### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb γέμω (gemō, `{{G1073}}`) is a primary verb carrying the core meaning "to swell out" or "to be full." It denotes a state of being completely filled, often to capacity, suggesting a saturation or a burdening. Unlike some other words for fullness, γέμω frequently implies a state of being *laden* with something, whether literally or figuratively. Its semantic range extends to encompass not just a quantitative fullness but also a qualitative one, where a subject is entirely characterized or pervaded by a particular attribute or substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term γέμω (gemō, `{{G1073}}`) appears in various contexts within the New Testament, frequently highlighting a pervasive internal condition or a state of complete saturation:
* **Moral and Spiritual Corruption:** In the Gospels, Jesus uses γέμω to expose the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He likens them to "whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are [[Matthew 23:27]] full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness." Similarly, He states that while they clean the outside of the cup and dish, "your inward part is [[Luke 11:39]] full of greed and wickedness." This usage underscores a stark contrast between outward appearance and inward reality, revealing a complete inner defilement. Paul employs γέμω in [[Romans 1:29]] to describe the pervasive depravity of humanity apart from God, stating that they are "full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their sin.
* **Divine Attributes:** In the book of Revelation, γέμω describes the living creatures around God's throne as being "full of eyes" ([[Revelation 4:6]], [[Revelation 4:8]]) both within and without. This imagery conveys a sense of divine omniscience, constant vigilance, and comprehensive understanding.
* **Divine Judgment and Evil:** The word is powerfully used to describe the instruments and agents of divine judgment and ultimate evil. The "seven golden bowls [[Revelation 15:7]] full of the wrath of God" signify a complete, unmixed, and undiluted divine retribution. Furthermore, the beast rising out of the sea is described as "full of names of blasphemy" ([[Revelation 17:3]]), indicating its inherent and defining opposition to God. The great harlot, Babylon, holds "a golden cup in her hand [[Revelation 17:4]] full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication," portraying her utter moral corruption and spiritual depravity.
Across these contexts, γέμω consistently conveys a state of being completely burdened, characterized, or permeated by something, often with a negative connotation when applied to human or demonic entities.
### Related Words & Concepts
While γέμω (gemō, `{{G1073}}`) signifies "to be full," it is distinct from other related terms:
* πληρής (plērēs, `{{G4137}}`): This adjective also means "full" or "complete," but it often carries a more neutral or even positive connotation, such as being "full of grace and truth" ([[John 1:14]]). While both describe a state of fullness, γέμω often emphasizes being *laden* or *burdened*, frequently with negative implications, whereas πληρής can denote a state of abundance or completion.
* πληρόω (plēróō, `{{G4130}}`): This verb means "to fill" or "to complete," focusing on the *action* of making full or bringing to completion. γέμω describes the *state* resulting from such an action.
* ἔμπλεως (empleōs, `{{G1705}}`): Also meaning "full," this adjective shares semantic overlap but is less frequent.
Concepts related to γέμω include: saturation, inundation, pervasive character, internal condition, hypocrisy, depravity, divine wrath, omniscience, and blasphemy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of γέμω (gemō, `{{G1073}}`) is profound, as it often reveals the true, unvarnished nature of persons, powers, or divine attributes.
* **Exposing Hypocrisy and Sin:** In the Gospels, Jesus’ use of γέμω to describe the Pharisees’ inner state ([[Matthew 23:27]], [[Luke 11:39]]) serves as a powerful indictment of religious hypocrisy. It highlights that outward piety is meaningless if the heart is "full" of corruption. This underscores the biblical emphasis on internal transformation over external conformity. Paul's use in [[Romans 1:29]] further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of human sinfulness, demonstrating humanity's desperate need for divine grace.
* **Divine Character and Judgment:** The description of the living creatures "full of eyes" ([[Revelation 4:6]], [[Revelation 4:8]]) communicates God's all-seeing nature and perfect knowledge, comforting to the righteous and terrifying to the wicked. Most significantly, the "bowls [[Revelation 15:7]] full of the wrath of God" convey the absolute and unmitigated nature of divine judgment. This fullness signifies that God's justice is complete, righteous, and will be poured out without reservation.
* **The Nature of Evil:** The depiction of the beast "full of names of blasphemy" ([[Revelation 17:3]]) and Babylon's cup "full of abominations" ([[Revelation 17:4]]) illustrates the utter depravity and inherent opposition to God that characterizes spiritual evil. This "fullness" signifies that their very essence is defined by rebellion and corruption, leaving no room for good.
Thus, γέμω often functions as a theological marker of completeness, whether it be the completeness of sin, the completeness of divine attributes, or the completeness of divine judgment.
### Summary
The Greek verb γέμω (gemō, `{{G1073}}`) signifies a state of being completely filled, laden, or saturated. Its usage in the New Testament is particularly potent, often revealing the pervasive internal character of individuals or entities. It is employed to expose the profound hypocrisy and inward corruption of those who outwardly appear righteous ([[Matthew 23:27]], [[Luke 11:39]]) and to underscore the comprehensive sinfulness of humanity ([[Romans 1:29]]). In the book of Revelation, γέμω describes the divine omniscience through the "eyes" of the living creatures ([[Revelation 4:6]], [[Revelation 4:8]]), but most notably, it portrays the unmixed and complete nature of God's wrath ([[Revelation 15:7]]) and the utter depravity of the forces of evil ([[Revelation 17:3]], [[Revelation 17:4]]). Therefore, γέμω serves as a powerful descriptor of a qualitative fullness, emphasizing the complete and defining presence of a particular characteristic, whether for good or, more often in its biblical usage, for ill.
TRV