ἐμπίπλημι

I fill up, satisfy

Definition

The verb ἐμπίπλημι means 'to fill up' or 'to satisfy,' often in the sense of providing complete fulfillment, especially of physical needs like hunger. In Luke 1:53, it describes God filling the hungry with good things, emphasizing divine provision. In Luke 6:25, it warns those who are 'filled' now, indicating a temporary, worldly satisfaction that contrasts with future spiritual lack. In John 6:12, after the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus instructs the disciples to gather the leftover fragments so nothing is wasted, showing a practical fulfillment of physical need. In Acts 14:17, it refers to God filling human hearts with food and gladness, highlighting His general provision in creation.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used five times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke-Acts (Luke 1:53; 6:25; Acts 14:17) and once each in John (6:12) and Romans (15:24). It consistently appears in contexts of physical satisfaction or provision, often with spiritual implications. In Luke, it contrasts divine fulfillment with human excess, while in Acts and John, it underscores God's or Jesus' care in meeting tangible needs. In Romans 15:24, Paul uses it metaphorically, hoping to be 'filled' or satisfied by the company of the Roman believers during his journey.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek prefix ἐν- (en-, meaning 'in') combined with πίμπλημι (pimplēmi, meaning 'to fill'), a verb meaning 'to fill up.' It shares a root with πληρόω (plēroō, G4137), which often carries a sense of fulfillment or completion, but ἐμπίπλημι tends to focus more on the act of filling something fully, especially in a physical or experiential sense.

Semantic Range

This word highlights themes of divine provision and satisfaction, contrasting God's eternal filling with temporary worldly fulfillment. In Luke 1:53, it underscores God's care for the lowly, while in Luke 6:25, it warns against misplaced trust in material abundance. Understanding ἐμπίπλημι enriches reading by revealing how biblical authors use physical satisfaction to point to deeper spiritual truths about reliance on God and the dangers of self-sufficiency.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, being 'filled' often symbolized prosperity and well-being, but it could also imply excess or gluttony. The New Testament usage reflects this dual understanding, where filling is a gift from God but can become a source of complacency if misdirected. Culturally, sharing food to the point of satisfaction was a sign of hospitality and blessing, as seen in Jesus' miracle in John 6:12.

πληρόω (plēroō, G4137) — emphasizes fulfillment or completion, often of prophecy or time; χορτάζω (chortazō, G5526) — specifically means to feed or satisfy with food, used for animals or people in contexts like the feeding miracles.

Word Details

Scripture References