πληροφορέω (plērophoreō)
plērophoreō
to fulfill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb plērophoreō conveys the idea of carrying something to its full measure or completing it entirely. Derived from roots meaning "full" and "to bear," it suggests bringing a task, promise, or conviction to its intended conclusion. In Luke 1:1, for instance, the author uses it to describe how many have undertaken to compile an account, implying they sought to present a complete and thorough narrative rather than a partial sketch.
In other contexts, the word shifts from external actions to internal states, meaning to be fully convinced or assured. Paul employs this sense in Romans 4:21 when describing Abraham’s confidence that God was able to fulfill His promises, and again in Colossians 4:12 regarding Epaphras’s prayers for believers to stand firm and fully assured in God’s will. The term captures a certainty that leaves no room for doubt or incompleteness.
Translators often render this word as "fulfill," "accomplish," or "fully convinced," depending on whether the subject is an action or a mindset. Its consistent thread is wholeness: whether fulfilling a ministry (2 Timothy 4:5) or being persuaded by truth, the emphasis remains on reaching the end point without deficiency. This usage highlights a biblical ideal where commitment and understanding are never half-hearted but brought to their intended finish.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word plērophoreō carries a sense of wholeness, describing something carried to its full measure or completed without deficiency. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears in the opening verse where the author notes that many have undertaken to compile an account of events fulfilled among us. This sets a tone of thoroughness, suggesting that the narrative is not partial but complete. For readers, this implies that God’s work in history is reliable and fully realized.
Paul uses the term differently to describe internal conviction. In Romans 4:21, Abraham is described as being fully assured that God could perform what He promised. Here, the focus shifts from external events to the believer’s heart. It suggests a confidence that leaves no room for doubt. Similarly, in Colossians 4:12, Epaphras prays that believers may stand perfect and complete in all God’s will. This usage highlights a spiritual maturity where faith is not half-hearted but brought to its intended finish.
In 2 Timothy 4:5 and 17, Paul urges Timothy to fulfill his ministry and notes how the Lord strengthened him so the message might be fully proclaimed. These verses remind us that our calling involves both personal assurance and active participation in God’s work. Whether we are trusting in God’s promises or serving others, plērophoreō invites us into a life of completeness. It is an invitation to rest in the certainty that God finishes what He starts, and to join Him in bringing His purposes to their full expression.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- should be fully assured.1×
- may be fully accomplished,1×
- having been fully assured1×
- fully complete1×
- do fully carry out.1×
- accomplished1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πληροφόρησον.¶1×
- πληροφορηθῇ,1×
- πληροφορηθεὶς1×
- πληροφορείσθω.1×
- πεπληροφορημένων1×
- πεπληροφορημένοι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:1
Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
This verse establishes the historical reliability of the Gospel account by showing that the events were fully carried out as promised.
-
Romans 4:21
and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform.
Paul uses this term to describe Abraham’s deep confidence in God’s ability to fulfill His specific promises despite impossible circumstances.
-
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Epaphras prays for believers to stand complete in God’s will, linking the word to spiritual maturity and steadfastness.
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II Timothy 4:5
But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.
Paul commands Timothy to fulfill his ministry, showing that the term applies to completing the work of evangelism and service.