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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies, as it allows scholars and students alike to delve into the original meanings and contexts of Scripture. The Greek word ἐμπί(μ)πλημι (empí(m)plēmi) offers rich insights into the concept of fulfillment and satisfaction within the New Testament. This verb is significant not only for its literal sense but also for its metaphorical and spiritual connotations. It is particularly relevant in passages where completeness or fulfillment is emphasized, reflecting both physical and spiritual nourishment in ancient Greek culture and early Christian thought.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐμπί(μ)πλημι (empí(m)plēmi) [em-PEE(m)-pleh-mee]
- Etymology: The word is derived from the combination of the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and the verb πίπλημι (piplēmi), which means “to fill” or “to fulfill.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (second aorist active indicative).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To fill completely: This primary meaning is often used in a literal sense, referring to filling a vessel, a space, or even satisfying hunger.
- To fulfill or complete: Metaphorically, ἐμπί(μ)πλημι can indicate the fulfillment of a promise, prophecy, or a person’s spiritual needs.
Similar Words:
- πίμπλημι (piplēmi) [PEEP-leh-mee]: This verb means “to fill” and is closely related to ἐμπί(μ)πλημι, though without the prefix ἐν (en). It often refers to a more general sense of filling.
- πληρόω (plēroō) [pleh-ROH-oh]: Meaning “to fulfill” or “to complete,” this word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe the fulfillment of prophecies or laws. It differs from ἐμπί(μ)πλημι by emphasizing completion rather than mere filling.
- χορτάζω (chortazō) [khor-TAHD-zo]: This verb means “to satisfy” or “to feed,” particularly in the context of hunger. While it is similar to ἐμπί(μ)πλημι, it focuses more on the outcome of the filling rather than the act itself.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: The verb ἐμπί(μ)πλημι is a compound word, where the prefix ἐν (en) enhances the meaning of πίμπλημι (piplēmi), adding a sense of completeness or thoroughness to the action.
- Linguistic Features: The presence of the prefix ἐν (en) often intensifies the verb, suggesting not just filling, but filling to the brim or entirely satisfying a need or requirement. The second aorist active indicative form suggests an action that is complete or a state that has been fully realized.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG describes ἐμπί(μ)πλημι as a verb meaning “to fill” or “to satisfy.” It highlights the word’s use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as filling physical hunger or fulfilling a divine plan.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon elaborates on the usage of ἐμπί(μ)πλημι, noting that it often refers to complete satisfaction or fulfillment, particularly in spiritual or moral contexts within the New Testament.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary points out that ἐμπί(μ)πλημι is often used in connection with the fulfillment of promises or the satisfaction of divine requirements, underscoring its importance in understanding New Testament teachings.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader classical usage of ἐμπί(μ)πλημι, where it was commonly employed in Greek literature to describe filling or satisfying a physical need, such as hunger, but also extended to abstract concepts like fulfilling duties.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐμπί(μ)πλημι as “to fill” or “to satisfy fully,” emphasizing its role in contexts where complete fulfillment is implied, whether physically or spiritually.
Scripture References
- Luke 1:53 – “He has filled (ἐμπεπίμπληκεν) the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”
- Acts 14:17 – “Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying (ἐμπιπλῶν) your hearts with food and gladness.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “The gods filled (ἐμπίμπλημι) the chalices with nectar, granting satisfaction to the feast.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The soldiers were filled (ἐμπίμπλημι) with courage as they prepared for battle.” |
| Plato | Republic | “Justice, like a wellspring, fills (ἐμπίμπλημι) the soul, satisfying the thirst for truth.” |
Summary of ἐμπί(μ)πλημι (G1705: empí(m)plēmi)
The Greek verb ἐμπί(μ)πλημι (empí(m)plēmi) is rich in meaning, denoting not just the act of filling, but of thoroughly satisfying or completing a need. Its usage in the New Testament often carries both literal and metaphorical connotations, making it a significant term in understanding the concept of fulfillment in Scripture. Whether it’s filling physical hunger or fulfilling a divine promise, ἐμπί(μ)πλημι emphasizes completeness and total satisfaction. By exploring this word, we gain deeper insight into how the New Testament authors conveyed the fullness of God’s provision and the satisfaction found in spiritual fulfillment.
Did You Know?
The verb ἐμπί(μ)πλημι was commonly used in ancient Greek to describe not just filling, but filling to the point of overflowing or complete satisfaction. This concept is reflected in the New Testament’s use of the word to describe God’s provision, where the emphasis is on complete and total fulfillment, both physically and spiritually.
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