from ἀνά and πληρόω; to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience):--fill up, fulfill, occupy, supply.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἀναπληρόω (anaplēróō) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana), which can denote upward movement, repetition, or completion, and the verb πληρόω (plēroō), meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." The prefix ἀνά intensifies or qualifies the base meaning, suggesting a thorough completion, a filling up to a necessary standard, or a restoration to a prior state of fullness.
The core meaning is "to fill up completely" or "to make full again." From this, several extended senses emerge:
* **To complete or finish:** This can refer to bringing a task, a period of time, or a prophetic utterance to its conclusion.
* **To supply or provide:** To make up for a deficiency, to provide what is lacking, or to meet a need.
* **To occupy or fill a place:** To take up space or a position.
* **To fulfill (prophecy, law, or measure):** To bring to pass, to perfectly embody, or to reach a predetermined limit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀναπληρόω appears in various contexts within the New Testament, each illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **Fulfilling Prophecy:** In [[Matthew 13:14]], the word is used to describe the realization of Isaiah's prophecy concerning the spiritual blindness of the Jewish people: "And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which says: 'You will indeed hear but never understand...'" Here, ἀναπληρόω signifies the active completion or bringing to pass of a divine word.
* **Supplying a Deficiency or Need:**
* [[1 Corinthians 16:17]]: Paul commends Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, stating, "for they have supplied what was lacking on your part." This refers to their personal ministry and comfort, making up for the Corinthians' inability to be physically present with Paul.
* [[Philippians 2:30]]: Epaphroditus risked his life "to supply what was lacking in your service toward me." This highlights Epaphroditus's role as the Philippian church's representative, fulfilling their desire to minister to Paul in prison.
* **Fulfilling the Law of Christ:** [[Galatians 6:2]] exhorts believers: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Here, ἀναπληρόω denotes the complete and practical outworking of Christ's command to love, demonstrating that true obedience is found in selfless service to others.
* **Filling Up a Measure of Sin:** [[1 Thessalonians 2:16]] describes a grim reality concerning those who reject the gospel: "to fill up their sins always; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost." This usage implies reaching a full quota or limit of transgression, leading to inevitable divine judgment.
* **Participating in Christ's Sufferings:** One of the most profound and theologically rich uses is found in [[Colossians 1:24]]: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." This does not suggest any deficiency in Christ's atoning work on the cross, which is complete and perfect. Rather, it speaks to Paul's participation in the *pattern* of suffering that the Church, as Christ's Body, must endure in this present age as it carries out its mission. It signifies the ongoing experience of opposition, hardship, and persecution that accompanies the proclamation and embodiment of the gospel, thereby "completing" the full measure of what Christ's followers undergo in union with Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G4137}}` πληρόω (plēroō): The root verb, meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." ἀναπληρόω often carries a stronger sense of thoroughness, completion of something deficient, or a restoration to fullness.
* `{{G4138}}` πλήρωμα (plērōma): The noun form of πληρόω, meaning "fullness," "completion," or "that which fills." It denotes the state or result of being filled.
* `{{G379}}` ἀναπλήρωσις (anaplērōsis): The noun form of ἀναπληρόω, meaning "a filling up," "a supply," or "a completion." It appears in [[2 Corinthians 9:12]] in the context of supplying needs.
* **Concepts of Fulfillment and Completion:** ἀναπληρόω is intrinsically linked to the biblical themes of divine purpose, prophetic realization, and the comprehensive outworking of God's will. It highlights the idea of bringing something to its intended conclusion or full expression, whether by divine decree or human obedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of ἀναπληρόω are substantial:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Certainty:** The use of ἀναπληρόω in fulfilling prophecy ([[Matthew 13:14]]) underscores God's meticulous control over history. It affirms that His word is not idle but actively shapes events, bringing His predetermined plans to fruition.
2. **The Nature of Christian Obedience:** [[Galatians 6:2]] elevates acts of mutual burden-bearing to the status of "fulfilling the law of Christ." This signifies that Christian ethics are not merely about adherence to rules, but about a comprehensive, active embodiment of love, demonstrating the spirit and intent of Christ's new commandment.
3. **Solidarity in Suffering with Christ:** The profound statement in [[Colossians 1:24]] reveals a deep theological truth about the Church's union with Christ. While Christ's atoning suffering is uniquely complete, the Church, as His Body, participates in the ongoing suffering inherent in advancing the Kingdom of God in a fallen world. Paul's experience exemplifies the believer's call to share in the afflictions that accompany discipleship, thereby "completing" the measure of what the Body of Christ endures for the sake of the gospel.
4. **The Accumulation of Sin and Divine Justice:** [[1 Thessalonians 2:16]] presents a sobering truth: there is a point at which a people or individual "fills up" their measure of sin. This concept highlights God's patience but also His ultimate justice, indicating a cumulative effect of unrepentant rebellion that eventually brings judgment.
5. **Mutual Edification and Practical Love within the Church:** The use of ἀναπληρόω in [[1 Corinthians 16:17]] and [[Philippians 2:30]] emphasizes the essential communal aspect of Christian life. Believers are called to actively "supply" what is lacking for one another, whether through material aid, personal service, or spiritual encouragement. This mutual "filling up" strengthens the bonds within the body of Christ and demonstrates the practical outworking of love.
### Summary
ἀναπληρόω (anaplēróō) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to fill up completely," "to fulfill," or "to supply." Its usage in the New Testament ranges from the literal act of providing what is deficient to the profound theological concept of bringing something to its full completion or realization. It is employed to describe the fulfillment of prophecy ([[Matthew 13:14]]), the complete embodiment of a command or law ([[Galatians 6:2]]), the reaching of a full measure of sin ([[1 Thessalonians 2:16]]), and most notably, a believer's participation in the ongoing sufferings associated with the Body of Christ's mission ([[Colossians 1:24]]). This word consistently points to the idea of bringing something to its intended fullness or completion, whether through divine action, human obedience, or the progression of historical events. It underscores vital themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the interconnectedness of the Christian community in mutual service and shared experience.
TRV