πλήθω, πίμπλημι (plēthō, pimplēmi)
plēthō, pimplēmi
to fill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pimplēmi means to fill something completely, whether a physical container or an inner state. In the New Testament it appears in twenty-four verses, with a notable concentration in Luke and Acts. It describes concrete actions, such as filling nets with fish (Luke 5:7) or filling a vessel with vinegar (Matthew 27:48), but also extends to abstract experiences like being filled with fear or joy.
A key feature of this word is its use for the fulfillment of time. In Luke’s Gospel, it marks the completion of periods such as Elizabeth’s pregnancy (Luke 1:57) and the days of Zechariah’s service (Luke 1:23). This usage connects the physical act of filling with the theological idea of God’s promises reaching their intended end, showing how the word bridges everyday language and divine purpose.
The sources note that pimplēmi often serves as the active form for the intransitive plethō, supplying tense forms where the other verb does not. This grammatical relationship highlights its foundational role in expressing completeness. Translators typically render it as "filled" or "fulfilled," capturing both the tangible and spiritual dimensions of the term.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pimplēmi reminds us that God’s work is never half-finished. Whether it describes a net heavy with fish or a heart full of wonder, this verb points to completeness. In Luke’s Gospel, we see it used for the fulfillment of time—when Elizabeth’s pregnancy reached its intended end or when Jesus’ days of circumcision were completed. These moments show that God keeps His promises, bringing seasons to their proper close so that new life can begin.
We also see this word describing how people are filled with strong emotions, such as fear, jealousy, or amazement. Yet the most significant occurrences highlight a different kind of fullness: being filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts, believers are not just emotionally stirred but empowered to speak God’s word with boldness. This suggests that true fullness comes from God’s presence within us, guiding our actions and shaping our responses.
When you feel empty or uncertain, remember that God specializes in filling what is lacking. He fills the void of time with purpose and the emptiness of spirit with His own life. This promise invites you to rest in the assurance that your life is held together by a faithful Creator who brings every season to its intended good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were fulfilled4×
- were filled4×
- was filled3×
- they were filled3×
- having been filled2×
- you may be filled1×
- was fulfilled1×
- to fill1×
- they were filled with1×
- he will be filled1×
- having filled [it]1×
- filled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπλήσθησαν12×
- ἐπλήσθη5×
- πλησθεὶς2×
- ἔπλησαν1×
- πλήσας1×
- πλησθῆναι1×
- πλησθῇς1×
- πλησθήσεται1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:57
Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.
This verse uses the word to mark the completion of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, showing how God fulfills His timing for new life.
-
Acts 2:4
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.
Here the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that this fullness empowers them to speak in ways they could not before.
-
Luke 5:7
They beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. They came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.
The physical filling of the boats illustrates the abundance of God’s provision, so great that it nearly overwhelms human capacity.
-
Acts 4:31
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
After prayer, the believers are filled with the Spirit and speak boldly, linking spiritual fullness directly to courageous witness.
-
Luke 2:21
When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
The completion of eight days for circumcision shows how this word applies to religious obligations being fully satisfied according to the law.