Luke 1:20

“`html

body { font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; }
h2, h3 { color: #333; }
blockquote { border-left: 5px solid #ccc; margin: 1.5em 10px; padding: 0.5em 10px; }

An Exegetical Analysis of Luke 1:20: The Semantic Nuance of πληρωθήσονται and πλησθησονται

This exegetical study of The Semantic Nuance of πληρωθήσονται and πλησθησονται in Luke 1:20 is based on a b-greek discussion from Sun Aug 25 15:52:21 EDT 2002. The initial query concerned a distinctive reading found in Codex Bezae (D05) for Luke 1:20. The critical texts (NA27/USB4) present the reading τοῖς λόγοις μου, οἵτινες πληρωθήσονται εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν, whereas D05 offers … οἵτινες πλησθησονται ….

The primary exegetical issue at hand is to determine if there exists any significant semantic difference between the verbs πιμπλημι (from which πλησθησονται, a future passive indicative, is derived) and πληροω (from which πληρωθήσονται, also a future passive indicative, is derived). One initial assessment from the discussion suggested that the two verbs might have negligible semantic distinction, with both being listed under the same semantic domain (13.106) in Louw & Nida. However, a detailed analysis is required to ascertain if, in the specific context of the fulfillment of divine words or promises, one verb carries a more precise or appropriate meaning than the other.

Greek text (Nestle 1904):

καὶ ἰδοὺ ἔσῃ σιωπῶν καὶ μὴ δυνάμενος λαλῆσαι ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας γένηται ταῦτα, ἀνθ’ ὧν οὐκ ἐπίστευσας τοῖς λόγοις μου, οἵτινες πληρωθήσονται εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The SBLGNT (2010) text for Luke 1:20 reads πληρωθήσονται, aligning with the NA28, USB5, and generally accepted critical editions.
• The principal difference lies with Codex Bezae (D05), which presents the variant πλησθησονται. SBLGNT does not adopt this reading, thus confirming the critical consensus in favor of πληρωθήσονται.

Textual Criticism (NA28): The NA28, like its predecessors, retains the reading πληρωθήσονται in the main text. The variant πλησθησονται found in D (Codex Bezae) is noted in the apparatus as a significant alternative reading but is not adopted into the critical text. Codex Bezae, a primary representative of the Western text-type, is known for its often expansive and unique readings, which sometimes reflect a harmonizing tendency or a desire for greater clarity or emphasis, though not always original. The strong manuscript support for πληρωθήσονται across multiple text-types (Alexandrian, Byzantine, Caesarean) renders the D reading less probable as the original.

Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The verbs πληροω (plēroō) and πιμπλημι (pimplēmi) share a common semantic field related to “filling” or “completing,” yet often exhibit distinct nuances in biblical Greek:

• πληροω (plēroō): According to BDAG, this verb encompasses a range of meanings including “to make full, to fill” (e.g., a boat, a period of time), but crucially, also “to complete, finish, bring to an end,” and “to fulfill” (e.g., prophecy, law, scripture, divine word). KITTEL (TDNT) emphasizes its application to the fulfillment of prophecies and divine plans, highlighting the realization of what has been spoken or predetermined. In this sense, πληροω carries a strong connotation of divine accomplishment and the bringing to fruition of a declaration or promise.
• πιμπλημι (pimplēmi): BDAG defines this verb primarily as “to fill, make full,” often in a more literal sense (e.g., filling a vessel, being filled with food), or metaphorically, being “filled with” a spirit, emotion, or attitude (e.g., Luke 1:15, 41, 67 for the Holy Spirit; Luke 4:28 for wrath). While it can convey a sense of completion in filling, its primary focus is on the state of being full or replenished. KITTEL also notes its common use for physical filling and being filled with spiritual gifts or emotions.

While semantic overlap exists, particularly in the general idea of “making full,” the specific context of divine words being brought to pass or being realized (as in Luke 1:20, “my words, which will be fulfilled”) strongly favors the nuance of πληροω, which is consistently used for the fulfillment of prophecy and divine declarations throughout the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23; Acts 3:18). The variant πλησθησονται, while intelligible, would lean more towards “my words, which will be filled up” or “be made full,” which is less precise for the theological concept of prophetic fulfillment.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The clause in question, οἵτινες πληρωθήσονται εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν, presents οἵτινες as a relative pronoun, plural, referring back to τοῖς λόγοις μου (my words). The verb πληρωθήσονται is a future passive indicative. Grammatically, it indicates that the words themselves will be the recipients of the action of “being fulfilled” or “being completed” at a future time (εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν, at their proper time or when their time comes).

Rhetorically, this statement by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah serves as a divine assurance and a warning. Zechariah’s doubt is met with the undeniable certainty of God’s word. The use of πληροω underscores the absolute reliability and efficaciousness of divine pronouncements. The passive voice emphasizes that the fulfillment is not dependent on human agency but is divinely orchestrated. The phrase εἰς τὸν καιρὸν αὐτῶν adds a layer of divine timing, implying that God’s plan unfolds according to His perfect schedule.

If the variant πλησθησονται were adopted, the grammatical structure would remain the same, but the semantic nuance, though subtle, would shift. “My words, which will be filled up” or “be made full” could imply a process of accumulation or completion in a more general sense, perhaps like a vessel gradually being filled. However, in the context of prophecy or divine promises, “fulfillment” (πληροω) denotes the complete realization and execution of a declared event or state, rather than simply achieving a state of fullness. The theological weight of divine reliability and prophetic accuracy is better conveyed by πληροω, which is why it is consistently preferred by critical editions in such contexts.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on textual evidence and lexical analysis, the reading πληρωθήσονται is strongly supported by the majority of manuscripts and is semantically more precise for conveying the concept of the fulfillment of divine words or prophecies. While πιμπλημι (from which πλησθησονται derives) shares a general meaning of “to fill,” πληροω carries the specific theological weight of “to complete,” “to bring to fruition,” or “to fulfill” when applied to divine declarations. Therefore, the critical text’s choice is robustly justified.

1. “my words, which will be fulfilled at their appointed time.” This translation directly captures the sense of prophetic realization and divine accomplishment conveyed by πληροω, emphasizing that God’s promises will surely come to pass.
2. “my words, which will come true at their proper time.” This offers a slightly more idiomatic rendering of “fulfillment,” focusing on the veracity and actualization of the divine pronouncement.
3. “my words, which will be brought to completion when their time comes.” This emphasizes the aspect of completion and finality inherent in πληροω, highlighting that the divine plan will run its full course.

“`