The Greek word for “fill” is “plēroō,” which means to make full, to fill up, or to complete. In a biblical context, it often denotes the idea of fulfilling a prophecy or bringing to completion God’s purposes.
Scripture
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Meaning of “Fill” in Biblical Greek
The Greek word “plēroō” carries profound significance in the context of the New Testament, emphasizing the themes of fulfillment and completion as integral to God’s plan. This word is notably used in passages such as Matthew 5:17, where Jesus states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Here, “plēroō” indicates that Christ’s mission was to complete and bring to fruition the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, reinforcing the continuity between the two testaments and highlighting the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity. This act of fulfilling is not merely about completing a list of requirements; it reflects the deeper, redemptive purpose that God has for the world, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Moreover, “plēroō” also appears in the context of believers being filled with the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:4, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. This filling signifies the empowerment and completion of the believers, enabling them to carry out God’s mission on Earth. Ephesians 5:18 further emphasizes this notion by instructing Christians to be “filled with the Spirit,” which implies an ongoing process of receiving divine influence that completes their identity and purpose in Christ. Thus, “plēroō” embodies the broader biblical theme of completeness and fulfillment, not only in terms of prophecy but also in the life and empowerment of the Church, ultimately pointing to the fullness of the Kingdom of God.
The Greek term “plēroō,” which translates to “fill,” resonates with various facets of theological interpretation throughout the New Testament. In Colossians 1:19, it is said that “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” Here, “plēroō” underscores the fullness of divine presence residing in Christ, accentuating that Jesus embodies the complete revelation of God. This passage not only attests to the divine nature of Christ but also illustrates that through Him, believers are invited into a deeper relationship with God, experiencing a fullness of life that is spiritually significant. This understanding frames the believer’s relationship with Christ as one that is deeply interwoven with God’s comprehensive plan of redemption.
In the context of the Church, “plēroō” takes on additional meaning when reflecting upon the unity and completion that comes through Christ’s body. In Ephesians 4:13, the aim is described as achieving “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This indicates that the growth and maturity of believers are not just individual pursuits, but a communal journey towards the fullness that is found in Christ. The use of “plēroō” in this context emphasizes that as the Church grows together, it reflects the completeness of Christ more fully, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Thus, “plēroō” shapes our understanding of both personal and communal fulfillment in the Christian faith, serving as a reminder that true fullness stems from a life invested in communion with God and one another.
Theological Fulfillment
In biblical contexts, the Greek word for “fill” often signifies the completion or fulfillment of God’s promises and purposes. This concept emphasizes that God’s plans are not only initiated but also brought to fruition, reflecting His sovereignty and faithfulness. The act of filling can represent the realization of divine intentions, where God’s presence and power saturate a situation or a person, leading to a transformative experience.
Spiritual Abundance
Another broader meaning of “fill” relates to the idea of spiritual abundance and empowerment. In various passages, the term conveys the notion of being filled with the Holy Spirit or divine attributes, suggesting a state of overflowing grace, wisdom, or strength. This filling is not merely about quantity but also about the quality of life that believers experience when they are in communion with God, leading to a life that reflects His character and purpose.
Completion of Creation
The Greek word for “fill” also carries implications of completion within the context of creation. It can denote the act of bringing fullness to the created order, where all elements of creation are harmoniously integrated and functioning as intended. This idea underscores the biblical theme of God’s creative work, where filling is associated with the flourishing of life, order, and beauty in the world, reflecting the Creator’s design and intent.
How to Embrace Wholeness in Christ for Growth
Embracing wholeness in Christ is a transformative journey that invites us to recognize our identity as beloved children of God, and it begins with surrendering our fragmented selves to Him. As we delve into Scripture, we discover that wholeness is not merely the absence of brokenness but a profound connection with Christ, who restores and renews us. To grow in this wholeness, we must cultivate a daily practice of prayer and reflection, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate areas of our lives that need healing. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community of fellow believers can also provide encouragement and accountability, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. As we engage in acts of service and love, we reflect Christ’s heart to the world, further deepening our sense of purpose and belonging. Remember, growth in Christ is a lifelong journey, and every step taken in faith brings us closer to the fullness of life He promises.
Bible References to the Greek Word “Fill”:
Exodus 31:1-5: 1 The Lord said to Moses,
2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,”
3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship,
4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze,
5 to cut stones for setting, and to carve wood, to work in every craft.
Psalm 81:10-12: 10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
11 But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.
12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
Isaiah 6:1-4: 1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
Jeremiah 23:23-24: 23 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away?”
24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.
Ezekiel 10:1-4: 1 Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.
2 And he said to the man clothed in linen, “Go in among the whirling wheels underneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city.” And he went in before my eyes.
3 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the house, when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court.
4 And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord.
Matthew 5:6-8: 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Luke 1:41-45: 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,
42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
John 1:14-16: 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)
16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
Acts 2:1-4: 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Romans 15:13-14: 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
Ephesians 3:16-19: 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Philippians 1:9-11: 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Colossians 1:9-11: 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.