### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ekplḗrōsis (`{{G1604}}`) is a Greek noun derived from the verb ekplēróō (`{{G1603}}`). The verb itself is a compound of ek (`{{G1537}}`), meaning "out of" or "from," and plēróō (`{{G4137}}`), meaning "to fill," "to make full," or "to complete." The prefix ek intensifies the action of the root verb, suggesting a thorough, exhaustive, or final completion.
Therefore, the core meaning of ekplḗrōsis is "completion" or "accomplishment." It signifies the bringing of something to its full measure, its intended end, or its final state. It implies a process that has been fully carried out, leaving nothing undone or unfinished. The nuance is not merely of an end point, but of a *full* and *proper* realization of a state or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ekplḗrōsis (`{{G1604}}`) appears only once in the New Testament:
* [[Acts 21:26]]: "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, signifying the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them."
In this passage, Paul is in Jerusalem, facing accusations that he teaches Jews to forsake the Law of Moses. To demonstrate his respect for Jewish customs and to quell these rumors, he participates in a Nazarite vow purification ritual with four other men. The phrase "the accomplishment of the days of purification" (τὴν ἐκπλήρωσιν τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ ἁγνισμοῦ) refers to the completion of the prescribed period of the Nazarite vow, as outlined in the Old Testament (cf. Numbers 6:13).
The use of ekplḗrōsis here highlights the meticulous and full execution of the ritual requirements. It signifies that the entire period of purification, with all its attendant disciplines and observances, had been brought to its proper conclusion, making the participants ready for the final sacrifices in the Temple. It underscores Paul's willingness to conform to Jewish practices for the sake of unity and to avoid unnecessary offense, demonstrating that his liberty in Christ did not equate to a disregard for all aspects of the Law.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **plēróō (`{{G4137}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to fill," "to fulfill," or "to complete." This is a highly significant word in the New Testament, frequently used to describe the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Christ (e.g., [[Matthew 1:22]]), the completion of a period of time (e.g., [[Mark 1:15]]), or the act of bringing something to its full measure or purpose. ekplḗrōsis shares this core concept of completion but with an intensified sense of thoroughness.
* **plērōma (`{{G4138}}`):** A noun meaning "fullness," "completion," or "that which fills." It can refer to the full measure of something (e.g., [[Romans 11:25]]), or the state of being filled (e.g., [[Ephesians 1:23]]).
* **teleō (`{{G5055}}`):** A verb meaning "to finish," "to complete," or "to bring to an end." While similar in meaning to plēróō and related to the concept of ekplḗrōsis, teleō often emphasizes the bringing of a process to its ultimate goal or perfect state (e.g., [[John 19:30]], "It is finished"). ekplḗrōsis specifically focuses on the *full and complete carrying out* of a task or period.
* **Nazarite Vow (Numbers 6):** The Old Testament background for the context in Acts 21:26. The Nazarite vow involved a period of separation and specific prohibitions, culminating in a ritual of purification and offerings. The "days of purification" had a definite beginning and end, and ekplḗrōsis denotes the successful and complete conclusion of this prescribed period.
### Theological Significance
Although ekplḗrōsis appears only once, its presence in the narrative of Acts is not without theological import.
1. **Emphasis on Fulfillment and Completion:** The word underscores a broader biblical theme: God is a God of fulfillment and completion. His promises are brought to pass, His prophecies are realized, and His redemptive plan is meticulously executed. While this specific word is used for a ritual, it reflects the divine characteristic of bringing all things to their intended ekplḗrōsis.
2. **Respect for Law and Custom (in context):** In Acts 21, Paul's participation in the Nazarite ritual, described as reaching its ekplḗrōsis, demonstrates that adherence to Jewish custom was not inherently antithetical to the Gospel. For Paul, a Jew, it was a legitimate act of piety and a strategic move to demonstrate his respect for the Law, showing that faith in Christ did not necessarily mean an abandonment of all aspects of his heritage. This highlights the early church's navigation of its Jewish roots and Gentile mission.
3. **Diligence in Spiritual Disciplines:** The "accomplishment" of the days of purification suggests the diligent and thorough completion of a spiritual commitment. For believers, this can serve as a reminder of the importance of seeing through commitments and disciplines to their proper end, whether in personal piety, service, or obedience to God's call. It speaks to the integrity of fully carrying out what is undertaken.
### Summary
ekplḗrōsis (`{{G1604}}`) is a Greek noun signifying "completion" or "accomplishment," emphasizing a thorough and exhaustive fulfillment. Derived from ekplēróō (`{{G1603}}`), it denotes the bringing of something to its full measure or intended end. Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Acts 21:26]], where it describes the "accomplishment of the days of purification" for Paul and others participating in a Nazarite vow. This usage underscores the meticulous and full execution of religious ritual. The word is closely related to plēróō (`{{G4137}}`) and plērōma (`{{G4138}}`), sharing the core concept of bringing to fullness. Theologically, ekplḗrōsis highlights the biblical theme of divine fulfillment and the importance of diligent completion in spiritual commitments, while also illustrating the early church's approach to Jewish customs.
TRV