προσαναπληρόω (prosanaplēroō)
prosanaplēroō
to supply
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosanaplēroō means to supply or fill up something that is lacking. It combines a prefix meaning "toward" with a root meaning "to fill," suggesting the act of adding what is necessary to complete a need. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both in the letters of Paul to the Corinthian church.
In these passages, it describes how financial contributions from believers meet the needs of others. For example, in 2 Corinthians 9:12, Paul explains that the service of giving not only meets the needs of God’s people but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 11:9, he notes that when he was with the believers in Corinth and lacked something, they supplied his need by sending help from Macedonia.
This word highlights a dynamic of generosity where one person’s shortage becomes another’s opportunity to provide. It is not just about giving, but about completing or fulfilling a specific lack through addition. The term emphasizes the tangible nature of Christian care, showing how practical support strengthens the bonds of faith and gratitude within the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes the act of supplying what is missing, filling a gap until something is complete. In the life of faith, it reminds us that generosity is not just about giving extra, but about meeting real needs so that no one in the community lacks what they require. When we give, we participate in a cycle where practical help leads to thanksgiving and strengthens our bonds with others.
The New Testament uses this term only twice, both in Paul’s letters to Corinth. It shows how financial support can meet physical shortages while also overflowing into spiritual gratitude. This perspective invites us to see our resources as tools for connection and care, rather than mere possessions to be kept safe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- completely filling up1×
- completely filled up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσανεπλήρωσαν1×
- προσαναπληροῦσα1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 9:12
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,
Paul uses this word to show that the service of giving not only meets physical needs but also produces thanksgiving to God.
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II Corinthians 11:9
When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.
The Macedonian brothers supplied Paul's specific need when he was in Corinth, demonstrating how external support can fill a temporary lack.