The Greek word mestós, represented by G3324, means to be replete or full. Of uncertain derivation, this term appears 8 times across 8 unique verses. It is used to describe a state of being completely filled, whether with a physical substance or, more often, with an abstract quality or moral state.
In scripture, G3324 is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes a net full of great fishes John 21:11 and a vessel full of vinegar at the crucifixion John 19:29. Figuratively, it is a powerful descriptor of a person's inner condition. This can be positive, as when the brethren in Rome are described as "full of goodness" Romans 15:14 or when heavenly wisdom is described as "full of mercy and good fruits" James 3:17. Conversely, it often highlights a state of corruption, describing the tongue as "full of deadly poison" James 3:8, the unrighteous as "full of envy" Romans 1:29, false teachers as having "eyes full of adultery" 2 Peter 2:14, and hypocrites as being "full of hypocrisy and iniquity" Matthew 23:28.
Several related Greek words help clarify the concept of being full, whether with virtue or vice:
- G1656 éleos: This word for mercy, defined as "compassion (human or divine, especially active)," is what the wisdom from above is full of, demonstrating a key attribute of a divine nature James 3:17.
- G19 agathōsýnē: Meaning "goodness, i.e. virtue or beneficence," this is the quality that Paul was persuaded the Roman believers were full of Romans 15:14.
- G4137 plēróō: As the verb "to make replete" or "fulfil," this term is closely linked to mestós. In Romans 15:14, believers are described as being both "full" (mestós) of goodness and "filled" (plēróō) with knowledge.
- G5355 phthónos: Meaning "ill-will... jealousy (spite)," this term for envy is one of the negative qualities that the unrighteous are said to be full of Romans 1:29.
- G93 adikía: This word for unrighteousness or "wrongfulness" appears in the same list of vices as envy, establishing the moral state of those who are not filled with God's goodness Romans 1:29.
The theological weight of G3324 lies in its use as a moral and spiritual measure. It illustrates the principle that a person's being is invariably filled with something, revealing their core nature.
- The Contrast of Inner States: The word starkly contrasts a life filled with divine attributes against one filled with sin. One can be "full of goodness" Romans 15:14 or "full of envy" Romans 1:29, leaving no middle ground.
- Inward Reality vs. Outward Appearance: The term is used to unmask hypocrisy. In Matthew 23:28, those who appear righteous outwardly are exposed as being inwardly "full of hypocrisy and iniquity," emphasizing the biblical focus on the state of the heart over external performance.
- The Source of Words and Actions: What one is full of determines their output. The untamed tongue is "full of deadly poison" James 3:8, showing that corrupt speech flows from a corrupt inner state. Conversely, wisdom from above is "full of mercy" James 3:17, producing good fruits.
In summary, G3324 is a decisive term that moves beyond simple physical capacity to define a person's spiritual and moral character. Whether describing a vessel of vinegar, a net of fish, or a human heart, mestós signifies a state of being completely occupied. Its figurative use serves as a powerful reminder that a person is either filled with qualities like mercy and goodness that come from God, or with destructive vices like envy, hypocrisy, and unrighteousness.
TRV