Greek word · Strong's G4137

πληρόω

plēróō · verb · “to fill, fulfill”

In a sentence

Plēroō means to fill, fulfill, or complete. The Gospels use it constantly: prophecy is fulfilled, time is fulfilled, joy is filled full in Christ.

Plēroō means to fill something — a container, a span of time, a promise. Matthew uses it more than a dozen times to declare that what Jesus does fulfills what Scripture had foretold.

It also describes spiritual fullness: be “filled (plērousthe) with the Spirit,” a “joy that is full,” a peace that fills. In Jesus, God fills up what had been only outlined and answers what had only been waited for.

Strong's reference

Definition: to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.

KJV usage: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 5:17 “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.” Ephesians 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” John 15:11 “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.