Lexical Summary ekplérósis: Fulfillment, completion Original Word: ἐκπλήρωσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance accomplishment. From ekpleroo; completion -- accomplishment. see GREEK ekpleroo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ekpléroó Definition a completion, fulfillment NASB Translation completion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1604: ἐκπλήρωσιςἐκπλήρωσις, ἐκπληρωσεως, ἡ, a completing, fulfillment: τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ ἁγνισμοῦ, the time when the days of purification are to end, Acts 21:26. (Dionysius Halicarnassus, Strabo, Philo, others.) Topical Lexicon Summary of Biblical UsageStrong’s Greek 1604 occurs once in the New Testament, Acts 21:26, where it describes the completion of a set number of days connected with a purification rite in the Jerusalem temple. The noun conveys the idea of bringing a prescribed period or obligation to its full and rightful end—nothing lacking, nothing truncated. Narrative Setting in Acts 21 Paul, having arrived in Jerusalem, willingly participates in a temple ritual to demonstrate his respect for the Mosaic Law and to quell rumors that he teaches Jews to forsake their customs. Accompanied by four men under a vow, he “took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice of the completion of the days of purification” (Acts 21:26). The focus of the verse is a public declaration before God and witnesses that the period appointed by the Law had reached its ordained finish. Historical Backdrop 1. Temple Vows and Purification 2. Early Church Dynamics Theological Significance 1. Completion as Integrity Scripture consistently links fulfillment with covenant faithfulness. Whether finishing a vow, a season, or a prophecy, God’s people are exhorted to bring commitments to the point of ἐκπλήρωσις (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; Deuteronomy 23:21). 2. Foreshadowing the Greater Fulfillment in Christ 3. Witness Before Jew and Gentile Fulfilling the vow silenced critics and preserved the unity of the church. ἐκπλήρωσις therefore functions missiologically, displaying tangible obedience that clears the way for gospel proclamation (Acts 21:27-28 shows the result when misunderstandings still arose). Connections with Related Biblical Terms • πληρόω (to fill, fulfill): Used of prophetic completion (Matthew 1:22), moral obedience (Romans 13:8), and eschatological consummation (Revelation 15:1). Together these words frame a biblical theology of fulfillment—from ceremonial law to personal sanctification to cosmic restoration. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Faithful Stewardship of Commitments Believers are encouraged to finish what they begin, whether in vows, projects, or ministries (2 Corinthians 8:11). 2. Cultural Sensitivity Without Compromise Adapting to local customs, as Paul did, can remove needless offense and advance the gospel (Galatians 5:6). 3. Corporate Accountability The temple setting reminds modern congregations that completion often requires community support and public testimony (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Hope of Ultimate Completion The momentary ἐκπλήρωσις in Acts 21 anticipates the day when “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6), strengthening perseverance. Conclusion Strong’s 1604 encapsulates the biblical call to bring every God-given task, season, and promise to its appointed end. In Acts 21 it reveals Paul’s integrity, protects church unity, and foreshadows the total fulfillment accomplished in Christ and awaited in His return. Forms and Transliterations εκπληρωσιν εκπλήρωσιν ἐκπλήρωσιν ekplerosin ekplērōsin ekplḗrosin ekplḗrōsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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