### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun συντέλεια (syntéleia, `{{G4930}}`) is derived from the verb συντελέω (synteleō, `{{G4931}}`), meaning "to complete together," "to bring to an end," or "to accomplish." Thus, συντέλεια does not merely signify a cessation or termination, but rather a *full and complete bringing to an end* or a *consummation*. Its semantic range emphasizes the climax, fulfillment, or definitive conclusion of a process, an era, or a dispensation. It points to the "end" as the culmination of an intended design, rather than a simple stopping point. Unlike τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`), which can denote a general end, goal, or outcome, συντέλεια specifically conveys the idea of a comprehensive, final completion of a period, implying that all preceding events have led to this definitive close.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term συντέλεια (syntéleia) appears seven times in the New Testament, six times in Matthew's Gospel and once in the book of Hebrews. In every instance, it is used in conjunction with the word αἰών (aiōn, `{{G165}}`), meaning "age" or "eon," forming the crucial phrase συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος (syntéleia tou aiōnos) or συντελείᾳ τῶν αἰώνων (synteleia tōn aiōnōn).
1. **Matthew 13:39, 40, 49**: In the parables of the Weeds and the Net, Jesus explicitly states that the harvest and the separation of the good from the bad will occur "at the end of the age" ([[Matthew 13:39]], [[Matthew 13:40]], [[Matthew 13:49]]). Here, συντέλεια clearly refers to a future, decisive period of judgment and separation, marking the conclusion of the present world order.
2. **Matthew 24:3**: The disciples' pivotal question to Jesus on the Mount of Olives concerns "the sign of your coming and of the end of the age" ([[Matthew 24:3]]). This verse establishes συντέλεια as a key eschatological marker, directly linked to Christ's return and the ultimate culmination of history.
3. **Matthew 28:20**: In the Great Commission, Jesus promises His disciples, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([[Matthew 28:20]]). This signifies that His presence and authority will extend throughout the entire duration of the current age, until its divinely appointed consummation.
4. **Hebrews 9:26**: This passage states that Christ "has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" ([[Hebrews 9:26]]). Here, the plural "ages" (αἰώνων) suggests that Christ's first advent occurred at the climactic point where various preceding dispensations or periods of redemptive history reached their intended fulfillment and conclusion, ushering in the new covenant era.
Across these occurrences, συντέλεια consistently denotes a specific, divinely ordained termination point for a historical or dispensational period, characterized by definitive events such as judgment, Christ's return, or the inauguration of a new covenant reality. It is never a simple, open-ended "end," but a purposeful consummation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding συντέλεια (syntéleia, `{{G4930}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **συντελέω (synteleō, `{{G4931}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to complete," "to finish," or "to bring to an end." This verb emphasizes the active process of bringing something to its conclusion, which culminates in the state described by the noun συντέλεια.
* **τέλος (telos, `{{G5056}}`)**: While both mean "end," τέλος is broader, encompassing concepts like goal, purpose, or simple termination. συντέλεια is a more specific kind of end—one that signifies a full, definitive completion or consummation of a period or process.
* **πληρόω (plēroō, `{{G4137}}`)**: Meaning "to fulfill" or "to complete." This term often refers to the fulfillment of prophecy or the completion of a task. While related to completion, πληρόω focuses on the act of filling or bringing to fruition, whereas συντέλεια denotes the definitive close of an epoch.
* **αἰών (aiōn, `{{G165}}`)**: "Age" or "eon." This word is crucial for understanding συντέλεια, as the two are almost invariably paired ("end of the age"). This pairing highlights that συντέλεια refers to the termination of a specific temporal and dispensational period, rather than a timeless, absolute end.
* **Eschatology**: The study of "last things." συντέλεια is a foundational term in New Testament eschatology, pointing to the final phase of God's redemptive plan and the ultimate destiny of humanity and creation.
* **Consummation**: The act of bringing to completion or perfection. This concept perfectly aligns with συντέλεια, emphasizing that the "end" is not merely a cessation but the culmination of God's purposes.
* **Judgment**: As seen in Matthew's parables, the "end of the age" is inextricably linked with divine judgment, separation of the righteous from the wicked, and the establishment of God's kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The term συντέλεια (syntéleia, `{{G4930}}`) carries profound theological significance, particularly within the framework of New Testament eschatology and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over History**: The consistent use of συντέλεια underscores God's absolute sovereignty over time and history. The "end of the age" is not a random occurrence but a divinely appointed and purposeful consummation, a climactic moment within God's meticulously planned timeline for creation and redemption.
2. **The Consummation of God's Plan**: In Matthew, συντέλεια points to the definitive conclusion of the present evil age and the full inauguration of God's kingdom. It is the period when God's purposes for judgment and salvation reach their ultimate fulfillment. The parables of the Weeds and the Net reveal that this consummation involves the final separation of the righteous from the wicked, leading to eternal destinies.
3. **Christ's Central Role**: [[Hebrews 9:26]] is particularly significant, stating that Christ appeared "at the consummation of the ages." This implies that His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection were not arbitrary events, but the divinely appointed climax of all preceding dispensations. He came at the strategic moment to put away sin, thereby inaugurating the new covenant age and setting in motion the final phase of redemptive history. His return will bring this new age to its ultimate consummation.
4. **Hope and Urgency for Believers**: For the believer, the concept of συντέλεια inspires both hope and urgency. It signifies the assured arrival of God's perfect kingdom and the end of suffering and sin. Simultaneously, it calls for vigilance and faithfulness, as the "end of the age" brings accountability and the final review of one's life before God.
5. **Distinction of Ages**: The recurring phrase "end of the age" highlights a biblical understanding of distinct ages or dispensations (e.g., the present evil age vs. the age to come). συντέλεια marks the definitive transition point between these ages, particularly the transition from the current earthly order to the eternal, perfected state of God's kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word συντέλεια (syntéleia, `{{G4930}}`) signifies a complete and definitive end, a consummation, rather than a mere cessation. Its consistent usage in the New Testament, primarily in the phrase "the end of the age" (συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος), marks it as a key eschatological term. It denotes the divinely appointed climax of a specific historical or dispensational period, characterized by events such as final judgment, the separation of the righteous and wicked, and the full establishment of God's kingdom. Christ's first advent occurred at the "consummation of the ages" ([[Hebrews 9:26]]), initiating the final phase of God's redemptive plan, and His promised return will bring this age to its ultimate completion. Thus, συντέλεια underscores God's sovereign control over history, providing both a warning of impending judgment and a profound hope for the glorious culmination of His purposes.
TRV