συμπληρόω (sumplēroō)
sumplēroō
to (ful)fill
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sumplēroō means to fill something up until it is completely full. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, often describing a state of completion or fulfillment. Its core sense involves reaching the intended limit or capacity, whether that refers to physical space or the passage of time.
A vivid example occurs in Luke 8:23, where a storm causes a boat to fill with water. Here, the word describes the hold being filled to its maximum capacity, leaving no room for more. This concrete image grounds the term’s meaning: it is not about partial progress but about reaching the full measure.
The sources also note its use in Luke 9:51 and Acts 2:1 regarding time. In these contexts, sumplēroō signifies that a period has reached its appointed end. The prefix syn- suggests a sense of togetherness or completeness, while plēroō means to fill. Together, they convey the idea of bringing something to its full intended state. Translators often render it as "fulfill" or "complete," capturing the notion that what was expected has now fully arrived.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumplēroō paints a picture of reaching full capacity. In Luke 8:23, it describes a boat filling with water until it can hold no more. This concrete image helps us understand that God’s work is not about partial progress but about reaching the intended limit. When we see this word in Scripture, it reminds us that God brings things to their complete and intended state.
It also appears in contexts of time, such as in Acts 2:1, where a specific period reaches its appointed end. This shows that God’s plans unfold with precision. What He begins, He completes. We can trust that the promises He has made are not left hanging but are brought to full realization.
This assurance offers comfort. Whether facing uncertainty or waiting for a promise, we can rest in the knowledge that God is faithful to fulfill what He has set out to do. His work is thorough and complete.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were being swamped1×
- completing1×
- arriving of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμπληροῦσθαι2×
- συνεπληροῦντο1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:23
But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water.
This verse uses the word to describe a physical limit, showing how a situation can reach its maximum capacity, which grounds the term's meaning in reality.
-
Acts 2:1
Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Here the word marks the precise moment a prophesied time has fully arrived, highlighting God's timing in fulfilling His plans.
-
Luke 9:51
It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem
This occurrence signals the completion of a specific phase in Jesus' ministry, indicating that the time for his journey to Jerusalem had reached its appointed end.