### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **holóklēros**, represented by `{{G3648}}`, is derived from ὅλος and κλῆρος and means **complete in every part** or perfectly sound. This term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, where it conveys a state of being whole or entire, particularly in a spiritual and moral sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3648}}` describes a key goal of Christian maturity. In James, it is presented as the outcome of endurance, that believers might be "perfect and **entire**, wanting nothing" [[James 1:4]]. This links spiritual completeness to the work of patience. In 1 Thessalonians, the word is used in a prayer for the believers' sanctification: "your **whole** spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]]. Here, it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's work in a person's life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of `{{G3648}}`:
* `{{G5046}}` **téleios** (perfect): Often used alongside `{{G3648}}`, this word means **complete**, particularly in terms of growth and moral character. Its use in [[James 1:4]] ("perfect and entire") shows the two terms work together to describe a state of full spiritual maturity.
* `{{G3651}}` **holotelḗs** (wholly): This word means **complete to the end** or absolutely perfect. It appears in [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]] to describe the manner in which God sanctifies believers, reinforcing the concept of total completeness expressed by `{{G3648}}`.
* `{{G5281}}` **hypomonḗ** (patience): Defined as **cheerful (or hopeful) endurance**, this is the quality that, when it has its perfect work, results in a believer becoming "perfect and entire" [[James 1:4]].
* `{{G274}}` **amémptōs** (blameless): This adverb means **faultlessly**. In [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]], the goal of being preserved "whole" is to be found **blameless**, indicating that the wholeness described by `{{G3648}}` has a specific moral and spiritual quality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3648}}` centers on the nature of sanctification and spiritual maturity.
* **Holistic Preservation:** The use of `{{G3648}}` in [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]] establishes that God's sanctifying work is intended to encompass the entire person—**spirit** `{{G4151}}`, **soul** `{{G5590}}`, and **body** `{{G4983}}`. This wholeness is to be preserved `{{G5083}}` by God until the return of Christ.
* **Maturity Through Endurance:** [[James 1:4]] presents this state of being "entire" not as an abstract ideal but as the tangible result of **patience** `{{G5281}}` and trial. This demonstrates that spiritual completeness is developed through the process of faithful endurance.
* **The Goal of Perfection:** Paired with **téleios** `{{G5046}}`, the word `{{G3648}}` points to the ultimate goal for the believer: a state of completeness and soundness, "wanting nothing" [[James 1:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3648}}` is a concise yet powerful term describing a state of comprehensive spiritual health. It is not merely the absence of flaws but a positive condition of being **complete in every part**. As seen in its two occurrences, this state of being "whole" or "entire" is a divine objective for the believer, achieved through God's sanctifying power and developed through the believer's patient endurance.
TRV