Brief Overview of ἐκπληρόω (Strong’s G1603: ekplēróō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for delving deeper into the meanings and nuances of the New Testament text. The word we will explore today, ἐκπληρόω (ekplēróō), is significant for its role in conveying the completion or fulfillment of events, prophecies, and promises. This term not only adds depth to our interpretation of the New Testament but also connects us to the ancient Greek understanding of fulfillment, making it an essential word for both theological study and cultural understanding.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκπληρόω (ekplēróō) [ek-pleh-ro’-o]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek-, meaning “out” or “from”) and πληρόω (plēróō, meaning “to fill” or “to complete”).
• Part of Speech: Verb (Second Aorist Active Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To fulfill completely
• To accomplish, to bring something to completion
• To fill up or to make full

Similar Words: The Greek word πληρόω (plēróō) is closely related but differs in its usage. While πληρόω generally means “to fill” or “to fulfill,” ἐκπληρόω emphasizes the act of complete fulfillment or carrying something out to its final completion.

Further Insights:

• Verb Form: ἐκπληρόω is a compound verb, combining ἐκ (ek, “out of”) and πληρόω (plēróō, “to fill or complete”). This compound form intensifies the meaning, emphasizing not just the act of fulfilling but doing so thoroughly and completely.
• Morphology: Being a second aorist verb, ἐκπληρόω follows a specific conjugation pattern in its different tenses and forms.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: ἐκπληρόω is defined as “to accomplish fully, to fulfill completely.” The emphasis is on bringing something to its intended completion, often used in the context of fulfilling prophecies or divine purposes.
• Thayers: The lexicon describes ἐκπληρόω as “to fill up completely, to execute or complete fully,” especially in a manner that leaves nothing unfinished.
• Vines: In Vines’ Expository Dictionary, ἐκπληρόω is connected to the idea of fulfilling God’s will or purpose, where the prefix ἐκ- intensifies the fulfillment to an absolute state.
• LSJ: The term is associated with the act of completing something in classical literature, especially in contexts where an obligation or prophecy must be brought to fulfillment.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐκπληρόω simply as “to fulfill completely,” noting its usage in the New Testament in connection with the fulfillment of divine promises or prophecies.

Scripture References:

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• Luke 21:24 – “And they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (ἐκπληρόω).”
• Acts 13:33 – “This he has fulfilled (ἐκπληρόω) to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκπληρόω (G1603: ekplēróō)

ἐκπληρόω (ekplēróō) is a powerful Greek verb used to describe the act of complete and thorough fulfillment. Whether in the context of divine prophecy or human action, this word emphasizes the completion of a task or promise in its entirety. Its use in both the New Testament and classical literature underscores its significance in conveying total accomplishment, making it a key term in understanding scriptural and ancient Greek texts.

Did You Know?

The prefix ἐκ- in Greek often intensifies the meaning of verbs, adding a sense of thoroughness or completeness. In ἐκπληρόω, this prefix turns the simple act of fulfilling into one of complete and total fulfillment, leaving nothing unfinished.

This format adheres to the specified heading levels and ensures that the Greek word is correctly placed in relation to the English text in the scripture references.