from πρός and ἀναπληρόω; to fill up further, i.e. furnish fully:--supply.
Transliteration:prosanaplēróō
Pronunciation:pros-an-ap-lay-ro'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσαναπληρόω (prosanaplēróō), Strong's `{{G4322}}`, is a compound word formed from πρός (pros), meaning "to" or "in addition," and ἀναπληρόω (anaplēróō), `{{G378}}`, meaning "to fill up" or "to complete." The base verb ἀναπληρόω itself is a compound of ἀνά (ana), "up" or "again," and πληρόω (plēróō), `{{G4137}}`, "to fill" or "to fulfill."
Therefore, προσαναπληρόω carries the precise nuance of "to fill up further," "to complete in addition," or "to supply what is still lacking." It implies a supplementary action, providing what is needed to bring something to full measure or to alleviate a specific deficiency. It is not merely filling an empty space, but rather adding to an existing, yet incomplete, state or provision. The semantic range thus centers on the idea of complementary supply, addressing a deficit, or furnishing fully what is required.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προσαναπληρόω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, and in contexts related to material provision and Christian generosity.
1. **[[2 Corinthians 9:12]]**: "For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God."
In this passage, Paul is discussing the collection being gathered for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. The "administration of this service" (ἡ διακονία τῆς λειτουργίας ταύτης) refers to the act of giving. Paul states that this service "supplies the needs of the saints" (εἰς προσαναπλήρωσιν τῶν ὑστερημάτων τῶν ἁγίων). Here, ὑστερημάτων (hysterēmatōn) refers to "deficiencies" or "what is lacking." The act of giving is described as *filling up further* or *completing* these needs. It highlights that the financial aid is not merely a gesture but a substantive provision that directly addresses and completes the material deficiencies of the recipients. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes that this act of supplying has a dual benefit: meeting physical needs and, crucially, leading to abundant thanksgiving to God.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 11:9]]**: "and when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what was lacking."
Here, Paul is defending his apostolic integrity and his decision not to be a financial burden to the Corinthians while ministering among them. He states that when he "was in need" (ὑστερηθείς), the believers who came from Macedonia "supplied what was lacking" (τὸ ὑστεροῦν μοι προσαναπλήρωσαν). The phrase τὸ ὑστεροῦν μοι explicitly identifies the object of the supply as "that which was lacking to me." This refers to Paul's own material or financial needs during his time in Corinth. The Macedonian believers, through their generosity, provided the complementary support necessary to meet his deficiencies, thus enabling him to continue his ministry without imposing on the Corinthians.
In both instances, προσαναπληρόω is used in the context of meeting a specific, tangible *lack* or *deficiency* (ὑστέρημα or ὑστεροῦν). It underscores the idea of a timely and sufficient provision that completes what was otherwise incomplete or insufficient.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of προσαναπληρόω is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἀναπληρόω (`{{G378}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to fill up," "to complete," or "to fulfill." προσαναπληρόω adds the specific nuance of *additional* or *complementary* completion, emphasizing a supply that addresses a remaining need.
* **πληρόω (`{{G4137}}`)**: The more general verb "to fill," "to fulfill," or "to complete." προσαναπληρόω is a more specific action within the broader concept of "filling."
* **ὑστερέω (`{{G5302}}`)**: "To lack," "to be deficient," "to fall short." This verb, and its cognate noun ὑστέρημα, are directly linked to προσαναπληρόω. The act of "supplying further" (προσαναπληρόω) is precisely what remedies the state of "lacking" (ὑστερέω). This highlights the practical, need-based nature of the word's usage.
* **κοινωνία (`{{G2842}}`)**: "Fellowship," "sharing," "participation." The collection for the saints in Jerusalem, and the support for Paul, are expressions of κοινωνία, demonstrating the mutual sharing of resources within the Christian community. The act of προσαναπληρόω is a tangible manifestation of this fellowship.
* **διακονία (`{{G1248}}`)**: "Service," "ministry." In [[2 Corinthians 9:12]], the act of supplying is explicitly called a "service" or "ministry," underscoring that material provision is a spiritual act of service to God and His people.
* **Concepts**: Mutual aid, charitable giving, provision, meeting needs, acts of mercy, and interdependence within the body of Christ. These concepts are all deeply intertwined with the practical application of προσαναπληρόω.
### Theological Significance
The limited but significant occurrences of προσαναπληρόω offer several theological insights:
1. **God's Providence through Human Agency**: The word highlights the biblical truth that God often chooses to work through His people to meet the needs of others. The provision for the saints in Jerusalem and for Paul was not a miraculous, direct intervention from heaven, but a Spirit-prompted act of generosity from other believers. This underscores the importance of Christian stewardship and active participation in God's redemptive plan.
2. **The Practicality of Christian Love and Fellowship**: προσαναπληρόω grounds abstract theological concepts like love and fellowship in concrete actions. It demonstrates that genuine *agape* (love) is not merely an emotion but is expressed in tangible ways, such as providing for the material deficiencies of fellow believers. The early Church's commitment to sharing resources and supporting those in need is a powerful testament to the reality of the Body of Christ.
3. **Holistic Ministry**: Paul's use of the term shows that ministry is not solely spiritual but also encompasses the physical and material well-being of individuals. Meeting material needs (προσαναπληρόω τῶν ὑστερημάτων) is presented as an integral part of Christian service, leading to spiritual outcomes (thanksgiving to God). This emphasizes a holistic view of human need and divine provision.
4. **Generosity as an Act of Worship**: In [[2 Corinthians 9:12]], the act of supplying is shown to result in "many thanksgivings to God." This elevates Christian giving beyond mere philanthropy to an act of worship that brings glory to God. The provision meets physical needs, but its ultimate purpose is to elicit praise and gratitude towards the divine Provider.
5. **Humility and Interdependence in Ministry**: Paul's willingness to receive support from the Macedonians (προσαναπλήρωσαν τὸ ὑστεροῦν μοι) demonstrates his humility and the interdependence within the apostolic ministry. Even an apostle like Paul was dependent on the generosity of others, illustrating that no one, regardless of their spiritual stature, is entirely self-sufficient in the Kingdom of God.
### Summary
προσαναπληρόω (`{{G4322}}`) is a precise Greek verb signifying the act of "filling up further" or "supplying what is still lacking" to complete a deficiency. Its two occurrences in Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians illustrate its use in the context of material provision within the early Christian community. In [[2 Corinthians 9:12]], it describes the collection for the Jerusalem saints as supplying their needs, leading to thanksgiving to God. In [[2 Corinthians 11:9]], it refers to the Macedonian believers providing for Paul's personal needs. Theologically, this word highlights God's use of human agency in His providence, the practical outworking of Christian love and fellowship through mutual support, and the understanding that such acts of generosity are a form of worship that brings glory to God. It underscores the vital role of complementary provision in the life and ministry of the Church, addressing tangible needs to foster well-being and spiritual flourishing.
TRV