### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word παντελής (pantelḗs, `{{G3838}}`) is a compound adjective formed from πᾶς (pas, `{{G3956}}`), meaning "all" or "every," and τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`), meaning "end," "completion," or "purpose." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "all-ending" or "reaching the complete end."
Its semantic range encompasses notions of absolute completeness, perfection, and totality. It can be translated as "completely," "perfectly," "utterly," "entirely," "to the fullest extent," or "to the uttermost." When used with a negative particle, as in [[Luke 13:11]], it emphasizes an absolute impossibility or "not at all." The core idea is that something is brought to its absolute and final conclusion, leaving nothing wanting or undone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παντελής appears only twice in the New Testament, yet in each instance, it carries significant weight:
1. **[[Luke 13:11]]**: "and behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten herself up *at all* (οὐδὲ ἀνακύψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές)."
In this passage, εἰς τὸ παντελές is used in conjunction with a negative particle (οὐδὲ) to emphasize the absolute nature of the woman's infirmity. She was *completely* unable to straighten herself. This highlights the severity and totality of her affliction, setting the stage for the dramatic and equally complete healing wrought by Jesus. The phrase underscores the profound limitation imposed by her condition, making Christ's subsequent act of restoration all the more remarkable and demonstrative of His divine power.
2. **[[Hebrews 7:25]]**: "Consequently, he is able to save *to the uttermost* (δύναται καὶ σῴζειν εἰς τὸ παντελές) those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
This is arguably the most theologically profound occurrence. Here, εἰς τὸ παντελές modifies Christ's ability to save. It describes the absolute, comprehensive, and perfect nature of the salvation He provides. It implies that His salvation is not partial, temporary, or insufficient, but extends to the complete and final deliverance from sin, its power, and its consequences. This "uttermost" salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and ultimate glorification, secured by His eternal priesthood and unceasing intercession. The phrase contrasts sharply with the limitations of the Old Covenant priesthood and sacrifices, which could not perfect the worshiper (cf. [[Hebrews 7:18-19]], [[Hebrews 10:1-4]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of παντελής is enriched by its constituent parts and related terms:
* **πᾶς (pas, `{{G3956}}`)**: The root for "all" or "every," contributing the sense of totality and comprehensiveness.
* **τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`)**: The root for "end," "completion," or "purpose," contributing the idea of finality, perfection, and ultimate fulfillment.
* **τελειόω (teleioō, `{{G5048}}`)**: A verb meaning "to make perfect," "to complete," or "to bring to an end." This verb shares the same root as τέλος and reinforces the concept of perfection and completion inherent in παντελής.
* **σωτηρία (sōtēria, `{{G4991}}`)**: "Salvation." This is the object of Christ's ability in [[Hebrews 7:25]], and παντελής defines the *quality* and *scope* of this salvation.
* **δύναμαι (dynamai, `{{G1410}}`)**: "To be able." The ability of Christ in [[Hebrews 7:25]] is described as παντελής, emphasizing His omnipotence in the work of redemption.
The concept of παντελής is thus closely tied to ideas of divine power, absolute efficacy, completeness, perfection, finality, and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παντελής is profound, particularly in its application to Christ's saving work:
* **The Efficacy of Christ's Ministry:** In both instances, παντελής highlights the absolute effectiveness and completeness of Christ's actions. In [[Luke 13:11]], it underscores the utter inability of humanity apart from divine intervention, making Christ's healing a complete and perfect restoration. In [[Hebrews 7:25]], it speaks to the boundless power of Christ's salvation, which is not limited by human sin or weakness.
* **The Perfection of Christ's Priesthood:** The use in [[Hebrews 7:25]] is a cornerstone of New Testament Christology. It asserts that Christ's high priestly ministry offers a salvation that is exhaustive and conclusive. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose work was incomplete and repetitive, Christ's single sacrifice and perpetual intercession achieve a salvation that is "to the uttermost." This means His work covers all aspects of human need—past sin, present struggle, and future glorification—leading to full and eternal reconciliation with God.
* **Assurance of Salvation:** For believers, the truth that Christ saves εἰς τὸ παντελές provides immense assurance. It means that salvation is not precarious or partial, but secure and complete. Those who "draw near to God through him" are not merely given a chance but are brought into a state of perfect and unending salvation, guaranteed by Christ's continuous intercession on their behalf. It speaks to the finality and irrevocability of God's grace in Christ.
* **Contrast with Human Limitation:** The term implicitly draws a contrast between human frailty and the limitless power of God. The woman in Luke could not straighten herself *at all*, but Christ could heal her *completely*. This highlights the vast chasm between human limitation and divine omnipotence, emphasizing that true and perfect deliverance comes only from God.
### Summary
Παντελής (pantelḗs, `{{G3838}}`), derived from πᾶς (all) and τέλος (end/completion), signifies "completely," "perfectly," or "to the uttermost." Its two New Testament occurrences powerfully illustrate divine efficacy and the absolute nature of Christ's work. In [[Luke 13:11]], it describes the *utter* inability of a woman to straighten herself, highlighting the completeness of her infirmity and, by implication, the absolute nature of Christ's healing. More profoundly, in [[Hebrews 7:25]], παντελής describes Christ's ability to save "to the uttermost." This emphasizes the comprehensive, perfect, and final nature of His redemptive work, ensuring complete deliverance, ongoing preservation, and eternal security for those who draw near to God through His perpetual intercession. The term underscores the boundless power and sufficiency of Christ's priesthood, offering profound assurance to believers in the finality and perfection of their salvation.
TRV