ἐπιτελέω

epiteléō /ep-ee-tel-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐπί and τελέω
Meaningto fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo
KJV usageaccomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform(X -ance).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epiteléō, represented by G2005, is defined as to fulfill further or completely, to execute, finish, or make perfect. Derived from ἐπί and τελέω, it appears 13 times across 10 unique verses. The word signifies carrying out an action to its intended conclusion, encompassing concepts of accomplishing, performing, and bringing a task or process to its complete end.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2005 is used to describe the completion of a process. It refers to God's promise to perform the good work He began in believers until the day of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:6. It is also used as a command for believers, who are called to be perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Corinthians 7:1. On a practical level, the word can refer to finishing a specific task, such as when Paul intended to perform the delivery of an offering Romans 15:28, or when the priests were accomplishing their service in the tabernacle Hebrews 9:6.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concept of completing a work:

  • G1728 enárchomai (to commence on): This word for beginning stands in direct contrast to finishing. The two are used together to frame a complete process, as seen in the phrase "he which hath begun a good work... will perform it" Philippians 1:6.
  • G4160 poiéō (to make or do): This is a general term for action. In Hebrews 8:5, Moses is told to make (poiéō) all things according to a pattern as part of the instruction to make (epiteléō) the tabernacle, linking the general act of making with the specific fulfillment of the command.
  • G5048 teleióō (to complete... consummate (in character)): This word often points to the final state of perfection. In Luke 13:32, Jesus speaks of the works he will do (epiteléō) before he will "be perfected" (teleióō), showing a progression from performing actions to reaching a state of completion.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2005 is significant, particularly in the context of salvation and Christian living.

  • God's Sovereign Completion: The promise in Philippians 1:6 that God will perform His work in believers provides assurance that salvation is ultimately secured and brought to completion by God Himself.
  • The Process of Sanctification: The term frames sanctification as a process that must be brought to its proper end. Galatians 3:3 warns against beginning in the Spirit only to attempt to be made perfect by the flesh, while 2 Corinthians 7:1 encourages believers in the active work of perfecting holiness.
  • Faithful Execution of Service: From the priests accomplishing their duties in the tabernacle Hebrews 9:6 to the apostle Paul performing his mission Romans 15:28, the word underscores the importance of faithfully executing a divinely appointed task.

Summary

In summary, G2005 is more than just "to finish." It conveys the idea of bringing an action or process to its full and intended end. It applies to God's sovereign work, human responsibility in sanctification, and the dedicated completion of ministry. By linking the start of an endeavor to its ultimate fulfillment, epiteléō underscores the importance of seeing a process through, whether it is God's work in us or our work for Him.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Passive Infinitive 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in 2 Corinthians (3 verses).

1
Luke
1
Romans
3
2 Corinthians
1
Galatians
1
Philippians
2
Hebrews
1
1 Peter

Verse Explorer

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