a prolonged form of a primary (which appears only as an alternate in certain tenses and in the reduplicated form pimplemi); to "fill" (literally or figuratively (imbue, influence, supply)); specially, to fulfil (time):--accomplish, full (…come), furnish.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **plḗthō**, represented by `{{G4130}}`, is a versatile term defined as to **"fill"** or to **"fulfil (time)"**. It is a prolonged form of a primary verb and appears **27 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the literal act of filling a container to the figurative sense of being imbued with an emotion or a spiritual influence, and also to mark the completion of a period of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4130}}` is used in several key contexts. It most notably describes a divine empowerment, where individuals are **filled** with the Holy Ghost `{{G4151}}` to equip them for a specific purpose, such as speaking in other tongues [[Acts 2:4]] or speaking the word of God with boldness [[Acts 4:31]]. The word is also used to describe being overcome by intense emotions. These can be negative, such as when the high priest and Sadducees were **filled** with indignation `{{G2205}}` [[Acts 5:17]] or when the synagogue was **filled** with wrath `{{G2372}}` [[Luke 4:28]]. In other instances, it describes being **filled** with wonder `{{G2285}}` and amazement `{{G1611}}` [[Acts 3:10]]. Finally, it signifies completion, as when the days were **accomplished** for Jesus’s circumcision [[Luke 2:21]] or for Mary to be delivered [[Luke 2:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the context in which `{{G4130}}` is used:
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (spirit, Ghost): As the divine agent of filling, the Holy **Ghost** is central to the most significant uses of `{{G4130}}`. For example, the disciples were **filled** with the Holy **Ghost** `{{G4151}}` and began to speak with other tongues [[Acts 2:4]].
* `{{G2205}}` **zēlos** (indignation, envy): This term often describes the source of hostile emotion that fills individuals in opposition to God's work. The Jews were **filled** with **envy** `{{G2205}}` and began contradicting and blaspheming what Paul said [[Acts 13:45]].
* `{{G2372}}` **thymós** (wrath): This word denotes a passionate, intense anger. Those in the synagogue were **filled** with **wrath** `{{G2372}}` after hearing Jesus's words [[Luke 4:28]].
* `{{G5401}}` **phóbos** (fear): This term for **fear** or alarm is used to describe the awe-filled reaction to a miracle. After a great catch of fish, onlookers were **filled** with **fear** `{{G5401}}` and glorified God [[Luke 5:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4130}}` is demonstrated in its various applications:
* **Divine Empowerment:** Being **filled** with the Holy Ghost is consistently linked to supernatural equipping for ministry. This act empowers individuals for specific tasks such as prophesying [[Luke 1:67]], speaking God's word with boldness `{{G3954}}` [[Acts 4:31]], and receiving divine insight [[Acts 13:9]].
* **Human Reaction to the Divine:** The term captures the powerful and often polarizing effect of divine truth. People are **filled** with either wonder `{{G2285}}` and fear `{{G5401}}` ([[Acts 3:10]], [[Luke 5:26]]), or with negative reactions like wrath `{{G2372}}`, madness `{{G454}}`, and envy `{{G2205}}` when confronted with the works and words of Jesus and his followers ([[Luke 4:28]], [[Luke 6:11]], [[Acts 13:45]]).
* **Fulfillment of God's Timeline:** When used to mean **accomplished**, the word underscores the concept of divinely appointed timing. The births of both John the Baptist and Jesus occur after a period of time is **fulfilled** or **accomplished**, signifying that these critical salvation events happened according to God's predetermined plan ([[Luke 1:23]], [[Luke 1:57]], [[Luke 2:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4130}}` moves beyond its simple literal meaning to convey profound spiritual realities. It illustrates a state of being completely pervaded by a force, whether it is the divine power of the Holy Spirit equipping believers for service, a visceral human emotion in response to God's work, or the completion of an appointed time in God's redemptive history. The word powerfully captures moments of divine intervention, human reaction, and chronological fulfillment.
TRV