Brief Overview of συμπληρόω (Strong’s G4845: sympleroo)

Strong’s G4845: A compound verb combining συν- (with), πληρόω (to fill), meaning “to fill completely, to fulfill entirely.” Used in both literal contexts (boat filling with water) and temporal contexts (time being fulfilled), emphasizing complete fulfillment or filling.

U- Unveiling the Word

συμπληρόω represents the concept of complete fulfillment or filling to capacity. As a compound word, it combines togetherness (συν-) with filling (πληρόω) to express thorough completion or fulfillment. In the New Testament, it appears in both physical contexts (a boat filling with water) and temporal contexts (the day of Pentecost being fulfilled), demonstrating the word’s versatility in expressing completeness. The early church understood this term as significant in describing both divine timing and the fullness of God’s work. Today, it reminds us that God’s purposes reach their complete fulfillment in His perfect timing.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συμπληρόω, sympleroo, /soom-play-ro-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: soom (unstressed) – PLAY (stressed) – ro – oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: συν-/συμ- (syn-/sym-) meaning “with, together”
• Root word: πληρόω (pleroo) meaning “to fill”
• From πλήρης (pleres) meaning “full”
• Verbal suffix: -όω (-oo) indicating making or causing

D – Defining Meanings

• To fill completely
• To fulfill entirely
• To come to completion

For compound words:
The prefix συν- indicates completeness
The root πληρόω contributes the concept of filling
Together they express thorough fulfillment

Translation Options:

1. To fill completely – Emphasizes totality in physical contexts
2. To fulfill entirely – Stresses completion in temporal contexts
3. To bring to completion – Captures both physical and temporal aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πληρόω (pleroo) /play-ro-oh/ – to fill – See G4137
• ἐκπληρόω (ekpleroo) /ek-play-ro-oh/ – to fulfill completely – See G1603
• ἀναπληρόω (anapleroo) /an-ap-lay-ro-oh/ – to fill up – See G378

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Passive
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Progressive (Imperfect)

Example English morphing:
Present: fill completely
Past: filled completely
Passive: being filled completely
Participle: filling completely

• Cross-references include the noun συμπλήρωσις (complete fulfillment) and πλήρωμα (fullness)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and temporal uses. Thayer’s highlights the completeness aspect. LSJ notes its use in various contexts of fulfillment. Vine’s connects it to divine timing. Strong’s emphasizes the thoroughness implied. Moulton and Milligan document its use in both physical and temporal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they [συμπληρόω] were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. Luke 8:23

Additional References:
Luke 9:51, Acts 2:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συμπληρόω beautifully captures the completeness of God’s work and timing. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus fulfills all things perfectly, whether in dramatic moments of need or in the fulfillment of divine purposes. This word reminds us that God brings all things to their proper completion in His perfect timing.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in both crisis situations (storm) and significant spiritual events (Pentecost).
2. It’s used to describe both sudden filling and gradual fulfillment of time.
3. Early church writers used this term to describe the complete fulfillment of prophecies in the Messiah.

Strong’s G4845: A compound verb combining συν- (with), πληρόω (to fill), meaning “to fill completely, to fulfill entirely.” Used in both literal contexts (boat filling with water) and temporal contexts (time being fulfilled), emphasizing complete fulfillment or filling.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fulfillment, completion, divine-timing, fullness, prophecy-fulfillment, pentecost, storms, completion, perfection, time, providence, divine-purpose​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​