miraculous provision, highlighting God's generosity. The filling of the twelve baskets John 6:13 and the waterpots turned to wine John 2:7 show a fullness that goes beyond mere sufficiency.
- Fulfillment of God's Plan: The command for the master's house to be filled Luke 14:23 signifies God's intent to bring many into His kingdom. Similarly, the temple being filled with smoke from God's glory is a precursor to the final judgments being fulfilled Revelation 15:8.
- The State of Human Longing: The prodigal son's desire to have filled his belly with the husks the swine ate Luke 15:16 poignantly illustrates the emptiness and desperation of life separated from the Father's provision.
- Instruments of Divine Action: Objects are often filled to be used for a specific purpose. The censer is filled with fire from the altar before being used for judgment Revelation 8:5, showing that being filled can be a preparation for carrying out God's will.
In summary, G1072 gemízō conveys much more than simply making an object full. It spans from the literal act of filling a container to the symbolic fulfillment of God's purposes and the depiction of deep human need. The word illustrates how God provides in abundance, acts to fulfill His divine plan, and offers true satisfaction in contrast to the emptiness the world offers. It demonstrates how a basic action can be imbued with profound spiritual significance.
TRV