### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κορέννυμι (G2880), transliterated as *korénnymi*, is a primary verb carrying the core meaning of "to cram," "to glut," or "to sate." It denotes the act of filling completely, particularly in reference to food, leading to a state of being "full" or "having eaten enough." The semantic range encompasses not just the cessation of hunger but often implies a thorough repletion, a state of being fully satisfied to the point of abundance. While primarily literal in its application to physical nourishment, its usage in the New Testament demonstrates a significant metaphorical extension, particularly in the realm of spiritual condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κορέννυμι appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual nuances:
1. **[[Acts 27:38]]**: "And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea." Here, the usage is literal and descriptive. Following a prolonged period of fasting during a perilous sea voyage, Paul encourages the shipwrecked crew and passengers to eat. The phrase "eaten enough" (κορεννυσθέντες) signifies that they consumed food to the point of full physical satisfaction and repletion. This act of being fully fed precedes their practical efforts to lighten the ship, highlighting the immediate and necessary physical sustenance required for survival and continued labor.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 4:8]]**: "Now you are full, now you are rich, you have reigned without us; and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you." In this passage, Paul employs κορέννυμι metaphorically and with biting sarcasm. He uses the term "full" (κεκορεσμένοι) to describe the Corinthians' self-perception of spiritual satiety and abundance. They believed themselves to be spiritually mature, rich, and even reigning, in stark contrast to the apostles who were suffering and in want. This use of κορέννυμι here highlights a dangerous spiritual pride and self-sufficiency, where the Corinthians wrongly assumed they had attained spiritual perfection or "arrived" apart from the ongoing work of God and the suffering inherent in apostolic ministry.
3. **[[Philippians 4:12]]**: "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." Paul uses κορέννυμι (κορεσθῆναι) in conjunction with `{{G3983}}` (peinaō, "to be hungry") to articulate his profound contentment in all circumstances. "To be full" refers to having ample provisions and being physically satisfied, while "to be hungry" refers to lacking such provisions. This verse encapsulates Paul's spiritual discipline and reliance on Christ, demonstrating that his peace and joy were not contingent upon his external circumstances of abundance or scarcity. It speaks to a deep, Christ-centered sufficiency that transcends physical states of repletion or deprivation.
### Related Words & Concepts
κορέννυμι shares semantic space with several other Greek words related to fullness and satisfaction:
* **`{{G4137}}` (plēroō)**: "to fill," "to complete," "to fulfill." This verb has a broader range than κορέννυμι, encompassing not only physical filling but also the fulfillment of prophecy, time, or a spiritual state (e.g., "filled with the Spirit"). While both can denote fullness, κορέννυμι specifically emphasizes being sated, often with food, whereas plēroō can refer to filling a void or bringing something to completion.
* **`{{G4134}}` (plērēs)**: "full" (adjective). This adjective describes a state of being full, often in a general sense, such as a full boat or a full measure.
* **`{{G1705}}` (emptēthrō)**: "to be filled," "to be satisfied." This verb is also used for being filled, particularly with food, and is sometimes used interchangeably with κορέννυμι in some contexts, though κορέννυμι often carries the stronger nuance of being thoroughly sated or even glutted.
* **`{{G3983}}` (peinaō)**: "to hunger." This is the direct antonym of κορέννυμι in the context of physical needs, as seen in [[Philippians 4:12]].
The concept of "satisfaction" is central to κορέννυμι, whether physical or, ironically, spiritual. It touches upon themes of divine provision, human need, contentment, and the perils of spiritual presumption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κορέννυμι is multifaceted, touching upon divine providence, spiritual maturity, and the dangers of self-deception:
1. **Divine Provision and Care**: The literal usage in [[Acts 27:38]] underscores God's providential care for His people, even in dire circumstances. The ability to be "full" after a period of deprivation highlights God's faithfulness in providing for basic human needs. This aligns with broader biblical themes of God as the sustainer of life ([[Matthew 6:25-34]]).
2. **Warning Against Spiritual Pride**: The sarcastic use in [[1 Corinthians 4:8]] serves as a potent warning against spiritual arrogance and self-sufficiency. The Corinthians' belief that they were "full" and "rich" spiritually, without the suffering and humility that characterized the apostles' ministry, exposed a profound theological misunderstanding. True spiritual fullness and maturity are not self-generated but are gifts from God, often cultivated through humility, dependence, and even suffering, rather than a premature sense of arrival or superiority. This passage critiques a form of spiritual triumphalism that is disconnected from the reality of the cross and the ongoing need for grace.
3. **The Discipline of Contentment**: [[Philippians 4:12]] presents κορέννυμι as part of Paul's testimony to Christ-centered contentment. His ability to be "full" or "hungry" and remain steadfastly joyful points to a profound spiritual discipline. This contentment is not Stoic indifference but a dynamic reliance on Christ's strength ([[Philippians 4:13]]). It teaches that true satisfaction and sufficiency are found in one's relationship with God, not in the abundance or lack of material possessions. This challenges believers to seek their ultimate fulfillment in Christ alone, regardless of external circumstances.
### Summary
The Greek verb κορέννυμι (G2880) fundamentally means "to be full," "sated," or "completely satisfied," particularly concerning food. Its literal application, as seen in [[Acts 27:38]], demonstrates God's providential care in providing for physical needs. However, its most profound theological insights emerge from its metaphorical uses. In [[1 Corinthians 4:8]], Paul employs it with sharp irony to expose the spiritual pride and self-deception of believers who wrongly perceived themselves as fully mature and spiritually rich. Conversely, in [[Philippians 4:12]], κορέννυμι illustrates the apostle Paul's profound contentment in Christ, teaching that true satisfaction and sufficiency are found not in external circumstances of abundance or scarcity, but in a steadfast reliance on God's strength. Thus, κορέννυμι serves as a linguistic lens through which to understand divine provision, the dangers of spiritual presumption, and the transformative power of Christ-centered contentment.
TRV