ΠΛΗΡΩΣΙΣ
The term plērōsis, laden with profound philosophical and theological significance, describes the state of completion, fulfillment, and abundance. From its classical sense of "filling" to the Christian doctrines of the "fullness of time" and the "fulfillment of the law," this word marks culmination and perfection. Its lexarithmos (1428) suggests a complex and multifaceted concept.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, plērōsis is primarily the act of filling or completing, as well as the result of this action, i.e., fullness. In Classical Greek, its usage is often practical, referring to the filling of a vessel, the completion of a void, or the finishing of a task. Plato, for instance, employs it for the fulfillment of desires, while Aristotle uses it for the completion of a process.
During the Hellenistic period, and especially in the Septuagint translation, plērōsis acquires a more metaphorical and spiritual dimension, connecting with the fulfillment of prophecies or the completion of divine plans. This meaning is reinforced and deepened in the New Testament, where it becomes a central theological term.
In Christian theology, plērōsis refers to the fulfillment of the law and the prophets in the person of Christ, to the "fullness of time" with the advent of the Messiah, and to the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in Christ. It signifies the final and absolute completion of the divine plan of salvation, as well as the abundance of grace and knowledge offered to believers.
Etymology
Numerous words stemming from the root PLĒ- retain the core meaning of "to fill" or "to be full." The verb pímplēmi is an older form with reduplication, while plēroō is the more common form in Classical and Koine Greek. The noun plērōma denotes the result of filling or the content, while plēthos and plēsmonē refer to quantity and superabundance. The morphological evolution within the Greek language demonstrates a consistent development from the initial concept of physical filling towards more abstract and spiritual meanings.
Main Meanings
- The act of filling, completion — The primary and literal meaning, referring to the action of filling an empty space or object (e.g., "plērōsis of a ship").
- Fulfillment, realization — The actualization of a purpose, a promise, or a prophecy (e.g., "plērōsis of prophecy").
- Completion, perfection — The attainment of the final stage or perfection in a work, a process, or a cycle (e.g., "plērōsis of a task").
- Abundance, plenitude — The state of being full, rich, or sufficient (e.g., "plērōsis of knowledge," "plērōsis of grace").
- Execution, observance — The application or adherence to a law, a commandment, or an obligation (e.g., "plērōsis of the law").
- The fullness of time — An eschatological concept in the New Testament, referring to the divinely appointed moment of intervention in history (e.g., Gal. 4:4).
- Divine plenitude — A theological concept, especially in Paul, describing the totality of the Godhead dwelling in Christ (e.g., Col. 2:9).
Word Family
PLĒ- (root of pímplēmi, meaning "to fill")
The root PLĒ- is a fundamental Ancient Greek root expressing the concept of filling, fullness, and abundance. From this initial meaning, the word family developed to cover a wide range of concepts, from the physical filling of a space to the abstract notion of fulfillment, completion, and perfection. Each member of the family illuminates a different aspect of this basic idea, whether as an action, a state, or a result.
Philosophical Journey
The trajectory of the word plērōsis reflects its transition from the practical and philosophical uses of classical antiquity to a profound theological significance in Christian thought.
In Ancient Texts
Three of the most significant New Testament passages that highlight the theological importance of plērōsis:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΠΛΗΡΩΣΙΣ is 1428, from the sum of its letter values:
1428 decomposes into 1400 (hundreds) + 20 (tens) + 8 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΠΛΗΡΩΣΙΣ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 1428 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 6 | 1+4+2+8 = 15 → 1+5 = 6. The number 6, a symbol of creation and perfection (6 days of creation), signifies the completion and harmony brought by plērōsis, as well as the perfection of the divine plan. |
| Letter Count | 8 | 8 letters. The number 8, in ancient arithmosophy, is often associated with rebirth, resurrection, and transcendence, emphasizing the ultimate and transcendent nature of plērōsis, which leads to a new state of being. |
| Cumulative | 8/20/1400 | Units 8 · Tens 20 · Hundreds 1400 |
| Odd/Even | Even | Feminine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | P-L-Ē-R-Ō-S-I-S | Panta Logos Hēmōn Rhysis Hōs Sōtērias Ischys Sophias (Always Our Word is a Flow As Salvation's Strength of Wisdom). |
| Grammatical Groups | 3V · 5C · 0A | 3 vowels (ē, ō, i) and 5 consonants (p, l, r, s, s), suggesting a balanced structure between the spiritual (vowels) and the material (consonants), characteristic of completion. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Moon ☽ / Aries ♈ | 1428 mod 7 = 0 · 1428 mod 12 = 0 |
Isopsephic Words (1428)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1428) as plērōsis, but from different roots, highlighting the numerical complexity of the Greek language:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 40 words with lexarithmos 1428. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
- Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
- Plato — Republic, Laws. Loeb Classical Library.
- Aristotle — Metaphysics, On the Soul. Loeb Classical Library.
- Septuagint — Old Testament.
- Paul the Apostle — Epistles. Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28).
- Matthew — Gospel. Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28).
- Lampe, G. W. H. — A Patristic Greek Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1961.