from πλήρης and φορέω; to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e. completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish:--most surely believe, fully know (persuade), make full proof of.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πληροφορέω (G4135), transliterated as *plērophoréō*, is a compound word derived from πλήρης (G4134), meaning "full" or "complete," and φορέω (G5409), meaning "to carry" or "to bear." Literally, it means "to carry full" or "to bring to full measure."
From this core meaning, several significant semantic nuances emerge:
1. **To be fully convinced or completely assured:** This denotes a state of profound inner certainty, where all doubts have been removed, often due to compelling evidence or divine revelation. It implies a deep, settled conviction.
2. **To fully accomplish or bring to full completion:** This refers to the thorough and complete execution of a task, ministry, or event, leaving nothing undone or uncertain. It emphasizes the complete unfolding or realization of something.
3. **To make full proof of or to demonstrate fully:** This aspect highlights the presentation of something in such a way that its truth or reality is undeniably evident and attested.
The underlying idea across these senses is one of completeness, thoroughness, and certainty, whether in belief, action, or manifestation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Πληροφορέω appears in the New Testament in several key passages:
* **[[Luke 1:1]]**: "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us," (KJV, "most surely believed" from πεπληροφορημένων). The passive perfect participle here, πεπληροφορημένων, refers to events concerning Jesus Christ that "have been fully accomplished" or "fully attested" among believers. Luke emphasizes the historical reliability and certainty of the Gospel narrative, suggesting these are not mere rumors but well-established, complete facts.
* **[[Romans 4:21]]**: "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." Here, πληροφορηθεὶς describes Abraham's unwavering faith. Despite the natural impossibility of having a child in his old age, Abraham was "fully convinced" or "completely assured" that God was both willing and able to fulfill His promise. This highlights the robust and unshakeable nature of Abraham's faith.
* **[[Romans 15:13]]**: "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." While some manuscripts read πληρωθῆναι (to be filled), others have πεπληροφορημένους (to be fully assured). If the latter is original, it would imply a prayer for believers to be "fully assured in hope," emphasizing a confident, certain hope that is not merely wishful thinking but grounded in the Holy Spirit's power.
* **[[Colossians 4:12]]**: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." The phrase "perfect and complete" (KJV) translates τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι. Here, πεπληροφορημένοι means "fully assured" or "fully convinced" concerning "all the will of God." Epaphras prays for the Colossians to have deep, settled understanding and conviction regarding God's will, leading to spiritual maturity and steadfastness.
* **[[2 Timothy 4:5]]**: "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." Paul exhorts Timothy with the imperative πληροφόρησον, meaning "make full proof of your ministry" or "fully accomplish your ministry." This command urges Timothy to carry out his calling with utmost diligence, thoroughness, and effectiveness, ensuring that his service is complete and leaves nothing undone or to doubt.
### Related Words & Concepts
Πληροφορέω is intimately connected with a cluster of words and concepts that revolve around fullness, certainty, and completion:
* `{{G4134}}` (πλήρης): "full," "complete," the root of the verb, emphasizing the state of being filled or complete.
* `{{G4137}}` (πληρόω): "to fill," "to fulfill," "to complete." While similar, πληροφορέω often carries a stronger nuance of "full assurance" or "full demonstration," beyond mere completion.
* `{{G3982}}` (πείθω): "to persuade," "to convince." Πληροφορέω signifies a deeper, more profound level of persuasion or conviction, often implying an internal certainty that is unshakeable.
* `{{G951}}` (βεβαιόω): "to confirm," "to establish," "to make firm." This word shares the sense of making something certain, which aligns with the "fully assure" aspect of πληροφορέω.
* `{{G4138}}` (πλήρωμα): "fullness," "completion," often used in a theological sense of the fullness of time or the fullness of Christ.
* Concepts such as faith, assurance, certainty, steadfastness, diligence, and divine accomplishment are all intertwined with the meaning of πληροφορέω.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πληροφορέω is profound, touching upon divine action, human faith, and ministerial responsibility:
1. **Divine Reliability and Accomplishment:** In contexts like [[Luke 1:1]], the term underscores that the events of salvation history are not mythical or uncertain, but "fully accomplished" and historically attested. God's redemptive plan is sure, complete, and reliable, providing a firm foundation for faith.
2. **The Nature of True Faith:** As seen in [[Romans 4:21]], πληροφορέω describes a faith that is not hesitant or wavering, but "fully persuaded" of God's promises and power. This deep conviction is essential for living a life pleasing to God and enduring through challenges. It speaks to a faith that has moved beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, experiential certainty.
3. **Assurance in God's Will and Hope:** The use in [[Colossians 4:12]] and potentially [[Romans 15:13]] highlights the importance of believers being "fully assured" in God's will and in their hope. This assurance is a mark of spiritual maturity and enables believers to stand firm and abound in joy and peace, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It counters doubt and spiritual instability.
4. **Diligence in Ministry:** The command to Timothy in [[2 Timothy 4:5]] to "make full proof of your ministry" underscores the call to complete and diligent service. Christian ministry is not to be done half-heartedly or incompletely, but with full commitment, ensuring its full impact and demonstration. This reflects faithfulness to one's divine calling.
In essence, πληροφορέω challenges believers to move beyond superficiality to a deep, unshakeable certainty in God's truth and to a complete, diligent engagement in His service.
### Summary
Πληροφορέω (G4135) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to carry out fully," "to be fully convinced," or "to make full proof of." Derived from "full" (`{{G4134}}`) and "to carry" (`{{G5409}}`), it conveys a sense of thoroughness, completeness, and undeniable certainty. Biblically, it describes the historical reliability of Gospel events as "fully accomplished" ([[Luke 1:1]]), Abraham's unshakeable faith as "fully persuaded" ([[Romans 4:21]]), and the call for believers to be "fully assured" in God's will and hope ([[Colossians 4:12]]; [[Romans 15:13]]). Furthermore, it exhorts ministers like Timothy to "make full proof of" their ministry, performing it with utmost diligence and completeness ([[2 Timothy 4:5]]). Theologically, πληροφορέω underscores the absolute certainty of God's redemptive work, the profound conviction required for genuine faith, and the call to a complete and diligent commitment in Christian life and service. It is a word that speaks against doubt and incomplete effort, urging a robust and assured engagement with divine truth.
TRV