κορέννυμι
I fill, feed full
Definition
The verb κορέννυμι means to fill, satisfy, or satiate, often to the point of being full or having enough. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries the sense of satisfying a physical need, specifically hunger. In Acts 27:38, it describes the crew lightening the ship by throwing the wheat into the sea after they had 'eaten enough' or been satisfied. In 1 Corinthians 4:8, Paul uses it sarcastically, telling the Corinthians they have already become 'full' or satisfied in a spiritual sense, implying a self-satisfied complacency.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Acts 27:38, it is used literally in a narrative of a shipwreck, describing the physical satisfaction of hunger after a long fast. In 1 Corinthians 4:8, it is used figuratively and ironically within a rhetorical rebuke, where Paul chastises the Corinthian believers for acting as if they were already spiritually complete and satisfied without the apostles.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek root related to satiety or being full. It is connected to the noun κόρος (koros), meaning 'surfeit' or 'satiation.' The verb form implies the act of making someone or something full, often with food.
Semantic Range
While primarily a physical term, its ironic use in 1 Corinthians 4:8 gives it theological weight. Paul contrasts the Corinthians' perceived spiritual 'fullness' with the apostles' present hunger and suffering, highlighting the danger of spiritual pride and self-sufficiency. It serves as a warning against complacency in the Christian life, reminding believers that true satisfaction comes from God, not from a false sense of arrival.
In a culture where food security was not guaranteed, being 'filled' or 'satisfied' was a significant state of physical well-being. The concept carried strong positive connotations of provision and relief from want. Paul's ironic application subverts this positive cultural understanding to make a spiritual point.
χορτάζω (chortazō, G5526) — to feed or satisfy, often used for animals grazing or being filled with food; emphasizes the idea of being filled to satisfaction. πληρόω (plēroō, G4137) — to fill, fulfill, or complete; a broader term used for filling space, completing time, or fulfilling prophecy, not limited to satiating hunger.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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