γεμίζω (gemizō)
gemizō
to fill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb gemizō means to fill something completely until it is full. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, mostly in the Gospels and Revelation. It describes a physical filling, such as when Jesus calms the storm and the disciples’ boat is filled with water (Mark 4:37). It also appears in stories like the wedding at Cana, where the jars are filled with water (John 2:7), or when the temple is filled with God’s glory (Revelation 15:8).
This word emphasizes completeness. When a container is gemizō, there is no empty space left. It is not just partially filled; it is full to the brim. This idea of total filling helps show how God’s presence or provision can completely occupy a place or person.
Translators usually render gemizō as “fill” or “filled.” The word carries a sense of abundance and saturation. In Luke 15:16, the prodigal son wants to be filled with the pods the pigs ate, showing how deeply he desires satisfaction. The word reminds readers that God’s blessings are not partial but complete.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think about being filled, we often imagine a cup that is only half-full, waiting for more. The Greek word gemizō points to something different: a state of completeness where there is no empty space left. In Mark 4:37, the boat was so full of water from the storm that it seemed hopeless. Yet, this same word describes God’s abundant provision in John 6:13, where twelve baskets remained after everyone ate. It reminds us that God does not deal in leftovers or partial measures.
This concept of total filling offers comfort when life feels chaotic or scarce. Just as the jars at Cana were filled to the brim (John 2:7), God’s presence can saturate our circumstances completely. Revelation 15:8 shows the temple filled with God’s glory and power, leaving no room for anything else. We can trust that His blessings are not fleeting or insufficient but complete and satisfying.
May you find peace in knowing that God’s provision is never lacking. Whether you face a storm or a need, remember that He fills to the brim. Let this assurance bring stability to your heart today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- filled2×
- was filled1×
- they filled1×
- may be filled1×
- is being filled up1×
- having filled1×
- do fill1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐγέμισαν2×
- ἐγέμισεν1×
- ἐγεμίσθη1×
- γεμίσατε1×
- γεμίσας1×
- γεμίζεσθαι1×
- γεμισθῇ1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 4:37
A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
This verse uses gemizō to describe the boat being overwhelmed by water, highlighting the intensity of the storm before Jesus’ intervention.
-
John 2:7
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
Here the servants fill the jars 'up to the brim,' illustrating the word’s emphasis on complete saturation and abundance.
-
Revelation of John 15:8
The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
The temple being filled with smoke from God’s glory shows that His presence completely occupies the space, preventing entry until the plagues are finished.