γεμίζω

I fill, load

Definition

The verb γεμίζω means 'to fill' or 'to load,' describing the action of making something full. In a literal sense, it often refers to filling physical containers, such as filling waterpots with water (John 2:7) or gathering leftover food into baskets (John 6:13). It can also describe filling a space with people, as in compelling guests to come and fill a house (Luke 14:23). In a more figurative or intense sense, it is used for the filling of the heavenly censer with fire in Revelation 8:5 and the temple being filled with smoke from God's glory in Revelation 15:8.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used eight times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Revelation. In the Gospels, it typically describes ordinary, literal filling: the boat filling with water (Mark 4:37), a swineherd filling his belly with carob pods (Luke 15:16), or a sponge being filled with sour wine (Mark 15:36). In Revelation, its usage becomes symbolic and dramatic, depicting divine actions where objects are filled with fire or smoke as part of heavenly visions (Revelation 8:5, 15:8).

Etymology

The word γεμίζω (gemizō) is derived from the noun γέμω (gemō), which means 'to be full.' It is a causative verb, meaning it conveys the action of causing something to become full. It is related to other Greek words for fullness, such as πληρόω (plēroō, G4137), though γεμίζω often has a more concrete, physical sense of filling a container or space.

Semantic Range

While primarily a verb of physical action, γεμίζω gains theological significance in the book of Revelation. There, it transitions from describing mundane filling to portraying God's sovereign actions in judgment and glory. The filling of the censer with fire (Revelation 8:5) and the temple with smoke (Revelation 15:8) are potent images of divine presence, judgment, and the fulfillment of Old Testament patterns (cf. Isaiah 6:4). This shows how God fills the heavenly realm with manifestations of His power, moving the concept from simple physicality to profound theological symbolism.

In the ancient world, the act of 'filling' containers like waterpots (John 2:7) or baskets (John 6:13) was a common, daily task. The image of filling a house with guests (Luke 14:23) reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and banquet feasts. The use in Mark 4:37, where a boat is 'filling' with water, would have been a terrifying reality for fishermen familiar with the dangers of the Sea of Galilee. The action was understood concretely, which makes its symbolic use in Revelation all the more striking.

πληρόω (plēroō, G4137) — Often means to fulfill, complete, or fill to capacity, with a stronger sense of bringing to a destined fullness (e.g., fulfilling prophecy). πίμπλημι (pimplēmi, G4130) — Another common verb for 'to fill,' sometimes used interchangeably, but can imply a more intensive or emotional filling (e.g., being filled with wrath or the Holy Spirit).

Word Details

Scripture References