### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term plērophoría (`{{G4136}}`) is derived from the verb plērophoréō (`{{G4135}}`), which means "to carry fully," "to bring to full measure," or "to be fully persuaded/convinced." The root components are plēroō (`{{G4137}}`), signifying "to fill" or "to complete," and pherō (`{{G5342}}`), meaning "to bear" or "to carry." Therefore, plērophoría inherently conveys a state of being "fully carried" or "fully filled," culminating in a complete conviction or assurance.
At its core, plērophoría denotes "full assurance," "complete conviction," or "entire confidence." It describes a state where doubt is absent, and belief is absolute, having reached its full measure. It is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound, settled conviction that permeates one's being. The semantic range extends from a deep, internal certainty about spiritual truths to a robust confidence in one's hope or understanding. It implies a persuasion that has been thoroughly established, leaving no room for wavering or hesitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term plērophoría (`{{G4136}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning.
* **Colossians 2:2:** "that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself."
* Here, plērophoría is directly linked to "understanding" (συνέσεως - synesis `{{G4907}}`). It speaks of a deep, rich, and complete comprehension of the divine mystery, which is Christ. This is not superficial knowledge but an assured, settled understanding that leads to genuine spiritual wealth and unity in love. It emphasizes the intellectual and spiritual certainty in Christian doctrine.
* **1 Thessalonians 1:5:** "for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."
* In this context, plērophoría describes the manner in which the gospel was proclaimed and received. It signifies the "full conviction" or "absolute certainty" with which Paul and his companions preached, demonstrating that their message was not merely human rhetoric but was accompanied by divine power and the Holy Spirit. This conviction was evident in their lives and validated the truth of their message, leading to a profound impact on the Thessalonian believers. It highlights the experiential and demonstrative aspect of assurance.
* **Hebrews 6:11:** "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end."
* Here, plērophoría is connected to "hope" (ἐλπίδος - elpis `{{G1680}}`). It refers to a steadfast and unwavering confidence in the promises of God and the future inheritance. The author urges believers to maintain this "full assurance of hope" through diligent perseverance, ensuring that their expectation of future salvation remains strong and undiminished until the very end. This emphasizes the eschatological and enduring nature of assurance.
In each instance, plērophoría signifies a state of complete and unwavering certainty, whether concerning understanding, the gospel's power, or future hope.
### Related Words & Concepts
Plērophoría (`{{G4136}}`) is part of a semantic field related to conviction, faith, and certainty.
* **Plērophoréō (`{{G4135}}`):** The verbal form, meaning "to be fully convinced," "to be fully assured," or "to carry out fully." It describes the process or state of arriving at the full assurance. For example, in [[Romans 4:21]], Abraham was "fully assured" (πεπληροφορημένος) that God was able to do what He had promised.
* **Pistis (`{{G4102}}`):** "Faith" or "belief." Plērophoría can be seen as a mature, settled state of pistis, where faith has reached its full measure of conviction, free from doubt.
* **Peithō (`{{G3982}}`):** "To persuade," "to convince." The passive form, pepomai, means "to be persuaded" or "to be confident." Plērophoría represents the *result* of being fully persuaded.
* **Elpis (`{{G1680}}`):** "Hope." As seen in [[Hebrews 6:11]], plērophoría is the *full assurance* of this hope, indicating its solidity and certainty.
* **Gnosis (`{{G1108}}`) and Synesis (`{{G4907}}`):** "Knowledge" and "understanding." In [[Colossians 2:2]], plērophoría is linked to the "full assurance of understanding," implying a deep and settled knowledge of spiritual truths.
These terms collectively paint a picture of Christian experience characterized by a firm, unwavering grip on the realities of God's revelation and promises.
### Theological Significance
The concept of plērophoría (`{{G4136}}`) holds profound theological significance, touching upon epistemology, soteriology, and practical Christian living.
* **Epistemological Certainty:** Plērophoría underscores the possibility and necessity of a full and unwavering certainty in Christian truth. It challenges any notion that faith is merely a leap in the dark or a vague hope. Instead, it posits a divinely granted assurance, particularly in understanding the mystery of Christ ([[Colossians 2:2]]). This certainty is not based on human reasoning alone but is divinely attested and Spirit-empowered.
* **Assurance of Salvation:** While not explicitly used in the context of individual salvation *assurance* in its three occurrences, the underlying concept of "full assurance of hope" ([[Hebrews 6:11]]) strongly implies the believer's steadfast confidence in their ultimate salvation and inheritance. This assurance is a gift of God, fostered through diligence and perseverance, and rooted in the faithfulness of God's promises. It guards against despair and encourages steadfastness.
* **Power of the Gospel:** The "full conviction" with which the gospel was preached ([[1 Thessalonians 1:5]]) highlights the inherent power and divine authority of the message itself. It implies that the gospel is not presented as a mere proposition but as a truth accompanied by the Holy Spirit's power, which validates its authenticity and produces genuine transformation. This conviction in the messenger inspires conviction in the hearer.
* **Foundation for Christian Living:** A full assurance—whether of understanding, hope, or the gospel's power—provides a stable and robust foundation for Christian life. It enables believers to stand firm amidst trials, to live boldly for Christ, and to pursue spiritual growth with confidence, knowing that their faith is grounded in an unshakeable reality. It fosters spiritual maturity and resilience.
### Summary
Plērophoría (`{{G4136}}`) is a potent Greek term meaning "full assurance," "complete conviction," or "entire confidence." Derived from plērophoréō (`{{G4135}}`), it signifies a state of being fully persuaded, filled to completion with certainty, leaving no room for doubt. In the New Testament, it describes:
1. The "full assurance of understanding" concerning the mystery of Christ ([[Colossians 2:2]]), indicating a deep, settled comprehension of divine truth.
2. The "full conviction" with which the gospel was preached, accompanied by power and the Holy Spirit ([[1 Thessalonians 1:5]]), demonstrating its divine origin and efficacy.
3. The "full assurance of hope" that believers are to maintain diligently until the end ([[Hebrews 6:11]]), referring to an unwavering confidence in God's future promises.
Theologically, plērophoría underscores the possibility of genuine epistemological certainty in Christian faith, contributes to the assurance of salvation, highlights the inherent power and divine attestation of the gospel, and provides a stable foundation for a resilient and confident Christian life. It is not a fleeting emotion but a profound, Spirit-wrought conviction that anchors the believer in truth and hope.
TRV