γέμω

I am full of

Definition

The verb γέμω (gemō) means 'to be full of,' 'to be filled with,' or 'to abound in.' It describes a state of being completely occupied or saturated by something, often with a strong visual or metaphorical connotation. In the Gospels, it is used to describe containers or objects being full, such as cups and dishes being full of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25) or tombs being full of dead men's bones (Matthew 23:27). In Revelation, it depicts visionary, symbolic fullness, such as the four living creatures being full of eyes (Revelation 4:6, 4:8) or golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8).

Biblical Usage

γέμω is used 11 times in the New Testament, primarily in two distinct contexts. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Luke), it is used in Jesus' critiques of the Pharisees, metaphorically describing their inner moral corruption as vessels full of greed or tombs full of death (Matthew 23:25, 27; Luke 11:39). In Revelation, it is used in apocalyptic visions to describe the supernatural attributes of heavenly beings or objects being full of symbolic elements like eyes, incense, or God's wrath (Revelation 4:6, 4:8, 5:8, 15:7). Its single use by Paul (Romans 3:14) quotes the Old Testament (Psalm 10:7) to describe mouths 'full of cursing and bitterness.'

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb γέμω, meaning 'to be full.' It is a primary verb with a root sense of abundance or saturation. Cognates in other Indo-European languages suggest an original meaning related to being laden or burdened. The word's meaning remained stable in Greek, consistently denoting a state of fullness.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays both human sin and divine revelation. In the Gospels, it exposes the hypocrisy of external religiosity masking internal corruption, a core theme in Jesus' teaching. In Revelation, it contributes to the rich symbolic language describing God's omniscience (being 'full of eyes'), the efficacy of saints' prayers (bowls 'full of incense'), and the certainty of divine judgment (bowls 'full of the wrath of God' in Revelation 15:7). Understanding γέμω enriches reading by highlighting the contrast between being filled with sin and being filled with the presence or attributes of God.

In the Greco-Roman world, the metaphor of a vessel being 'full' of a particular quality was a common literary device for describing character. Jesus' use of 'full of greed' for cups and dishes would resonate with an audience familiar with purity rituals and the importance of clean vessels. The image of a tomb 'full' of bones underscores the Jewish concern with ritual defilement from contact with the dead. The apocalyptic imagery in Revelation, like beings 'full of eyes,' draws on ancient Near Eastern and Hellenistic artistic traditions depicting supernatural beings as all-seeing.

πληρόω (plēroō, G4137) — emphasizes a process of filling or fulfilling, often of prophecy or a container; πίμπλημι (pimplēmi, G4130) — a more poetic synonym for filling, often used for being filled with an emotion or spirit; μεστός (mestos, G3324) — an adjective meaning 'full,' describing a state rather than the verb 'to be full.'

Word Details

Scripture References