Bible Dictionary
FULFIL
To fulfill means to fill up, complete, accomplish, carry out, or bring to its intended realization. The New Testament often uses it for the completion of prophetic Scripture in Christ.
Definition
To fulfill is to fill up, complete, accomplish, or carry something into effect. It may describe completing a task, satisfying a requirement, carrying out a word, or bringing a promised purpose to realization.
Biblical Usage
Scripture speaks of fulfilling the word of the Lord and frequently uses the term for the accomplishment of prophetic Scripture. Love is called the fulfillment of the law because it completely expresses what the law enjoins.
Historical Background
Older English usage sometimes means simply “to fill up” or “make full.” Revised translations may use “do,” “performed,” or “accomplished,” depending on the passage.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>fool-fil' (male; pleroo, teleo, with other words): "Fulfill" is used</p><p>(1) in a sense more or less obsolete, "to fill up," complete (Ge 29:21,28; Ex 23:26; Job 36:17, the Revised Version (British and American) "full," margin "filled up"; Mt 3:15, "to fulfill all righteousness"; Php 2:2, "Fulfil ye my joy," the American Standard Revised Version "make full"; compare 2Co 10:6);</p><p>(2) in the sense of "to accomplish," "to carry into effect," as to fulfill the word of Yahweh (1Ki 2:27; 8:15,24; 2Ch 36:21, etc.); in the New Testament very frequently used of the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture (Mt 1:22; 2:15, etc.). Love is declared to be "the fulfillment (pleroma, "fullness") of the law" (Ro 13:10). For "fulfill" the Revised Version (British and American) has "do" (Re 17:17); for "fulfilled" has "performed" (2Sa 14:22), "accomplished" (Ezr 1:1; Mt 5:18; 24:34; Lu 21:32; Joh 19:28), with numerous other changes.</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>