Brief Overview of πλήρης (Strong’s G4134: plērēs)

Strong’s G4134: An adjective meaning “full, complete, or filled.” From the root πλη- (plē-) meaning “to fill.” In ancient Greek culture, it described physical fullness and completeness. In New Testament usage, it often carries spiritual significance, describing fullness of the Spirit, grace, or other divine qualities.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλήρης represents complete fullness or abundance, both physically and spiritually. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from baskets full of bread fragments to individuals full of the Holy Spirit. Early church writers particularly emphasized its spiritual applications, seeing it as describing the complete indwelling of divine qualities. This term continues to speak powerfully about both God’s abundant provision and the fullness of spiritual life available in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλήρης, plērēs, /PLAY-race/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLAY-race (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πλη- (plē-) meaning “to fill”
• Suffix: -ρης (-rēs) adjectival ending
• Related to πίμπλημι (pimplēmi), “to fill”

D – Defining Meanings

• Full, filled
• Complete
• Abundant

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as root for many compounds

Translation Options:

• Full – Basic physical meaning
• Filled – Emphasizes completed state
• Complete – Captures qualitative aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεστός (mestos) /mes-TOS/ – full, particularly of contents
  See G3324
• γέμω (gemō) /GEM-oh/ – to be full, emphasizes overflowing
  See G1073

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples:
Masculine/Feminine: πλήρης, πλήρους, πλήρει, πλήρη
Neuter: πλῆρες, πλήρους, πλήρει, πλῆρες

• Cross-references to verb πληρόω and noun πλήρωμα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual applications. Thayer’s notes its range from material to spiritual fullness. LSJ documents extensive usage across contexts. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to completeness. LEH provides Septuagint usage patterns. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from everyday life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.” Matthew 14:20

Additional References:
Mark 4:28, Luke 4:1, John 1:14, Acts 6:3, Acts 6:5, Acts 6:8, Acts 7:55

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλήρης reveals God’s nature of abundance, from physical provision to spiritual fullness. Jesus comes “full of grace and truth,” offering complete spiritual life. This word encourages us that in Christ, we can experience true fullness of life, with both our physical and spiritual needs abundantly met.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term was used in ancient commercial documents for full payment.
2. Early Christian baptismal prayers often used this word.
3. It influenced theological vocabulary about spiritual completeness.

Strong’s G4134: An adjective denoting fullness or completeness, used both literally and metaphorically. In New Testament usage, particularly significant in describing both divine provision and spiritual qualities, emphasizing completeness and abundance in Christ.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: fullness, completion, Holy Spirit, grace, provision, abundance, divine qualities, spiritual life, biblical Greek, completeness, satisfaction, spiritual fullness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​