Brief Overview of ἀναπληρόω (Strong’s G378:)

The Greek verb ἀναπληρόω (anaplēroō) means “to fill up” or “to complete.” It is derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana), meaning “up” or “again,” and the root πληρόω (plēroō), meaning “to fill.” The term generally refers to the act of making something full or completing a quantity or requirement. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as filling up a container or fulfilling a requirement or duty.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀναπληρόω (G378) is used in the New Testament to indicate the completion or filling up of something. For instance, in Philippians 2:30, the term is used to describe how Epaphroditus “filled up” what was lacking in the Philippians’ service, suggesting the act of completing or supplementing a deficiency.

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The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon elaborates on ἀναπληρόω by noting that it can also imply the idea of making something complete or fully meeting a requirement. BDAG highlights its use in various contexts, including the fulfillment of obligations or the completion of something that was previously lacking.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon further supports this understanding, describing ἀναπληρόω as referring to the act of filling up or completing something. The lexicon notes its application in both literal contexts (such as filling a container) and metaphorical contexts (such as fulfilling a role or obligation).

In summary, ἀναπληρόω primarily means to fill up or complete something, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. This interpretation is consistent across Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its usage in both biblical and classical Greek literature.