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μεστός

mestós

G3324 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily, containing as much as possible within limits; filled up, full (of a substance, quality, or attribute). The term describes the state of being completely filled or abounding either in a literal or figurative sense. It can refer to physical fullness (such as vessels or objects filled with a material), as well as metaphorical or qualitative fullness (such as being full of wisdom, faith, or other qualities).

Semantic Range

full, filled, completely filled, abounding in, replete (both literally—of objects, vessels, spaces; and figuratively—of attributes, emotions, qualities)

Root / Etymology

etymology uncertain. Possibly related to the root μετ- 'to be filled' or formed as an adjectival derivative of a lost verb related to filling, but a clear cognate is not attested in classical Greek; no clear relation to μέσος (middle).

Historical & Contextual Notes

μεστός occurs in post-classical and Koine Greek literature. It appears in the Septuagint with both literal (e.g., vessels or containers 'full' of something) and figurative (people being 'full' of qualities, like wisdom or grace) uses, mirroring its function in the New Testament. The meaning is straightforward but can be applied broadly: one can be μεστός of physical items (like wheat or wine), as well as moral or spiritual attributes (such as being full of good works or hypocrisy). Earlier classical Greek more commonly uses the related term πλήρης for 'full', but μεστός becomes frequent in Hellenistic and later periods. English translations usually render the word as 'full,' which generally captures its meaning, though the breadth of application—physical, emotional, moral, or spiritual—is often contextual. No theological or confessional sense is inherent in the word itself; it simply describes a state of being filled or abounding.

Translation Consistency

primary "full" 9 occurrences

Most natural and common English rendering for μεστός across literal and figurative uses. 'Full' covers being filled to capacity and being replete with qualities (e.g., full of wisdom), matches the SILEX range, and is the predominant choice in existing translations.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; replete (literally or figuratively):--full.

Root Family

μεστός (mestos) — to fill, to be full, filled, replete, abounding

Root μεστ- to fill, to be full

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3324-03 μεστόν meston ADJ.S NOM N SG full that which is full full 3
G3324-04 μεστοὺς mestous ADJ.P ACC M PL full fully filled (masculine accusative plural) full 2
G3324-02 μεστοὶ mestoi ADJ.P NOM M PL full fully filled ones full ones 2
G3324-01 μεστὴ meste ADJ.S NOM F SG full full full 2

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3324-02 Matthew 23:28 μεστοὶ mestoi ADJ.P NOM M PL full fully filled ones full ones
G3324-03 John 19:29 μεστόν meston ADJ.S NOM N SG full that which is full full
G3324-03 John 19:29 μεστὸν meston-2 ADJ.A ACC M SG full that which is full full
G3324-03 John 21:11 μεστὸν meston ADJ.S ACC N SG full that which is full full
G3324-04 Romans 1:29 μεστοὺς mestous ADJ.P ACC M PL full fully filled (masculine accusative plural) full of
G3324-02 Romans 15:14 μεστοί mestoi ADJ.P NOM M PL full fully filled ones full ones
G3324-01 James 3:8 μεστὴ meste ADJ.S NOM F SG full full full
G3324-01 James 3:17 μεστὴ meste ADJ.S NOM F SG full full full
G3324-04 2 Peter 2:14 μεστοὺς mestous ADJ.S ACC M PL full fully filled (masculine accusative plural) full
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