μεστόω (mestoō)
mestoō
to fill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mestooō carries the straightforward meaning of filling something up. Derived from the adjective mestos, which means full, it describes the action of causing a container or space to be complete with its contents. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 2:13.
Its single occurrence provides a vivid snapshot of early Christian history. The text uses it to describe how the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This filling was so evident that onlookers mistakenly thought the believers were simply drunk with new wine. The word captures a state of being completely occupied, leaving no room for anything else.
Translators typically render this term as "filled" or "full." It emphasizes the result of the action rather than the process. The focus is on the capacity being reached and maintained. This usage highlights the tangible impact of divine presence on the individuals involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mestoō simply means to fill something until it is complete. In Acts 2:13, it describes the disciples being so full of the Holy Spirit that observers thought they were drunk on wine. This image shows a life completely occupied by God’s presence, leaving no room for anything else.
For your faith, this means you can experience a similar fullness. It is not about striving harder, but about allowing God to fill you. When you feel empty or overwhelmed, remember that His Spirit wants to occupy every part of your life, bringing peace and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- filled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεμεστωμένοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:13
Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.”
This verse uses the word to describe the disciples' visible state after receiving the Holy Spirit, causing onlookers to mistake their spiritual fervor for drunkenness.