from ὅλος and τέλος; complete to the end, i.e. absolutely perfect:--wholly.
Transliteration:holotelḗs
Pronunciation:hol-ot-el-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective holotelḗs (`{{G3651}}`) is a compound word derived from ὅλος (holos, `{{G3650}}`), meaning "whole" or "complete," and τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`), meaning "end," "completion," or "goal." This etymological combination yields a profound semantic range: "complete to the end," "absolutely perfect," or "wholly." It signifies not merely a quantitative totality, but a qualitative completeness, implying that something has reached its intended purpose or final state without any deficiency or remaining part. It conveys the idea of an entire, undivided, and fully realized state, emphasizing thoroughness and perfection in every aspect. Unlike ὅλος which can denote simple entirety, holotelḗs carries the added nuance of having reached a desired or ultimate completion, a state of being fully brought to its proper end.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term holotelḗs appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians:
* [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]]: "May the God of peace himself sanctify you holotelḗs (wholly); and may your spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
In this singular occurrence, holotelḗs profoundly qualifies the extent of God's sanctifying work. Paul's prayer is that God would sanctify the Thessalonian believers not partially, but "wholly," encompassing their entire being. The subsequent phrase, "spirit and soul and body," serves as an explanatory apposition, detailing the comprehensive scope of this divine sanctification. This tripartite division emphasizes a holistic view of the human person, suggesting that God's work of setting apart and making holy extends to every facet of one's existence—the spiritual, the psychological/emotional, and the physical. The context is eschatological, looking forward to the "coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," indicating that this holotelḗs sanctification culminates in a state of being "kept blameless" (`{{G273}}`, *amemptos*) at the Parousia. It underscores the divine initiative and power required for such a complete and enduring transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of holotelḗs is illuminated by its etymological roots and related theological concepts:
* **ὅλος (holos, `{{G3650}}`):** The direct root meaning "whole," "all," or "entire." While holos can refer to a simple totality, holotelḗs adds the dimension of completion or perfection.
* **τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`):** The other direct root, signifying "end," "goal," "purpose," or "completion." In the context of holotelḗs, telos implies reaching a divinely appointed or perfect end.
* **τελειόω (teleioō, `{{G5048}}`):** A verb derived from telos, meaning "to complete," "to perfect," or "to bring to an end." This verb describes the *process* of achieving the state of holotelḗs.
* **ἄμεμπτος (amemptos, `{{G273}}`):** "Blameless" or "irreproachable." This word is used in conjunction with holotelḗs in [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]], indicating that the "wholly" sanctified person is preserved in a state of blamelessness.
* **Sanctification (ἁγιασμός, hagiasmos, `{{G38}}`):** The theological process of being set apart for God and made holy. holotelḗs describes the comprehensive nature of this divine work, extending to the entire person.
* **Perfection:** The concept of perfection in the New Testament, often understood not as absolute sinlessness in this life, but as maturity, completeness, and conformity to God's will. holotelḗs speaks to this ultimate, divinely wrought perfection.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of holotelḗs in [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Initiative in Sanctification:** The prayer emphasizes that holotelḗs sanctification is not a human achievement but a work of God Himself ("May the God of peace himself sanctify you..."). This highlights God's sovereign power and faithfulness in bringing His children to full maturity and blamelessness.
* **Holistic Anthropology:** By praying for the sanctification of "spirit and soul and body," Paul affirms a holistic view of human nature. God's redemptive work is not limited to the spiritual realm but encompasses every dimension of human existence, affirming the inherent goodness and redeemability of the entire person. This counters any dualistic tendencies that might devalue the body or the "soul" (psyche).
* **Comprehensive Scope of Salvation:** Holotelḗs underscores that God's salvation is not partial or incomplete. It aims for the total transformation and preservation of the believer, ensuring that they are fully prepared for Christ's return.
* **Eschatological Hope and Assurance:** The ultimate realization of holotelḗs is tied to the Parousia. This provides immense hope and assurance for believers, knowing that God is faithful to complete the work He began, preserving them "blameless" until the end. This is a promise of future glorification and complete redemption.
* **Peace through Wholeness:** The invocation of "the God of peace" preceding the prayer for holotelḗs sanctification suggests a deep connection between divine peace and the state of being made whole. True peace, in this context, is not merely the absence of conflict but the harmonious integration and complete restoration of the entire person by God.
### Summary
Holotelḗs (`{{G3651}}`) is a potent Greek adjective, meaning "complete to the end," "absolutely perfect," or "wholly." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Thessalonians 5:23]] reveals its profound theological significance. There, it describes the comprehensive nature of God's sanctifying work, which extends to the entirety of the believer's being—spirit, soul, and body. This divine initiative ensures that the believer is preserved "blameless" until the glorious return of Christ. The word underscores a holistic anthropology, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan encompasses every facet of human existence, bringing about a state of ultimate wholeness, perfection, and peace.
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