Brief Overview of πλησμονή (Strong’s G4140: plēsmonē)

Strong’s G4140: A noun meaning “satisfaction, fullness, or gratification,” particularly of physical desires. From πίμπλημι (to fill). In ancient Greek, it often carried negative connotations of excess. In New Testament usage, it appears in Paul’s critique of ascetic practices that fail to restrain fleshly indulgence.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλησμονή represents more than simple satisfaction—it often implies excessive indulgence or surfeit. In its sole New Testament appearance, Paul uses it to expose the futility of ascetic practices in controlling fleshly desires. Early church fathers frequently employed this term when discussing the relationship between physical discipline and spiritual growth. Today, it continues to illuminate discussions about true spiritual discipline versus external religiosity.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλησμονή, plēsmonē, /place-mo-NAY/
• Detailed pronunciation: place-mo-NAY (emphasis on last syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πλη- (plē-) meaning “to fill”
• Suffix: -σμονη (-smonē) indicating state or condition
• Related to πίμπλημι (pimplēmi), “to fill”

D – Defining Meanings

• Satisfaction to excess
• Gratification
• Indulgence

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains suffix indicating state

Translation Options:

• Indulgence – Emphasizes excess
• Gratification – Focuses on satisfaction
• Surfeit – Captures negative connotation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόρος (koros) /KOR-os/ – satiety, surfeit
  See G2880
• χορτασμός (chortasmos) /khor-tas-MOS/ – satisfying, filling
  See G5526

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:
Nominative: πλησμονή
Genitive: πλησμονῆς
Dative: πλησμονῇ
Accusative: πλησμονήν

• Cross-references to verb πίμπλημι and related terms

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its negative connotations. Thayer’s notes its connection to fleshly desires. LSJ documents extensive usage regarding excess. Vine’s highlights its role in Paul’s argument. Strong’s connects it to satisfaction concepts. LEH provides Septuagint usage examples. Moulton and Milligan cite medical papyri uses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Colossians 2:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλησμονή reveals the futility of mere external restrictions in controlling sinful desires. The gospel shows us that true transformation comes not through ascetic practices but through Christ’s life-giving Spirit. This word reminds us that legalism can’t curb fleshly indulgence—only grace can transform the heart.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient medical texts used this term for unhealthy excess of bodily humors.
2. Early Christian ascetics debated its implications for spiritual discipline.
3. The term influenced medieval discussions about fasting practices.

Strong’s G4140: A noun denoting satisfaction to the point of excess or indulgence, particularly of physical desires. In New Testament usage, it appears in Paul’s critique of ascetic practices that fail to address the real issue of fleshly desires.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: indulgence, satisfaction, asceticism, flesh, Colossians, Paul’s epistles, biblical Greek, desires, legalism, spiritual discipline, excess, self-denial​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​