The Greek word plēróō, represented by G4137, carries the essential meaning of making something replete or full. It appears 95 times in 90 unique verses. Its usage ranges from the literal, like cramming a net, to the figurative, signifying the completion of a task, the satisfaction of a need, or the verification of a prophecy.
Beyond the quantitative sense of making replete, G4137 often conveys the qualitative idea of bringing something to its proper measure, its intended purpose, or its destined state. This aspect moves beyond mere capacity and speaks to the nature or quality of what is being filled or completed. For instance, Jesus did not just add to the Law, but brought it to its full meaning and intent, demonstrating its ultimate purpose in His life and teachings. Similarly, a person filled with the Holy Spirit is not simply inundated, but brought to a state of spiritual effectiveness and conformity to God's will. This nuanced understanding emphasizes the teleological dimension of the word—the movement towards an end or goal.
In scripture, G4137 is used to convey several critical concepts. It is frequently used to declare the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as stated in Matthew: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil" Matthew 5:17. The term also describes God's provision for believers, such as supplying all their needs Philippians 4:19. Figuratively, it denotes being filled with spiritual qualities, such as the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18, joy John 15:11, or the fruits of righteousness Philippians 1:11.
The term G4137 also frequently marks the completion of a set period or the conclusion of a specific course of action. This is seen in references to time, such as when Moses reached "full forty years old" Acts 7:23 or when "many days were fulfilled" before the plot against Paul Acts 9:23. Similarly, it describes the successful conclusion of a divinely appointed task or human ministry, as when Barnabas and Saul "fulfilled their ministry" Acts 12:25 or John the Baptist "fulfilled his course" Acts 13:25. Paul himself speaks of his mission to "fulfil the word of God" Colossians 1:25 and to have "fully preached the gospel of Christ" Romans 15:19, indicating a thorough and complete execution of his apostolic charge.
G4137 is not exclusively used for positive or divine fillings. It can describe a negative or undesirable state of repletion, underscoring the pervasive influence of what one is filled with. Ananias's heart was "filled" by Satan to lie to the Holy Ghost Acts 5:3, and the opponents of the apostles "filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" Acts 5:28, implying an overspreading of their teachings. Sorrow can "fill" the heart John 16:6, and individuals can be "filled with all unrighteousness" Romans 1:29, demonstrating the capacity for G4137 to describe a complete saturation with evil or adverse conditions.
Several related words help to clarify the scope of being filled and completed:
- G4138 plḗrōma (fulness): This is the direct noun form, meaning repletion or completion. It is used to describe the state of being filled, as seen when it says in Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" Colossians 2:9.
- G5046 téleios (perfect): This word describes a state of completeness or maturity. It is used alongside G4137 to describe the desire for believers to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God Colossians 4:12.
- G4052 perisseúō (to superabound): This term conveys the idea of being filled to the point of excess or overflowing. It is linked to G4137 in the prayer that God would fill believers with joy so that they may abound in hope Romans 15:13.
- G4130 plḗthō (to fill, be full): This is a primary verb from which G4137 is derived, sharing the fundamental meaning of making full or becoming full. It often appears in contexts of being filled with the Holy Spirit or a strong emotion.
- G4134 plḗrēs (full): As the adjective form, this word describes the state of being full or complete, often used to characterize something or someone that is entirely filled, such as "full of grace and truth."
The theological weight of G4137 is significant, highlighting key doctrines of the Christian faith.
- Christ as Fulfillment: The repeated use of G4137 in reference to prophecy establishes Jesus as the culmination of God's promises throughout scripture. Events occurred "that the scripture might be fulfilled" John 19:36, confirming his identity and mission.
- The Sufficiency of Christ: Believers are described as being made complete in Christ Colossians 2:10. This points to the truth that spiritual wholeness and satisfaction are found not in personal effort but in union with Him.
- The Empowering of the Believer: The command to "be filled with the Spirit" Ephesians 5:18 uses G4137 to show that the Christian life is meant to be lived under the complete influence and power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in joy and righteousness.
- The Completion of God's Plan: The word is used to mark the conclusion of divine appointments, such as when the time was fulfilled for Jesus to begin his ministry Mark 1:15 or when the "times of the Gentiles" will be fulfilled Luke 21:24.
- Human Agency in Divine Purpose: While God is the ultimate agent of fulfillment, G4137 also highlights human responsibility in cooperating with or acting within God's plan. Jesus' statement that it "becometh us to fulfil all righteousness" Matthew 3:15 points to an active human role in aligning with divine standards. Believers are exhorted to "fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power" 2 Thessalonians 1:11 and to "fulfil" their ministry Colossians 4:17, underscoring that human obedience and action are integral to the completion of God's purposes in the world.
- The Fullness of Joy: A recurring theme where G4137 is used is the experience of complete or abounding joy. Jesus desired that His "joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" John 15:11, and promised that asking in His name would result in joy being "full" John 16:24. This concept extends to the apostles' ministry, where their joy was "full" in their relationship with believers 1 John 1:4, signifying a deep and complete satisfaction that is a hallmark of the Christian life.
The term G4137 (plēróō) is a multifaceted and robust theological concept that extends far beyond a simple definition of "to fill." At its core, it speaks to the act of bringing something to its absolute completion, its intended measure, or its ultimate purpose. This dynamic sense is most profoundly seen in the New Testament's declaration of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. His life, ministry, death, and resurrection are consistently presented as the divine "filling up" of what was foretold, thereby confirming His identity and mission.
Beyond prophecy, G4137 encompasses the comprehensive scope of God's activity in the world and in believers' lives. It describes the completion of divinely appointed times and seasons, marking the progress of God's sovereign agenda throughout history. For the believer, it signifies being made whole and complete in Christ, finding spiritual sufficiency not in human effort but in union with Him. Furthermore, the command to be "filled with the Spirit" articulates a life lived under the complete influence and power of God, leading to positive spiritual outcomes such as joy, righteousness, and knowledge of God's will.
However, the semantic range of G4137 also acknowledges the darker aspects of human experience, indicating that hearts can be "filled" with negative spiritual forces or unrighteousness. This highlights the pervasive nature of what one allows to influence or inhabit their inner being. Yet, even in this, the emphasis remains on a state of completeness—whether for good or ill—underscoring the transformative power of whatever "fills" a person or situation.
In sum, G4137 is a cornerstone word for understanding the thoroughness and totality of God's work in Christ, the empowering of His people, the progression of His historical plan, and the ultimate destiny to which all things are brought. It is a term that speaks to both divine initiative and human response, portraying a God who actively brings all things to their appointed and perfect end.
TRV