The Greek word ekplēróō, represented by G1603, means to accomplish entirely or fulfill. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the words ἐκ and πληρόω, it carries the sense of bringing a promise or prophecy to its complete and final conclusion.
The sole use of G1603 is found in Acts, where it describes the culmination of a divine promise. The text states that God G2316 has fulfilled G1603 his word to the children of the promise by raising up Jesus G2424 from the dead Acts 13:33. This fulfillment is directly linked to a prophecy written in the second psalm G5568: "Thou G4771 art G1488 my G3450 Son G5207, this day G4594 have I G1473 begotten G1080 thee G4571" Acts 13:33. The word underscores that the resurrection of Jesus is the definitive accomplishment of this scripture.
Several related words in the context of its use clarify the nature of this fulfillment:
- G450 anístēmi (to stand up... arise, lift up, raise up (again), rise (again), stand up(-right)): This verb is used to describe the action by which God fulfilled his promise—by having raised up G450 Jesus G2424 again Acts 13:33. It is also used in reference to Christ giving light to those who arise from the dead Ephesians 5:14.
- G1125 gráphō (to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe:--describe, write(-ing, -ten)): This points to the prophetic source being fulfilled. The fulfillment is of something that was written in the psalms G5568 Acts 13:33. The authority of scripture is often established with the phrase "It is written" Matthew 4:4.
- G1080 gennáō (to procreate... beget, be born...): This word is part of the prophecy itself, where God declares, "this day have I G1473 begotten G1080 thee G4571" Acts 13:33. The term is also used figuratively to describe being born of God 1 John 5:4.
The theological significance of G1603 is concentrated in its single, powerful application:
- Prophetic Accomplishment: The word confirms that the resurrection of Jesus was not a random event but the precise and entire accomplishment of what God had written G1125 in scripture Acts 13:33.
- Confirmation of Sonship: God's act to fulfill this promise validates the identity of Jesus as His Son G5207. The fulfillment is tied to the declaration, "Thou G4771 art G1488 my G3450 Son G5207" Acts 13:33.
- The Resurrection as Fulfillment: The use of G1603 establishes the resurrection of Jesus G2424 as the key event that brings God's promise to its ultimate realization for "us G2254 their G846 children G5043" Acts 13:33.
In summary, G1603 provides a definitive statement about God's faithfulness. Though used only once, ekplēróō encapsulates the core Christian belief that in the resurrection of Jesus, God has entirely accomplished what was prophesied. It connects the written promise in the psalms to the historical event of Jesus being raised up, thereby confirming his identity as God's Son.
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