[Greek] ἀναπληρόω (anaplēroō), [Latin] supplere, [Latin] implere: to fill up, to complete, to fulfill, to make complete, to provide, to occupy; Mt.13:14, 1Cor.14:16, 1Cor.16:17, Gal.6:2, Php.2:30, 1Thess.2:16
This cup is filled by following the law of Christ in loving and serving others. (Gal.6:2)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to fill up a void, to compensate, to replace someone, to pay in full, to restore, to complete, to supplement, and to satisfy. Plato’s Symposium 188d states “Thus Love, conceived as a single whole, exerts a wide and complete power; both here on earth and in heaven above, but any gaps which I may have left out it is your business, Aristophanes to fill.” Euripides’ Helen 907 states “Heaven is common to all mortals, and so is the earth, where people ought to fill up their homes without having another’s property or taking it away by force.” Plutarch’s Publicola 11 states “In the first place, he filled up the senate, which was reduced in numbers.” Plato’s Timaeus 17a states “Then the task of filling the place of the absent falls upon you and our friends here, does it not?”
Old Testament: This term means to fill, to accomplish, to fulfill, to come to an end, to be in covenant, and to make good. He took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh (Gen.2:21). I will give you a full span of life (Exo.23:26). The wickedness of the Amorites will not have reached its full measure until then (Gen.15:16). And the earth was filled with violence (Gen.6:11). Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth (Gen.9:1). He shall make full restitution (Exo.22:14). They made peace with David and served him (1Chr.19:19). For He pays a man according to his work (Job 34:11). I will render thank offerings to You (Psa.56:12).
New Testament: This term means to fulfill, to occupy, to make up for, and to fill up (complete). Jesus states Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilling the reason that Jesus speaks in parables. Parables are for those who hear (but do not understand) and who look (but never see). Paul calls the Galatians to fulfill the law of Christ in having love for one another. A Christian teacher must provide clear teaching for the common person (who holds the place of the uninstructed). Paul rejoices in the arrival of the household of Stephanas who makes up for the Galatians’ inability to meet him. Paul makes reference to the continuing Jewish opposition to Jesus. This opposition’s continuing sins will eventually be accountable to God’s wrath.
Scripure:
“Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand; you shall indeed look but never see’”. Mt.13:14
Isaiah’ prophecy foretells Jesus’ need to state parables for the disciples’ inability to understand His message. The knowledge of the mysteries are given to some. Others require parables.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal.6:2
The law of Christ is to have love for others. To bear one another’s burdens means to serve one another.
Etymology: This term anapleroo consists of the preposition ana- and the verb pleroo. The ana- prefix indicates intensity, completeness, and “up to”. The verb pleroo means to fill, to accomplish, and to complete. The verb anapleroo indicates an intensive or completed sense of the verb pleroo. The Latin verb supplere essentially means to make up for. The Latin verb implere essentially means to make full. The Greek verb pleroo means to fill up the cup with coffee. The Greek verb anapleroo fills the coffee up to the brim.
Filled to the brim: This expression essentially means as full as possible or completely satisfied. Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra 3.13 states “He will fill thy wishes to the brimme.” W.S Gilbert’s comic opera states “Three little maids from school are we, filled to the brim with girlish glee.”
Conclusion
Supply, supplement, implement
In Greek Hellenism, Plato, not yet conceiving the complete understanding of God, states that love occupies a place in heaven and on earth. Filling up political institutions is necessary for ensuring effective governing. We all can identify with the need for filling in for someone.
In the Old Testament, this term makes reference to completing, fulfilling, and finishing. Finishing or completing is found in contracts and covenants. It is interesting to note that the number seven refers to perfection. To “seven oneself” means to swear an oath to another. The Hebrew shalam refers to a greeting of peace.
In the New Testament, this term continues this sense of fulfilling and completing. Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled or completed by future events (actions). We are called to fulfill Christ’s law of loving and serving others. Certain person make up for others in providing comfort and support to Paul. God will take into account all the sins that fill up against Jesus. It is no surprise that there are seven sacraments.
I think I was able to accomplish what I wanted to do in this post. I hope that I was I able to make good in defining this term. I am satisfied. (Now it’s time to have that cup of coffee!)