What is the Pleroma?

Answer

Pleroma is a Greek term related to abundance, completion, or fulfillment. It appears in various forms in the New Testament, used in different contexts. For instance, in Matthew 1:22, it is translated as “to fulfill (prophecy),” and in Matthew 13:48, it describes a net full of fish. Acts 2:2 mentions the sound of wind filling the house, while Acts 2:28 quotes David as being “full” of gladness. Outside biblical texts, pleroma is used to describe a “full” or “fully manned” ship. Essentially, it is a common Greek word without inherent theological implications.

The significance of pleroma arises from Paul’s use of it in Colossians. In Colossians 1:9, he speaks of being “filled” with the knowledge of God’s will; in Colossians 1:25, he mentions fulfilling his ministry; in Colossians 2:10, believers are told they are “complete” in Christ; and in Colossians 4:17, someone is encouraged to “fulfill” their ministry. Paul uses pleroma twice in reference to Christ in Colossians, emphasizing the deity of Christ. Colossians 1:19 states, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,” and Colossians 2:9 declares, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

Paul’s use of pleroma, later a key term in Gnostic theology, has led some to speculate about his connection to Gnosticism and interpret his writings, particularly Colossians, in a Gnostic light.

In Gnostic texts, “the Pleroma” carries a specific meaning, representing spiritual perfection in opposition to physical inadequacy (as Gnostics viewed matter as evil). According to Gnostic beliefs, the Pleroma descended upon Christ at His baptism and departed before His crucifixion. Gnostics aspired to reach this state of spiritual fullness.

Experience the Pleroma themselves as they progress in Gnostic teaching.

In the New Testament, the pleroma is the fullness of God, the complete set of divine attributes that were incarnated in Christ. Christ is fully God and fully man and will forever inhabit a glorified human body. He is the unique Son of God in this way. Although sons of God by faith will inherit a glorified body and are complete in Christ as in Colossians 2:10 and indwelt by the Spirit of God, Christ is unique in His deity and sonship. In Gnosticism, “the Pleroma” is a spiritual fullness or perfection that descended upon Christ temporarily and can descend upon other human beings as well. The Pleroma will never be permanently attached to a physical body because matter is considered evil—only the spiritual is good. Therefore, the Gnostic understanding of the Pleroma, as it applies to both the uniqueness of Christ and the goodness of created matter, is at odds with biblical teaching.