from ἐπί and τελέω; to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo:--accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform(X -ance).
Transliteration:epiteléō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-tel-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō, `{{G2005}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "in addition to," or indicating completion, and the verb τελέω (teleō, `{{G5055}}`), meaning "to bring to an end," "to complete," or "to perform." The combination intensifies the sense of completion, indicating a thorough, final, or perfected execution of an action or process.
Its core meaning encompasses:
1. **To complete or finish:** Bringing a task, project, or process to its intended conclusion. This is more than merely starting; it implies seeing something through to the end.
2. **To accomplish or execute:** To perform an action fully and effectively, often with the nuance of carrying out a command or fulfilling a duty.
3. **To perfect or bring to fruition:** To bring something to its ideal state or ultimate goal (telos, `{{G5056}}`). This can apply to spiritual processes, implying growth towards maturity or holiness.
The semantic range thus extends from the practical completion of a physical task to the profound spiritual perfection of a divine work.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπιτελέω appears eight times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Romans 15:28]]**: "So when I have completed this, and have safely delivered this fruit to them, I will go on by way of you to Spain." Here, Paul uses ἐπιτελέω to refer to the *completion* of his mission to deliver the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. It signifies the successful conclusion of a specific task.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:1]]**: "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." In this profound ethical exhortation, ἐπιτελέω is used in the sense of *perfecting* holiness. It speaks to the ongoing process of sanctification, where believers are called to bring their pursuit of holiness to its full realization, empowered by reverence for God.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:6]]**: "So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to also complete in your midst this act of grace." Paul encourages the Corinthians to *complete* their generous contribution, emphasizing the importance of following through on their initial willingness.
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:11]]**: "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." Again, concerning the collection, this verse underscores the necessity of *finishing* what was started, aligning action with intention.
* **[[Galatians 3:3]]**: "Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?" This is a crucial theological usage. Paul uses ἐπιτελέω to challenge the Galatians' attempt to *perfect* their spiritual journey or salvation through adherence to the Law (fleshly effort) after having begun it by the Spirit. It highlights the futility and danger of human effort in achieving spiritual completion that only God can provide.
* **[[Philippians 1:6]]**: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This is perhaps the most significant theological usage, asserting God's faithfulness. The verb here signifies God's unwavering commitment to *complete* the work He has begun in believers, bringing them to full maturity and salvation at the coming of Christ.
* **[[Hebrews 8:5]]**: "They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: 'See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'" Here, ἐπιτελέω refers to Moses' meticulous *execution* or *completion* of the tabernacle's construction precisely according to the divine pattern. It emphasizes precise adherence to instructions.
* **[[Hebrews 9:6]]**: "When everything had been prepared for these duties, the priests entered regularly into the outer room." This verse describes the priests' regular *performance* or *completion* of their duties in the tabernacle, highlighting the routine and prescribed nature of their service.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τελέω (teleō, `{{G5055}}`):** The root verb, meaning to bring to an end, complete, perform, or pay. ἐπιτελέω intensifies this, often implying a more thorough or final completion.
* **τελός (telos, `{{G5056}}`):** The noun form, meaning end, goal, purpose, or completion. ἐπιτελέω is the action of bringing something to its telos.
* **τελειόω (teleioō, `{{G5048}}`):** To make perfect, complete, or bring to an end. This verb is very close in meaning to ἐπιτελέω, especially in contexts of spiritual perfection. While τελειόω often emphasizes the *state* of being perfect or mature, ἐπιτελέω emphasizes the *act* of bringing something to that state of completion or perfection. They are often used interchangeably in discussions of spiritual growth.
* **πληρόω (plēroō, `{{G4137}}`):** To fill, fulfill, or complete. While also indicating completion, πληρόω often refers to filling a void, bringing something to its full measure, or fulfilling a prophecy, whereas ἐπιτελέω more specifically denotes the final execution or termination of a task or process.
* **κατεργάζομαι (katergazomai, `{{G2716}}`):** To work out, accomplish, or produce. This word also implies completion through effort, but ἐπιτελέω carries a stronger nuance of finality and bringing something to its ultimate conclusion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιτελέω is profound, particularly in its application to God's work and the believer's life:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Perseverance:** The use of ἐπιτελέω in [[Philippians 1:6]] is a cornerstone of Christian assurance. It affirms God's faithfulness and omnipotence in bringing to completion the work of salvation He initiates in believers. This truth provides immense comfort, as it grounds the believer's ultimate perfection not in their own fluctuating efforts, but in God's unwavering power and purpose.
2. **The Danger of Legalism and Fleshly Effort:** [[Galatians 3:3]] serves as a critical theological warning against any attempt to perfect by human effort (the "flesh") what was inaugurated by divine grace through the Spirit. It underscores the sufficiency of the Spirit's work in sanctification and highlights the theological error of relying on human performance for spiritual completion.
3. **Sanctification as a Collaborative Process:** While God *completes* His work (as in Philippians), believers are also called to *perfect* holiness (as in [[2 Corinthians 7:1]]). This illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine initiative and human responsibility in the process of sanctification. Believers are to actively participate in bringing their holiness to fruition, empowered by God's promises and reverence for Him.
4. **Obedience and Fulfillment of Divine Commands:** In the context of the Tabernacle in Hebrews ([[Hebrews 8:5]], [[Hebrews 9:6]]), ἐπιτελέω emphasizes the importance of precise and thorough execution of God's commands and patterns. This underscores the value of obedience and meticulous adherence to divine instruction in worship and service.
5. **Integrity in Service and Generosity:** The repeated use of ἐπιτελέω in 2 Corinthians regarding the collection ([[2 Corinthians 8:6]], [[2 Corinthians 8:11]]) highlights the importance of following through on commitments and bringing acts of service and generosity to full completion. It speaks to the integrity required in Christian ministry and stewardship.
### Summary
ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō, `{{G2005}}`) signifies the act of bringing something to its full, final, or perfected completion. It moves beyond mere initiation to emphasize the successful execution, accomplishment, or termination of a task, process, or divine purpose. While it describes human actions such as completing a mission, finishing a collection, or performing duties, its most profound theological weight lies in its application to God's work. It assures believers that God Himself will ἐπιτελέω the good work He began in them, bringing them to ultimate perfection ([[Philippians 1:6]]). Conversely, it issues a stern warning against the futility of attempting to ἐπιτελέω spiritual realities by human effort apart from the Spirit ([[Galatians 3:3]]). Thus, ἐπιτελέω encapsulates both human responsibility to complete tasks and, more significantly, the divine faithfulness in bringing all things to their intended telos.
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