from ἐν and the base of πλεῖστος;to fill in (up), i.e. (by implication) to satisfy (literally or figuratively):--fill.
Transliteration:empíplēmi
Pronunciation:em-play'-tho
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1705}}` (empíplēmi) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning "in" or "within," and the base of πλεῖστος (pleistos), which relates to πίμπλημι (pímplēmi), meaning "to fill." Thus, the core meaning of `{{G1705}}` is "to fill in" or "to fill up completely." Its semantic range extends from the literal act of filling something (e.g., with food) to the figurative sense of satisfying or satiating a need or desire. It conveys the idea of achieving a state of fullness, abundance, or complete provision, often implying a cessation of hunger or want.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not extensively used in the New Testament, the occurrences of `{{G1705}}` are significant and illustrative of its meaning:
* **[[Luke 1:53]]**: "He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty." Here, `{{G1705}}` depicts God's divine action in providing for the needy, literally "filling" them with sustenance and blessings, in stark contrast to the rich who are left unfulfilled. This highlights God's character as a gracious provider and a just judge who reverses human fortunes.
* **[[Luke 6:25]]**: "Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry." In this beatitude/woe statement, `{{G1705}}` refers to a state of present material or self-satisfaction. Jesus warns against complacency in earthly abundance, implying that such "fullness" is fleeting and will ultimately lead to a future state of spiritual or physical hunger and deprivation. The word here carries a sense of being satiated to the point of spiritual indifference.
* **[[John 6:12]]**: "When they were filled, He said to His disciples, 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.'" This verse describes the aftermath of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand. `{{G1705}}` is used literally to indicate that the crowd had eaten to their full satisfaction. It underscores the abundance of Christ's provision and the principle of careful stewardship even in the midst of superabundant blessing.
* **[[James 2:16]]**: "and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" Here, `{{G1705}}` is used in a hypothetical, almost ironic sense. It exposes the hypocrisy of offering empty words of comfort ("be warmed and filled") without providing the practical necessities for physical well-being. The "filling" spoken of is merely verbal, lacking any true, tangible provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1705}}` shares semantic territory with several other Greek words related to "filling" or "completing":
* `{{G4137}}` (pímplēmi): The base word from which `{{G1705}}` is derived. It is a more general term for "to fill," often used in the New Testament for filling with the Holy Spirit, awe, or negative emotions like rage.
* `{{G4130}}` (plēróō): This verb has a broader semantic range, meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." It is frequently used in the context of fulfilling prophecy, completing a period of time, or making something full in a comprehensive sense. While `{{G1705}}` focuses more on the satisfaction of a need, `{{G4130}}` emphasizes completion or bringing to full measure.
* `{{G2554}}` (korénnymi): This word means "to satiate," "to fill to the full," or even "to glut." It often carries a stronger connotation of being completely satisfied, sometimes to the point of excess or surfeit, similar to the "fullness" implied in [[Luke 6:25]].
Concepts related to `{{G1705}}` include divine provision, abundance, satisfaction, satiation, nourishment (both physical and spiritual), and the contrast between true and false fulfillment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1705}}` primarily revolves around the themes of divine provision, the nature of true satisfaction, and the ethical demands of faith.
1. **God as the Ultimate Provider**: In [[Luke 1:53]], `{{G1705}}` underscores God's active role in providing for the poor and humble, demonstrating His justice and compassion. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God as the one who sustains His creation and cares for the needy.
2. **Christ's Abundant Provision**: [[John 6:12]] highlights Jesus' divine power to provide supernaturally and abundantly, satisfying the physical hunger of a multitude. This miracle points to Christ as the "Bread of Life" who offers ultimate spiritual nourishment and satisfaction.
3. **The Danger of Earthly Satiation**: [[Luke 6:25]] serves as a stark warning against finding one's ultimate satisfaction in material wealth or worldly comfort. It challenges the assumption that earthly "fullness" equates to true well-being, suggesting that such a state can lead to spiritual emptiness and future judgment.
4. **The Call to Practical Love**: The usage in [[James 2:16]] is crucial for understanding the ethical implications of Christian faith. It critiques a superficial faith that offers empty words instead of tangible acts of charity. True "filling" involves practical, compassionate action, demonstrating that genuine faith is active and provides for the needs of others.
5. **Contrast Between Worldly and Divine Fulfillment**: `{{G1705}}` implicitly draws a distinction between the temporary, potentially deceptive "fullness" offered by the world and the lasting, true satisfaction that comes from God's provision and a life lived in accordance with His will.
### Summary
`{{G1705}}` (empíplēmi) signifies "to fill completely" or "to satisfy," encompassing both literal and figurative dimensions of satiation. Its New Testament occurrences illuminate profound theological truths: God's character as a compassionate and just provider who fills the hungry; Christ's miraculous power to provide abundantly; the spiritual danger of complacency in earthly "fullness"; and the imperative for believers to demonstrate genuine faith through practical acts of love, rather than offering empty words. The word thus encapsulates the biblical understanding of true satisfaction, which flows from divine grace and manifests in tangible care for others, contrasting sharply with superficial or worldly forms of contentment.
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