Lexical Summary sumpléroó: To fill completely, to fulfill, to be fully accomplished. Original Word: συμπληρόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fulfill, accomplishFrom sun and pleroo; to implenish completely, i.e. (of space) to swamp (a boat), or (of time) to accomplish (passive, be complete) -- (fully) come, fill up. see GREEK sun see GREEK pleroo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sun and pléroó Definition to fill up completely, hence to fulfill NASB Translation approaching (1), come (1), swamped (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4845: συμπληρόωσυμπληρόω (in Acts T WH συνπληρόω (cf. σύν, II. at the end)), συμπλήρω: passive, present infinitive συμπληροῦσθαι; imperfect συνεπληρουμην; from Herodotus down; 1. to fill completely: συνεπληροῦντο (R. V. they were filling with water), of the navigators (as sometimes in Greek writings what holds of the ship is applied to those on board; cf. Kypke, Observations, i., p. 248), Luke 8:23. 2. to complete entirely, be fulfilled: of time (see πληρόω, 2 b. ἆ.), passive, Luke 9:51 (R. V. well nigh come); Acts 2:1. Strong’s Greek 4845 denotes the idea of something reaching its limit, being brought to its destined fullness, or completely filled up. Each New Testament use pictures a divinely appointed moment arriving at its climax or a vessel reaching capacity. The term therefore carries an atmosphere of providential timing and total completion rather than of mere quantitative filling. Occurrences in the New Testament Luke 8:23 – During the storm on Galilee, the boat “was being swamped” as water progressively reached the point of overtaking the craft. The word underscores imminent danger and the disciples’ inability to prevent the inevitable without Jesus’ intervention. Luke 9:51 – “When the days were approaching for Him to be taken up, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”. The fulfillment of the Father’s timetable for the Ascension propels the entire Passion narrative. The vocabulary highlights that the cross and empty tomb were not random tragedies or triumphs but scheduled milestones. Acts 2:1 – “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all together in one place.”. Pentecost’s arrival likewise stands at the terminus of the promised waiting period (Acts 1:4-5). What began as obedience in an upper room reaches its fullness in the outpouring of the Spirit and the birth of the Church. Theological Emphases 1. Sovereign Timing In each setting the word testifies that God governs history to its appointed conclusions. The Ascension, Pentecost, and even a storm at sea unfold when the ordained moment has “fully come.” Believers are called to trust the divine schedule rather than impose their own. 2. Covenant Fulfillment Luke 9:51 links back to Moses and Elijah’s conversation with Jesus about His “departure” (Luke 9:31). The Exodus-language anticipates the New Covenant’s ratification at Calvary. Acts 2:1 fulfills festival symbolism: the firstfruits of barley (Pentecost) become firstfruits of redeemed humanity (Acts 2:41). 3. Crisis and Dependence Luke 8:23 depicts disciples overwhelmed until they seek Christ. The word’s vividness imparts pastoral instruction: spiritual floods reveal the insufficiency of human effort and the sufficiency of Christ’s word (Luke 8:24-25). Historical Setting In Second Temple Judaism, Pentecost (Shavuot) celebrated both harvest and Sinai. By recording that the day had “fully come,” Luke stresses the convergence of agricultural, historical, and redemptive themes. Likewise, Roman crucifixion schedules and pilgrimage calendars frame Luke 9:51; yet behind imperial timetables stands the divine decree. Christological Significance The “filling up” of days for the Ascension signals that Christ’s earthly mission closes exactly on cue. His resolve to go to Jerusalem is not fatalistic resignation but kingly intentionality. The vocabulary accentuates the completeness of His obedience and the certainty of His exaltation. Pneumatological Significance Acts 2:1 affirms that the Spirit’s arrival is not arbitrary but the crowning moment of promise (Joel 2:28-32; John 14:16-17). The term therefore ties Spirit-baptism to prophetic fulfillment and to the completed work of Christ (Acts 2:33). Practical Ministry Implications • Waiting with Expectation – Like the disciples between Ascension and Pentecost, churches today often abide in seasons where promise has been given but fulfillment is pending. The term encourages steadfast prayer and unity (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1). Related Biblical Echoes Galatians 4:4 speaks of the “fullness of time” in which God sent His Son, echoing the same divine orchestration. Revelation 6:11 depicts saints waiting until “the number would be complete.” These parallels reinforce the pattern: God’s purposes advance to predetermined consummation. Summary Strong’s 4845 weaves through Gospel, Acts, and apostolic theology to portray moments when God’s plan reaches its ordained maximum—from a near-capsized boat to the enthronement and outpouring of Christ. The word embodies assurance that every event in salvation history—and every trial faced by the Church—progresses toward a divinely set, perfectly timed completion. Englishman's Concordance Luke 8:23 V-IIM/P-3PGRK: λίμνην καὶ συνεπληροῦντο καὶ ἐκινδύνευον NAS: on the lake, and they [began] to be swamped and to be in danger. KJV: and they were filled [with water], and INT: lake and they were being swamped and were in danger Luke 9:51 V-PNM/P Acts 2:1 V-PNM/P Strong's Greek 4845 |
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