### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun plēsmonḗ (`{{G4140}}`) is derived from a presumed derivative of the verb πλήθω (plēthō, `{{G4137}}`), meaning "to fill" or "to be full." Consequently, plēsmonḗ fundamentally denotes "a filling up" or "fullness." In its figurative sense, as seen in its New Testament usage, it carries the meaning of "gratification," "satisfaction," or "satiation." This can imply an indulgence or a complete fulfilling of a desire, often with a negative connotation when applied to carnal or worldly appetites. It speaks to a state where a desire has been completely met, whether for good or ill.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term plēsmonḗ (`{{G4140}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Colossians 2:23]]. This singular occurrence is crucial for understanding its specific theological nuance. The verse reads: "These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh." (ESV) or "are of no value against the satisfaction of the flesh" (KJV).
In this context, Paul is critiquing the false teachings that had infiltrated the Colossian church, which promoted a form of asceticism, legalism, and human-made rules as a path to spiritual maturity or protection from evil. These practices, such as self-imposed worship, humility, and harsh treatment of the body, are presented as having an "appearance of wisdom." However, Paul decisively states that they are "of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh" (πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκὸς οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι). Here, plēsmonḗ refers to the "gratification" or "satisfaction" of the flesh (σάρξ, `{{G4561}}`).
The irony is profound: practices designed to *curb* or *deny* the flesh are declared by Paul to be utterly ineffective against its "satisfaction" or "indulgence." They do not truly address or overcome the carnal desires, but rather, in their superficiality, they fail to prevent the very thing they claim to subdue. This highlights the futility of human effort and external regulations in truly transforming the inner person or conquering sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πλήθω (plēthō, `{{G4137}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to fill," "to be full," or "to fulfill." This foundational meaning underscores the concept of completeness or satiation inherent in plēsmonḗ.
* **πληρόω (plēroō, `{{G4137}}`):** Another common verb meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." While related in meaning to fullness, plēroō often carries a sense of completion or bringing to fruition, whereas plēsmonḗ focuses on the state of being satiated.
* **κορέννυμι (korennymi, `{{G2880}}`):** To satisfy or surfeit, often used in the context of being filled with food.
* **χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5526}}`):** To feed, satisfy, or fill to repletion, particularly in relation to physical hunger.
* **σάρξ (sarx, `{{G4561}}`):** "Flesh," a crucial concept in [[Colossians 2:23]]. In Pauline theology, "flesh" often refers not merely to the physical body but to the fallen human nature, prone to sin and apart from God. The "satisfaction of the flesh" implies the gratification of these sinful inclinations.
* **Asceticism:** The practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Paul's use of plēsmonḗ critiques the *ineffectiveness* of humanly devised asceticism.
* **Legalism:** Adherence to a system of laws for salvation or spiritual growth, often neglecting the spirit of the law or the grace of God. The Colossian heresy was a form of legalism.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of plēsmonḗ in [[Colossians 2:23]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful indictment against humanly devised systems of spirituality that rely on external rules, self-denial, or ascetic practices to achieve holiness or overcome sin. Paul argues that such approaches, despite their outward appearance of wisdom or piety, are ultimately "of no value" in dealing with the "indulgence of the flesh."
This word underscores the futility of attempting to achieve true spiritual satisfaction or victory over sin through human effort rather than through the sufficiency of Christ. The "satisfaction of the flesh" is not truly curbed by these practices; indeed, they may even inadvertently foster a deceptive sense of spiritual accomplishment or self-righteousness, which is itself a form of carnal gratification.
The theological implication is clear: true spiritual liberation and genuine victory over the desires of the flesh do not come from human asceticism or adherence to man-made regulations. Instead, they flow from union with Christ—dying with Him to the elemental spirits of the world ([[Colossians 2:20]]) and being made complete in Him ([[Colossians 2:10]]). Christ provides the true "fullness" (πλήρωμα, plērōma, `{{G4138}}`) that satisfies the deepest human longings and enables a life lived in freedom from the dominion of the flesh. The "satisfaction" offered by human systems is a counterfeit that leaves the soul truly empty and still enslaved to its carnal inclinations.
### Summary
plēsmonḗ (`{{G4140}}`) signifies a "filling up" or "gratification," particularly in the sense of satisfying a desire. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Colossians 2:23]] is highly significant, where it refers to the "indulgence" or "satisfaction of the flesh." In this context, the Apostle Paul critiques humanly devised ascetic practices and legalistic rules, asserting that they are utterly ineffective in truly curbing or preventing the gratification of sinful human nature. This highlights the theological truth that genuine spiritual transformation and victory over the flesh are not achieved through external human efforts but are found only through the complete sufficiency and indwelling life of Christ, who alone provides true and lasting spiritual fulfillment.
TRV