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.
Transliteration:plḗthō
Pronunciation:pleh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4130}}` (πλήθω, *plḗthō*) primarily conveys the sense of "to fill" or "to be filled." It is a prolonged form of a more basic root, which appears in various tenses and in the reduplicated form *pimplemi*. This prolongation often suggests a completed action or a state of being thoroughly permeated. Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical saturation to include figurative applications such as:
* **Imbuing:** To cause something to be deeply permeated with a quality or influence.
* **Influencing:** To affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
* **Supplying:** To provide what is needed to make something full or complete.
* **Fulfilling (time):** A specialized usage indicating the completion or arrival of a designated period.
Thus, `{{G4130}}` can describe both the act of filling and the resulting state of being full, encompassing both literal and metaphorical dimensions of completeness and saturation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G4130}}` appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts, revealing diverse applications:
* **Filling with the Holy Spirit:** This is perhaps the most significant and frequent usage. Individuals are described as being "filled" with the Holy Spirit, signifying a divine empowerment, an anointing for specific tasks, or a state of spiritual enablement. Examples include John the Baptist [[Luke 1:15]], Elizabeth [[Luke 1:41]], Zechariah [[Luke 1:67]], the disciples at Pentecost [[Acts 2:4]], Peter [[Acts 4:8]], the early church [[Acts 4:31]], Ananias with Paul [[Acts 9:17]], and Paul himself [[Acts 13:9]]. This "filling" is often associated with speaking God's word with boldness or prophetic utterance.
* **Filling with Emotions/States:** `{{G4130}}` is also used to describe being filled with various human emotions or conditions, both positive and negative.
* **Positive:** Being filled with wonder and amazement [[Luke 5:26]], [[Acts 3:10]]. Being filled with wisdom [[Luke 2:40]].
* **Negative:** Being filled with fury [[Luke 6:11]], [[Acts 19:29]]. Being filled with jealousy/envy [[Acts 5:17]], [[Acts 13:45]]. These instances highlight the pervasive nature of these emotions, taking complete hold of individuals or groups.
* **Fulfilling Time:** The word is used to denote the completion or arrival of a set period. For instance, the "times of the Gentiles" are said to be "fulfilled" [[Luke 21:24]], indicating a divinely appointed end to a specific era. Similarly, the time of Israel's sojourning in Egypt is described as "fulfilled" [[Acts 7:29]]. This usage underscores God's sovereign timing and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.
* **Other Contexts:** In [[Acts 19:29]], the city of Ephesus is described as being "filled with confusion," illustrating how a particular atmosphere or state can permeate a place.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G4130}}` shares a close semantic field with several other Greek terms, often with subtle distinctions:
* `{{G4134}}` (πληρόω, *plēróō*): While often translated similarly as "to fill" or "to fulfill," *plēróō* frequently carries the nuance of bringing something to completion, perfection, or making it full in the sense of lacking nothing. It often relates to the fulfillment of prophecy, law, or purpose. *Plḗthō* (G4130) can describe the *process* or *state* of being filled, while *plēróō* (G4134) often emphasizes the *completion* or *perfection* of that filling. However, in some contexts, their meanings overlap significantly, particularly when referring to the fulfillment of time.
* `{{G4137}}` (πλήρης, *plērēs*): An adjective meaning "full," "complete," or "abundant," often describing the state resulting from the action of `{{G4130}}` or `{{G4134}}`.
* `{{G4409}}` (πνεῦμα, *pneuma*): "Spirit," most notably the Holy Spirit. The frequent pairing of `{{G4130}}` with *pneuma* highlights the divine source of empowerment and spiritual indwelling.
* **Concepts:** The word `{{G4130}}` is intrinsically linked to concepts of divine empowerment, spiritual anointing, the sovereign timing of God, and the pervasive influence of both divine and human forces (e.g., emotions, wisdom, confusion).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4130}}` is profound, particularly in its association with the Holy Spirit. The repeated declaration that individuals were "filled with the Holy Spirit" is not merely a description of an emotional state but denotes a special enablement for divine service, witness, and wisdom. This filling is not necessarily a one-time event but can be a repeated experience, empowering believers for specific tasks or moments of testimony. It signifies God's active presence and working within His people, equipping them to fulfill His purposes.
Conversely, the use of `{{G4130}}` to describe being filled with negative emotions like fury, jealousy, or envy serves as a stark reminder of the human capacity for sin and the pervasive power of ungodly influences. This contrast underscores the spiritual battle and the different sources that can "fill" a human heart.
Furthermore, the concept of "fulfilling time" (e.g., [[Luke 21:24]]) speaks to God's meticulous sovereignty over history. It emphasizes that events unfold according to His predetermined plan, reaching their appointed climax or conclusion. This brings a sense of divine order and purpose to the unfolding of salvation history. In essence, `{{G4130}}` points to God's capacity to provide, to empower, and to bring His redemptive plan to its full and perfect realization.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G4130}}` (πλήθω, *plḗthō*) fundamentally means "to fill" or "to be filled," encompassing both literal and figurative saturation. Its usage in the New Testament is highly significant, particularly in describing individuals being "filled with the Holy Spirit," which denotes divine empowerment and enablement for ministry and witness. Beyond this, it describes being permeated by various emotions (both positive like wonder and negative like fury or jealousy) and the "fulfillment" or completion of specific periods of time, highlighting God's sovereign control over history. `{{G4130}}` underscores the pervasive influence of both divine and human forces and God's capacity to bring His purposes to completion, whether through spiritual endowment or the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
TRV