from πλήθω; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete:--full.
Transliteration:plḗrēs
Pronunciation:play'-race
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective πλήρης (plḗrēs, `{{G4134}}`) derives from the verb πλήθω (plēthō, `{{G4130}}`), meaning "to fill" or "to be full." Its core meaning denotes a state of being "replete" or "covered over" to capacity. By analogy, it extends to signify "completeness" or "abundance." The semantic range of πλήρης thus encompasses:
1. **Physical Fullness:** Indicating something filled to its brim or capacity, such as a container or a net.
2. **Abundance/Sufficiency:** Describing a plentiful supply or an overflowing quantity, often beyond mere adequacy.
3. **Completeness/Perfection:** Implying that nothing is lacking; the state of being whole or entire.
4. **Figurative Fullness:** Used to describe a character trait, quality, or spiritual endowment that fully permeates an individual or situation, whether positive (e.g., full of grace) or negative (e.g., full of wrath). It indicates a thorough saturation or manifestation of a particular attribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πλήρης appears in various contexts within the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Fullness:** In the accounts of the miraculous feedings, πλήρης describes the baskets of leftover fragments, emphasizing God's abundant provision and the super-sufficiency of His power ([[Mark 8:19]], [[Matthew 14:20]], [[Matthew 15:37]]). Similarly, nets filled "to breaking" with fish highlight an overwhelming catch ([[Luke 5:7]]).
* **Figurative Fullness (Positive Attributes):**
* Most profoundly, the Gospel of John describes Jesus Christ as "full of grace and truth" ([[John 1:14]]). This is not merely a quantitative statement but an inherent qualitative description of His divine nature and the comprehensive revelation He embodies. His grace and truth are not partial but complete and overflowing.
* Stephen is described as a man "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" ([[Acts 6:5]]) and later "full of grace and power" ([[Acts 6:8]]). This indicates a divine anointing and empowerment for ministry, evidenced by his wisdom, miraculous deeds, and steadfastness in persecution.
* Barnabas is similarly characterized as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith" ([[Acts 11:24]]), underscoring his spiritual integrity and effectiveness in ministry, leading to many conversions.
* The wisdom from above, as described by James, is "full of mercy and good fruits" ([[James 3:17]]), signifying its compassionate, productive, and ethical nature, in contrast to earthly wisdom.
* **Figurative Fullness (Negative Attributes):**
* The term can also describe negative spiritual or moral states. The people in Nazareth were "full of wrath" when Jesus challenged their expectations ([[Luke 4:28]]).
* The Jews in Antioch Pisidia were "full of envy" when they saw the crowds responding to Paul's preaching ([[Acts 13:45]]).
* The Pharisees and scribes are depicted as cups and plates "full of greed and self-indulgence" ([[Matthew 23:25]]), highlighting their internal corruption despite outward piety.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding πλήρης is rich, drawing from its verbal root and related forms:
* **πλήθω (plēthō, `{{G4130}}`):** The verb "to fill," "to be full." This is the direct progenitor of πλήρης.
* **πληρόω (plēróō, `{{G4137}}`):** The verb "to fill," "to fulfill," "to complete." It often refers to the completion of prophecy, the filling up of a measure, or the bringing to completion of a task or purpose.
* **πλήρωμα (plērōma, `{{G4138}}`):** The noun "fullness," "that which fills," "completion." This term carries significant theological weight, particularly in Pauline theology, referring to the "fullness of Christ" or "fullness of time."
* **πλήθος (plēthos, `{{G4128}}`):** A noun meaning "a great number," "multitude," or "crowd," indicating a large measure or quantity.
Conceptually, πλήρης relates to themes of abundance, divine provision, spiritual endowment, completeness, and the manifestation of inherent qualities, whether virtuous or sinful. It stands in contrast to emptiness, deficiency, or partiality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πλήρης is profound, particularly in its application to divine attributes and spiritual realities:
* **Christological Revelation:** The declaration that Jesus is "full of grace and truth" ([[John 1:14]]) is a cornerstone of New Testament Christology. It asserts that in Christ, the very essence of God's benevolent favor and His ultimate reality are fully present and perfectly revealed. This is not a measured amount but an inherent, overflowing characteristic of the incarnate Son. He embodies the complete and unadulterated divine nature.
* **Holy Spirit Empowerment:** The description of individuals like Stephen and Barnabas as "full of the Holy Spirit and faith" ([[Acts 6:5]], [[Acts 11:24]]) highlights the transformative and empowering work of the Spirit. It signifies a state of being thoroughly permeated and directed by God's Spirit, enabling believers for effective ministry, wisdom, and miraculous deeds. This fullness is essential for living a life that honors God and bears spiritual fruit.
* **Ethical and Moral Manifestation:** The concept that divine wisdom is "full of mercy and good fruits" ([[James 3:17]]) demonstrates that true spiritual understanding is not merely intellectual but expresses itself in tangible, compassionate, and righteous living. Conversely, the description of individuals "full of wrath" or "envy" underscores the destructive power of sin when it fully saturates the human heart, leading to opposition against God and His people.
* **Divine Sufficiency:** The repeated motif of baskets "full" of fragments after the miraculous feedings ([[Mark 8:19]]) serves as a powerful testament to God's boundless provision. It illustrates that God's resources are not merely adequate but superabundant, always exceeding human need and expectation.
### Summary
The Greek word πλήρης (plḗrēs, `{{G4134}}`) signifies a state of being completely filled, replete, or abundant. While it can denote physical fullness, its most profound usage in the New Testament is metaphorical, describing the complete and overflowing presence of attributes or qualities. It is foundational to understanding the nature of Jesus Christ as "full of grace and truth," highlighting His perfect revelation of God. Furthermore, it describes the divine empowerment of believers who are "full of the Holy Spirit and faith," enabling them for service and righteous living. Conversely, it can also depict the pervasive nature of negative human characteristics like wrath and envy. In essence, πλήρης speaks to the comprehensive and overflowing nature of both divine attributes and human conditions, emphasizing a state of complete saturation, whether for good or ill.
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