Lexical Summary antanapléroó: To fill up in turn, to complete Original Word: ἀνταναπληρόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fill up. From anti and anapleroo; to supplement -- fill up. see GREEK anti see GREEK anapleroo HELPS Word-studies 466 antanaplēróō (from 473 /antí, "corresponding" and 378 /anaplēróō, "fulfill") – properly, to fill, especially in lieu of (in place of); to off-set, filling up what is lacking (remaining). 466 (antanaplēroō) only occurs in Col 1:24 where it refers to believers "filling up" the remaining sufferings of Christ – i.e. when Christians experience wrath from unbelievers who are really still persecuting Christ. That is, venting their rejection of Christ on His followers because they can no longer directly "pull Christ's beard or spit on His face." So they do the "next best thing": persecute the people in whom Christ lives (cf. 1 Jn 4:17). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anti and anapléroó Definition to fill up in turn NASB Translation filling (1), share (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 466: ἀνταναπληρόωἀνταναπληρόω, ἀνταναπληρῶ; (ἀντί and ἀναπληρόω, which see); to fill up in turn: Colossians 1:24 (the meaning is, 'what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ to be borne by me, that I supply in order to repay the benefits which Christ conferred on me by filling up the measure of the afflictions laid upon him'); (Meyer, Ellicott, etc., explain the word (with Wetstein (1752)) by 'ἀντί ὑστερήματοςsuccedit ἀναπληρωμα; but see Lightfoot ad loc, who also quotes the passages where the word occurs). (Demosthenes, p. 182, 22; Dio Cassius, 44, 48; Apollonius Dyscolus, de constr. orat. i. pp. 14, 1 (cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) at the passage); 114, 8; 258, 3; 337, 4.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope ἀνταναπληρόω (Strong’s 466) depicts an intentional act of “filling up in exchange” or “completing on behalf of another.” It describes not mere addition but a divinely purposed participation: one member of Christ’s body bears something still outstanding in the divine plan for the good of the rest. Scriptural Occurrence • Colossians 1:24—“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” This solitary use by Paul anchors the entire biblical theology of the term. Theological Significance 1. Union with Christ in Suffering Paul teaches that believers are “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20) and destined to share “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). ἀνταναπληρόω underscores that this participation is not symbolic only; it is an ongoing, historical reality. Christ’s atonement is complete (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:14), yet His people continue to encounter opposition appointed in the sovereign design of God (Acts 14:22). 2. Corporate Benefit The sufferings Paul endures are “for you” and “for the sake of His body.” Suffering serves the church’s edification, whether by authenticating the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), forging pastoral empathy (2 Corinthians 1:6-7), or advancing outreach (Philippians 1:12-14). Thus the verb conveys a vicarious dimension akin to priestly service (Romans 15:16). 3. Eschatological Completion Jesus foretold a fixed measure of tribulation before the end (Matthew 24:9-14; Revelation 6:11). Paul perceives his afflictions as contributing to that predetermined total, hastening the consummation of redemption history. Pauline Ministry Model • Voluntary: He “rejoices,” embracing suffering as privilege, not penalty. Relationship to the Doctrine of the Atonement Scripture presents the cross as a finished, once-for-all propitiation (1 Peter 3:18). ἀνταναπληρόω does not challenge this. Rather, it expresses the outworking of the cross in history, as believers carry the message that was secured by that sacrifice (2 Timothy 2:10). Historical Interpretation • Early Church: Ignatius and Polycarp echoed Paul, viewing martyrdom as “imitating Christ.” Practical Implications for Contemporary Believers 1. Expectation of Cost—Discipleship entails crosses (Matthew 16:24) that complete the church’s witness. Ministry Application Pastors, missionaries, and lay believers alike may frame hardships as participation in Christ’s ongoing servant-work. This view guards against self-pity, fuels perseverance, and aligns personal narratives with the larger redemptive storyline. Summary ἀνταναπληρόω highlights a paradox central to Christian life: Christ’s perfect, finished redemption begets an unfinished mission accomplished through the Spirit-empowered sufferings of His people. Paul’s solitary yet profound use of the word summons every generation to embrace trials for the church’s good and the Savior’s glory, confident that what is “lacking” in experiential affliction will surely be “filled up” until the day He appears. Forms and Transliterations ανταναπληρω ανταναπληρώ ἀνταναπληρῶ antanaplero antanaplerô antanaplērō antanaplērō̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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