Brief Overview of πληροφορέω (Strong’s G4135: plērophoreō)
Strong’s G4135: A compound verb meaning “to bring to full assurance” or “to fulfill completely.” From πλήρης (full) and φέρω (to bear/carry). In ancient Greek, it indicated complete accomplishment. In New Testament usage, it describes both full conviction in faith and complete fulfillment of ministry.
U- Unveiling the Word
πληροφορέω embodies the concept of bringing something to complete fullness or certainty. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of both intellectual conviction and practical fulfillment, particularly regarding faith and ministry. Luke uses it to describe the complete certainty of the gospel accounts, while Paul employs it for both full assurance of faith and complete execution of ministry duties. Early church fathers emphasized its importance in discussing both doctrinal certainty and faithful service. Today, it continues to speak to the relationship between conviction and action in Christian life.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πληροφορέω, plērophoreō, /play-ro-for-EH-oh/
- Detailed pronunciation: play-ro-for-EH-oh (emphasis on fourth syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
Etymology:
- First component: πληρο- (plēro-) meaning “full”
- Second component: -φορέω (-phoreō) meaning “to carry/bear”
- Combined meaning: “to bring to fullness/completion”
D – Defining Meanings
- To bring to full assurance
- To fulfill completely
- To convince fully
For compound words: Combines πλήρης (full) with φέρω (to bear), creating the concept of carrying something to completion
Translation Options:
- To fully convince – Emphasizes certainty aspect
- To fulfill completely – Focuses on accomplishment
- To bring to full assurance – Captures both aspects
E – Exploring Similar Words
- πληρόω (plēroō) /play-RO-oh/ – to fill, fulfill
See G4137 - βεβαιόω (bebaioō) /beb-ay-OH-oh/ – to confirm, establish
See G950
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb Features:
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
Examples:
Present: πληροφορέω (I bring to full assurance)
Future: πληροφορήσω (I will bring to full assurance)
Aorist: ἐπληροφόρησα (I brought to full assurance)
Perfect: πεπληροφόρηκα (I have brought to full assurance)
- Cross-references to noun πληροφορία and related compounds
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both conviction and fulfillment aspects. Thayer’s notes its development in Christian usage. LSJ documents limited classical usage. Vine’s highlights its importance in faith contexts. Strong’s connects it to complete accomplishment. LEH notes its rare Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from legal documents.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been fully accomplished among us” Luke 1:1
Additional References:
Romans 4:21, Romans 14:5, Colossians 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:17
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Polybius: Histories | “The general fully convinced his troops of victory” |
Diodorus: Library | “The evidence brought full assurance to the judges” |
Plutarch: Moralia | “Philosophy completely fulfills the soul’s desire for truth” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
πληροφορέω reminds us that Christian faith involves both complete conviction and faithful fulfillment. The gospel brings full assurance while calling us to complete service. This word beautifully connects belief and action, showing how genuine faith leads to faithful ministry.
D – Did You Know?
- Early Christian apologists often used this term when discussing certainty of faith.
- It appears in ancient legal documents regarding complete satisfaction of obligations.
- The word influenced theological vocabulary about assurance of salvation.
Strong’s G4135: A compound verb expressing both complete conviction and full accomplishment. In New Testament usage, it describes both the certainty of faith and the complete fulfillment of ministry, uniting belief and action.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: assurance, fulfillment, conviction, faith, ministry, certainty, Luke, Paul’s epistles, biblical Greek, completion, service, accomplishment
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.