from σύν and πληρόω; to implenish completely, i.e. (of space) to swamp (a boat), or (of time) to accomplish (passive, be complete):--(fully) come, fill up.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συμπληρόω (symplēróō, `{{G4845}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`), meaning "with" or "together," and the verb πληρόω (plēróō, `{{G4137}}`), meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." The prefix σύν in this context serves to intensify the action of πληρόω, indicating a thorough, complete, or concurrent filling or completion.
Its semantic range encompasses two primary senses:
1. **Physical Implenishment/Filling:** To fill something completely, often to the point of being full or overflowing. This can imply being swamped or overwhelmed, as in a boat filling with water.
2. **Temporal Completion/Accomplishment:** To bring a period of time or a series of events to its full conclusion or appointed end. This denotes the precise and complete arrival of a predetermined moment or the culmination of a process. It signifies that a specific duration has been "fully come" or "accomplished."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word συμπληρόω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering rich contextual insight:
* **[[Luke 8:23]]**: "But as they sailed, He fell asleep; and a whirlwind came down on the lake, and they were *filling with water* and were in peril." Here, συμπληρόω is used in its physical sense, describing the boat becoming completely filled with water, leading to a perilous situation for those aboard. The passive voice emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the water's ingress, highlighting the disciples' dire predicament before Jesus calms the storm. This usage underscores the idea of being filled to capacity, even to the point of being swamped.
* **[[Luke 9:51]]**: "Now it came to pass, when the days were *being fulfilled* for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." In this pivotal verse, συμπληρόω shifts to its temporal meaning. It refers to the divinely appointed period of Jesus' earthly ministry drawing to its complete and predetermined end, culminating in His ascension. This is not merely a passage of time, but the precise and full accomplishment of a specific, sacred duration. It marks a decisive turning point in God's redemptive plan, signifying the commencement of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem and the cross.
* **[[Acts 2:1]]**: "When the Day of Pentecost *had fully come*, they were all with one accord in one place." This verse employs συμπληρόω to denote the complete arrival and fulfillment of the Day of Pentecost. It is not just that the day "came," but that it "fully came," indicating the precise culmination of a divinely ordained timeline. This moment was crucial for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, marking the inauguration of the Church and the fulfillment of prophecy. The use of συμπληρόω emphasizes the divine precision and the full readiness of the moment for God's grand act.
Across these occurrences, a common thread is the sense of complete arrival or saturation, whether of water or of time. The temporal uses in Luke and Acts are particularly significant, pointing to the sovereign orchestration of God's redemptive history.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πληρόω (plēróō, `{{G4137}}`):** The base word, meaning "to fill," "to complete," or "to fulfill." συμπληρόω is an intensified form, emphasizing a thorough or collective completion. While πληρόω can denote general fulfillment (e.g., of prophecy, [[Matthew 1:22]]), συμπληρόω often points to the *full* or *complete* arrival of a specific time.
* **σύν (syn, `{{G4862}}`):** The prefix, meaning "with" or "together." It contributes to the sense of completeness or concurrence inherent in συμπληρόω.
* **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`):** Referring to an appointed or opportune time, a "fixed or definite time." The "days being fulfilled" in [[Luke 9:51]] and the "Day of Pentecost fully come" in [[Acts 2:1]] speak to the fulfillment of such *kairoi* in God's divine timetable.
* **χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`):** Referring to chronological time, a duration. συμπληρόω describes the completion of such a duration.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** While πληρόω is more commonly used for the direct fulfillment of prophetic words, συμπληρόω highlights the full and precise arrival of the *time* for such fulfillments to occur.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of συμπληρόω lies predominantly in its temporal usage, which underscores the sovereignty and precision of God's redemptive plan.
1. **Divine Timing:** The "days being fulfilled" for Jesus' ascension ([[Luke 9:51]]) and the "Day of Pentecost fully come" ([[Acts 2:1]]) are not random occurrences but divinely appointed and meticulously timed events. They signify that God's plan unfolds according to a perfect schedule, where every moment is purposeful and precisely orchestrated. This instills confidence in God's control over history and salvation.
2. **Culmination of Redemptive History:** These uses of συμπληρόω mark critical junctures in salvation history. Jesus' steadfast journey to Jerusalem signals the culmination of His earthly ministry and the approaching climax of His atoning work. The full arrival of Pentecost signifies the inauguration of the Church Age, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the empowerment of believers for witness. These are moments of divine accomplishment, bringing to fruition long-awaited promises.
3. **God's Faithfulness:** The word implicitly speaks to God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to pass. Just as the boat was completely filled, so too are God's appointed times brought to their complete and unhindered fulfillment. There is no delay or deviation in God's ultimate purposes.
4. **Preparedness for Divine Action:** The "fullness" implied by συμπληρόω suggests a state of readiness or ripeness for God's activity. The time was "fully come" for the Spirit's outpouring, indicating that all necessary conditions were met for this monumental event.
### Summary
συμπληρόω (symplēróō, `{{G4845}}`) is a Greek verb signifying both a complete physical filling (to be swamped) and, more significantly in the New Testament, the full and precise completion or accomplishment of a period of time. Its use in [[Luke 9:51]] and [[Acts 2:1]] highlights the meticulous divine timing of pivotal events in salvation history, particularly the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry leading to His ascension and the full arrival of the Day of Pentecost for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This word underscores God's sovereign control, perfect timing, and unwavering faithfulness in bringing His redemptive plan to its full and glorious fruition, marking the precise moments when His purposes are completely brought to pass.
TRV