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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek verbs such as μεστόω (mestóō) provides deeper insight into the nuances of New Testament texts. This verb, which appears first in Acts 2:13, is often translated as “to be filled” or “to fill up.” Its significance lies not only in its literal meaning but also in its metaphorical implications, often used to describe a state of being thoroughly permeated or saturated with a particular quality. In Acts 2:13, it is used to describe the mockers’ accusation that the disciples were “full” of new wine, thus highlighting its relevance in both positive and negative contexts. Understanding μεστόω enriches our comprehension of how fullness or completeness is portrayed in both the New Testament and broader Greek literature.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μεστόω (mestóō) [me-STO-oh].

Etymology: The word μεστόω derives from the root μεστός (mestós), meaning “full” or “filled.” It is related to the Proto-Indo-European root meh₁-, which conveys the idea of measuring or filling. This verb form emphasizes the action of causing something to be full or complete.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, μεστόω functions to express the action of filling or being filled. It is often used in contexts that describe either physical filling, such as a container being filled with a substance, or metaphorical filling, such as being filled with a spirit or an emotion.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Fill Completely: The primary meaning of μεστόω is “to fill completely.” This can refer to physical objects, like filling a cup with water, or to more abstract concepts, like filling a person with joy or fear.
2. To Saturate: It can also mean “to saturate” or “to cause to be full,” often implying that something is so filled that it cannot contain any more.
3. To Be Full of: In a passive sense, μεστόω can describe a state of being filled with a particular quality, such as being full of the Holy Spirit or full of anger.

Exploring Similar Words

1. πληρόω (plēroō) [plā-RO-oh]: This word also means “to fill” or “to fulfill” and is often used in the context of fulfilling prophecies or making something complete.
2. ἀναπληρόω (anaplēroō) [ah-nah-plā-RO-oh]: Meaning “to fill up” or “to fill up completely,” this word emphasizes the idea of filling something that is lacking.
3. συμπληρόω (sumplēroō) [soom-plā-RO-oh]: This word means “to fill together” or “to fill up fully,” often used in the context of fulfilling time or completing a process.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, μεστόω follows the regular conjugation patterns for verbs in Greek. Here is a basic conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form:

This table demonstrates how μεστόω changes form based on the subject’s person and number, allowing it to express various grammatical relationships.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicon entries often emphasize the versatility of μεστόω, noting its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. BDAG highlights its usage in Acts 2:13 to describe being “full of” new wine, while Thayer’s and LSJ discuss its applications in classical texts where it conveys a sense of thorough permeation or saturation. Vine’s dictionary points out its theological significance, particularly in relation to being filled with the Holy Spirit or divine attributes. LEH and Moulton and Milligan also note its appearance in the Septuagint, where it is used to describe the filling of spaces, objects, and even emotional states.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 2:13: “Others mocking said, ‘They are full [μεμεστωμένοι] of new wine.’” This verse uses the perfect participle form of μεστόω to describe the mockers’ interpretation of the disciples’ behavior.
2. Luke 1:53: “He has filled [μεστόω] the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.”
3. Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled [μεστόω] with the Spirit.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Μεστόω is a dynamic verb that conveys the idea of filling or being filled in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract qualities. Its use in the New Testament often highlights a state of being fully influenced or controlled by a particular substance or quality, such as wine or the Holy Spirit. Understanding this word’s nuances enhances our comprehension of biblical narratives and theological concepts.

Did You Know?

1. Μεστόω is related to μεστός, which means “full” or “complete,” and shares a similar usage pattern with other Greek words that describe states of fullness or saturation.
2. The word μεστόω is found more frequently in the Septuagint than in the New Testament, emphasizing its role in describing fullness in various contexts, including physical, emotional, and spiritual.
3. In classical literature, μεστόω was often used to describe scenes of abundance and excess, such as banquet halls filled with food and drink or landscapes overflowing with natural beauty.