G1073 — gemō (To Be Full / To Overflow With)

G1073 · Greek · New Testament

γέμω

gemō

Verb

To Be Full / To Overflow With

Definition

The Greek verb gemō (γέμω) means to be full or to overflow with something. Unlike gemizō (to fill), which describes the action of filling, gemō describes the resulting state of being completely full. It is used of cups, tombs, and the living creatures of Revelation.

Usage & Theological Significance

Gemō appears in Matthew 23:25-27 in Jesus's withering critique of the Pharisees: 'You clean the outside of the cup, but inside are full of (gemō) greed and self-indulgence.' And 'You are full of (gemō) dead men's bones and everything unclean.' The contrast is between outward religious performance and inward reality. The question God asks is not what we appear to be filled with but what we actually are filled with. Being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) is the divine answer to the human tendency toward self-filling.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 23:25 You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

Matthew 23:27 You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead.

Revelation 4:8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.'

Revelation 5:8 Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

Luke 11:39 Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.

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