The Greek word gémō, represented by G1073, is a primary verb that means to swell out, or to be full. It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to describe a state of being completely filled, often illustrating a stark contrast between heavenly contents and moral corruption.
In the biblical narrative, G1073 is used in two primary contexts: the apocalyptic visions of Revelation and the moral rebukes in the Gospels. In Revelation, heavenly objects are described as being full, such as the golden vials full of odours, which represent the prayers of saints Revelation 5:8, and the vials full of the wrath of God Revelation 15:7. The four beasts before God's throne are also depicted as being full of eyes Revelation 4:6. In contrast, Jesus uses the term to condemn the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, stating that while their cups are clean on the outside, inwardly they are full of ravening and wickedness Luke 11:39 or full of extortion and excess Matthew 23:25.
Several related words help clarify the concept of "fullness" and the substances that fill a given space:
- G4134 plḗrēs (replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete:--full): This word is a close synonym. It is used to describe Jesus as full of the Holy Ghost Luke 4:1 and Tabitha as being full of good works Acts 9:36.
- G2372 thymós (passion (as if breathing hard):--fierceness, indignation, wrath): This is one of the divine contents described with gémō. The seven golden vials are full of the wrath of God before it is poured out Revelation 15:7.
- G724 harpagḗ (pillage (properly abstract):--extortion, ravening, spoiling): This word describes the moral corruption Jesus condemns. He states the Pharisees' inward part is full of ravening Luke 11:39 and their platter is full of extortion Matthew 23:25.
- G946 bdélygma (a detestation, i.e. (specially) idolatry:--abomination): This term is used to describe the contents of the corrupt woman's golden cup, which is full of abominations Revelation 17:4.
The theological weight of G1073 is significant, particularly in its use of contrast.
- Internal State vs. External Appearance: Jesus's use of the word emphasizes God's focus on the heart. The Pharisees appear clean, but are inwardly full of wickedness Luke 11:39 and like sepulchres full of uncleanness Matthew 23:27, highlighting the theme that true purity is internal.
- Vessels of Divine Purpose: In Revelation, objects being full signifies their readiness for a divine purpose. Vials are full of the prayers of the saints Revelation 5:8 or full of God's wrath Revelation 15:7, portraying them as instruments of divine interaction and judgment.
- The Fullness of Good and Evil: The word starkly contrasts what things are filled with. A mouth can be full of cursing and bitterness Romans 3:14, and a symbolic cup can be full of abominations Revelation 17:4. This stands against the heavenly visions where things are full of eyes, signifying divine awareness, or prayer, signifying holiness.
In summary, G1073 is a potent term that conveys a state of being completely filled to capacity. It is not a neutral descriptor; scripture uses it to draw a sharp line between the fullness of divine instruments in heaven and the fullness of moral and spiritual corruption on earth. From the inner life of a hypocrite to the instruments of God's final judgment, gémō illustrates that what fills a person or object defines its ultimate nature and purpose.
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