Brief Overview of πληρόω (Strong’s G4137: plēroō)

Strong’s G4137: A verb meaning “to fill, fulfill, or complete.” From πλήρης (full). In ancient Greek, it described physical filling and completion. In New Testament usage, it carries profound theological significance, particularly regarding the fulfillment of Scripture and God’s purposes in Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

πληρόω represents both literal filling and spiritual/prophetic fulfillment. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in contexts of prophecy fulfillment, particularly regarding Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament predictions. It also describes being filled with the Spirit and completing God’s purposes. Early church fathers emphasized this term when discussing both Christological fulfillment of Scripture and the Spirit’s work in believers. Today, it continues to express how Christ completes God’s promises and how believers can experience spiritual fullness.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πληρόω, plēroō, /play-RO-oh/
• Detailed pronunciation: play-RO-oh (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πληρ- (plēr-) meaning “full”
• Suffix: -όω (-oō) causative verb ending
• Derived from πλήρης (plērēs), “full”

D – Defining Meanings

• To fill completely
• To fulfill (prophecy)
• To complete, accomplish

For compound words: Not a compound word, but contains causative suffix -όω indicating “to make” or “cause to be”

Translation Options:

• To fulfill – Emphasizes prophetic completion
• To fill – Basic physical meaning
• To complete – General accomplishment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τελέω (teleō) /tel-EH-oh/ – to finish, complete
  See G5055
• γεμίζω (gemizō) /yem-ID-zo/ – to fill physically
  See G1072

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: πληρῶ (I fulfill)
Future: πληρώσω (I will fulfill)
Aorist: ἐπλήρωσα (I fulfilled)
Perfect: πεπλήρωκα (I have fulfilled)

• Cross-references to noun πλήρωμα and adjective πλήρης

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and theological uses. Thayer’s notes its importance in prophecy fulfillment. LSJ documents extensive secular usage. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to completion concepts. LEH provides rich Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite various practical applications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet” Matthew 1:22

Additional References:
Matthew 2:15, Matthew 2:17, Matthew 2:23, Luke 4:21, John 19:28, Acts 13:52, Ephesians 5:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πληρόω beautifully expresses how Jesus brings all God’s promises to completion. Every prophecy finds its “yes” in Him, and through Him, believers can experience the fullness of God’s Spirit and purposes. This word reminds us that God is faithfully working to complete His plans in Christ and in us.

D – Did You Know?

1. Matthew uses this term more than any other Gospel writer.
2. It appears in every major theological context in the New Testament.
3. Early Christian art often depicted Christ holding a scroll marked with this word.

Strong’s G4137: A verb expressing complete fulfillment or filling, particularly significant in describing Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy and God’s purposes. Also denotes the Spirit’s filling work in believers and the completion of divine promises.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fulfillment, completion, prophecy, Spirit filling, Christ, Matthew, promises, biblical Greek, accomplishment, divine purposes, spiritual fullness, Messianic prophecy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​