πλήρης
plḗrēs
G4134 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
full, filled to capacity; having no part lacking or empty. By extension, denotes being completely characterized by or abounding in a certain quality or characteristic (e.g., 'full of wisdom', 'full of grace').
Semantic Range
full, filled to capacity, abounding in, thoroughly characterized by, covered over, complete
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root πλήθω (plēthō, 'to fill'), with the adjectival ending -ης. Related to the noun πλῆθος (plēthos, 'multitude, fullness') and the verb πληρόω (plēroō, 'to fill, complete').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πλήρης frequently describes physical fullness (e.g., vessels, spaces), as well as being full of an immaterial quality (e.g., full of wrath or virtue). In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew terms for fullness or abundance, both literal and figurative. In the New Testament, πλήρης is commonly used to describe persons or things as 'full' of a characteristic—especially of spiritual or moral qualities (e.g., full of faith, the Holy Spirit, or grace), but also used more neutrally for being filled physically. Standard English translations capture the basic meaning 'full', but may not always reflect the nuance of being wholly characterized by a certain quality. πλήρης provides the basis for many NT constructions like πλήρης πνεύματος ἁγίου (full of the Holy Spirit), carrying an intensive sense of permeation or completeness. Not to be confused with forms indicating 'multitude' or collectiveness (πλῆθος), πλήρης pertains to the quality or state of being completely filled. Usage remains consistent from classical through Hellenistic and NT Greek, although the metaphorical uses predominate in some corpus (notably in Luke-Acts).
Translation Consistency
πλήρης is overwhelmingly and naturally rendered as the adjective 'full' (12 of 16 occurrences). 'Full' clearly covers the primary senses—filled to capacity, abounding in, thoroughly characterized by—and is the most natural, idiomatic English choice for consistent rendering across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πλήθω; replete, or covered over; by analogy, complete:--full.
Root Family
πλήρης (plērēs) — full, filled to capacity, complete, abounding in
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4134-03 |
πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | full, filled to capacity | 10 |
G4134-02 |
πλήρεις | plereis | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
full | full ones | full | 5 |
G4134-01 |
πλήρη | plere | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
full | full | full | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
16 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4134-02 |
Matthew 14:20 | πλήρεις | plereis | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
full | full ones | full |
G4134-02 |
Matthew 15:37 | πλήρεις | plereis | ADJ.A ACC F PL |
full | full ones | full |
G4134-03 |
Mark 4:28 | πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | full, filled to capacity |
G4134-02 |
Mark 8:19 | πλήρεις | plereis | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
full | full ones | full ones |
G4134-03 |
Luke 4:1 | πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | full, filled to capacity |
G4134-03 |
Luke 5:12 | πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | and |
G4134-03 |
John 1:14 | πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | full, filled to capacity |
G4134-02 |
Acts 6:3 | πλήρεις | plereis | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
full | full ones | full ones |
G4134-03 |
Acts 6:5 | πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | full, filled to capacity |
G4134-03 |
Acts 6:8 | πλήρης | pleres | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
full | full, filled to capacity | full, filled to capacity |