### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb συντελέω (synteléō - `{{G4931}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning "with," "together," or "completely," and the verb τελέω (teleō - `{{G5055}}`), meaning "to complete," "to finish," "to bring to an end," or "to accomplish." The prefix σύν serves to intensify the meaning of τελέω, conveying a sense of thoroughness, totality, or definitive conclusion.
Its core meaning, therefore, is "to complete entirely," "to bring to a full end," or "to execute thoroughly." The semantic range of synteléō includes:
* To bring to an absolute end, to finish completely (e.g., a period of time, a discourse).
* To accomplish or execute fully and perfectly (e.g., a prophecy, a divine purpose).
* To consummate or bring to a definitive conclusion.
* To establish or make completely (e.g., a covenant).
It often implies a finality or an irreversible completion, particularly when referring to divine actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Synteléō appears seven times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Matthew 7:28]]**: "When Jesus had *finished* these words..." Here, synteléō refers to the completion of Jesus' discourse, specifically the Sermon on the Mount. It signifies the full delivery and conclusion of His teaching, indicating that nothing further was to be added in that particular context.
* **[[Mark 13:4]]**: "...when all these things are about to be *accomplished*." In the eschatological discourse, this refers to the future fulfillment of prophetic events concerning the end times. The word emphasizes the certainty and totality of these divine fulfillments.
* **[[Romans 9:28]]**: (Quoting [[Isaiah 10:23]] LXX) "For the Lord will execute His word on the earth, *finishing* it and cutting it short." This is a profound theological statement. It speaks of God's decisive, sovereign action in bringing His purposes to a rapid and complete conclusion, particularly concerning judgment and salvation for Israel. The "finishing" implies a complete and unalterable execution of His divine decree.
* **[[Acts 21:27]]**: "When the seven days were almost *completed*..." This usage is more straightforward, referring to the completion of a specific period of time (the days of purification Paul was observing in the temple). It denotes the temporal conclusion of a set duration.
* **[[Hebrews 4:3]]**: "...although His works were *finished* from the foundation of the world." This verse speaks of God's creative works. Synteléō here underscores the perfection and absolute completion of creation from its very inception, implying that God's work was not partial but entirely brought to its intended state.
* **[[Hebrews 8:8]]**: "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will *make* a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah." In this crucial passage, synteléō is translated "make" or "conclude." It refers to God's act of establishing the New Covenant. The use of synteléō highlights that this new covenant is not a temporary arrangement but a definitive, complete, and fully established divine decree, replacing and surpassing the old.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τελέω (teleō - `{{G5055}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to finish," "to accomplish," "to pay." Synteléō intensifies this by adding the nuance of thoroughness or finality, often implying a more decisive or complete action.
* **τέλος (telos - `{{G5056}}`):** The noun form, meaning "end," "goal," "purpose," "consummation." Synteléō is the verbal action of bringing something to its τέλος.
* **πληρόω (plēroō - `{{G4137}}`):** "To fill," "to fulfill," "to complete." While plēroō can also mean to fulfill (e.g., prophecy), it often emphasizes filling to capacity or bringing to a full measure. Synteléō often carries a stronger connotation of bringing to a definitive, often final, conclusion or execution, particularly in divine acts.
* **ἐκτελέω (ektelēō - `{{G1615}}`):** "To complete," "to finish." Similar in meaning to synteléō, but less frequent in the New Testament. Synteléō often carries a greater emphasis on the *consummation* or *utter finality* of an action.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment:** The consistent use of synteléō in contexts describing God's actions (e.g., [[Romans 9:28]], [[Hebrews 4:3]], [[Hebrews 8:8]]) strongly links it to the concept of God's supreme authority and His unwavering commitment to bring His plans and prophecies to their complete and certain fulfillment.
### Theological Significance
The term synteléō carries profound theological implications, especially concerning the nature and actions of God.
1. **Divine Perfection and Completeness:** When applied to God's works, such as creation ([[Hebrews 4:3]]), synteléō underscores the absolute perfection and finality of His divine operations. God's work is never partial or incomplete; it is brought to its intended, flawless conclusion.
2. **Sovereign Fulfillment of God's Word and Purpose:** In contexts of prophecy and divine decree ([[Mark 13:4]], [[Romans 9:28]]), synteléō highlights God's unwavering commitment to bring His spoken word and redemptive purposes to their ultimate and decisive conclusion. It signifies a divine execution that is both certain and complete, often implying a swift and unalterable action in history.
3. **The Establishment of the New Covenant:** The use of synteléō in [[Hebrews 8:8]] regarding the New Covenant is particularly significant. It emphasizes that this covenant is not a temporary arrangement but a fully established, permanent, and complete divine act, replacing the old covenant definitively. This speaks to the efficacy and finality of Christ's redemptive work.
4. **Consummation of God's Plan:** The word points towards the ultimate culmination of historical and redemptive processes. It assures believers that God is actively working to bring all things to their appointed end, whether that be the end of an age, the fulfillment of a promise, or the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
### Summary
Synteléō (`{{G4931}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to complete entirely," "to finish thoroughly," or "to execute definitively." Formed from σύν (completely) and τελέω (to finish), it conveys a sense of absolute conclusion and perfect accomplishment. Its New Testament occurrences illustrate its application to the completion of Jesus' teachings ([[Matthew 7:28]]), the passing of time ([[Acts 21:27]]), and most significantly, the decisive and sovereign acts of God. These divine acts include the perfect completion of creation ([[Hebrews 4:3]]), the certain fulfillment of eschatological events ([[Mark 13:4]]), the swift and complete execution of God's word in judgment and salvation ([[Romans 9:28]]), and the definitive establishment of the New Covenant ([[Hebrews 8:8]]). Theologically, synteléō powerfully affirms God's absolute sovereignty, the perfection and finality of His works, and His unwavering commitment to bring His redemptive plan to its ultimate and glorious consummation.
TRV