### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun `{{G5047}}` (*teleiótēs*), transliterated as *teleiótēs*, signifies the state or quality of being complete, perfect, or mature. It is derived from the adjective `{{G5046}}` (*teleios*), which means "complete," "perfect," or "having reached its end." The root concept is `{{G5056}}` (*telos*), referring to an end, goal, or purpose. Thus, *teleiótēs* denotes the attainment of a desired end or the full development of something, lacking nothing essential for its intended purpose. The base definition specifies "completeness (mentally or morally)," indicating a qualitative perfection or full development in character, understanding, or spiritual maturity, rather than mere quantitative fullness. It implies a state of being fully developed or without defect in a particular sphere.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G5047}}` appears in two significant passages in the New Testament:
* **[[Colossians 3:14]]**: "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (ESV) Here, `{{G5047}}` is translated as "perfect harmony" or "perfectness." The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to clothe themselves with various virtues (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness) and then culminates this list with love (`{{G26}}` *agapē*). Love is presented as the supreme virtue that acts as the "bond of perfectness," unifying all other virtues into a complete and harmonious whole. Without love, the individual virtues, though good, do not cohere into a state of full spiritual maturity or completeness within the body of Christ. Love brings them to their proper fulfillment and expression.
* **[[Hebrews 6:1]]**: "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." (ESV) In this verse, `{{G5047}}` is rendered as "maturity" or "perfection." The author of Hebrews urges his readers to move beyond the foundational teachings of Christianity ("elementary doctrine") and press on towards spiritual advancement. This "perfection" or "maturity" is not an absolute, sinless state, but rather a progression in understanding, faith, and obedience. It signifies a call to deeper spiritual development, a robust grasp of Christian truth, and a more profound commitment to living out the implications of the gospel, moving beyond the milk to the solid food of the word (`{{G3056}}` *logos*).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{G5047}}` is rich, connecting to several key terms:
* **`{{G5046}}` (*teleios*):** The adjective "perfect," "complete," or "mature." This is the direct root of `{{G5047}}`. It is used to describe God's perfection ([[Matthew 5:48]]) and the desired state of believers ([[Matthew 5:48]], [[James 1:4]]).
* **`{{G5055}}` (*teleioō*):** The verb "to complete," "to perfect," or "to bring to an end." This verb describes the *process* of achieving `{{G5047}}`. It is used of Christ being "made perfect" through suffering ([[Hebrews 2:10]], [[Hebrews 5:9]]) and of believers being "perfected" ([[Hebrews 10:14]]).
* **`{{G5056}}` (*telos*):** The noun "end," "goal," "purpose," or "completion." This is the ultimate aim or culmination towards which `{{G5047}}` strives.
* **Maturity (spiritual):** This concept is directly equated with `{{G5047}}` in Hebrews 6:1. It refers to growth from spiritual infancy to full development in understanding and character, indicative of a robust and stable faith.
* **Sanctification (`{{G38}}` *hagiasmos*):** The process of being set apart and made holy. While not identical, `{{G5047}}` can be seen as an aspect or outcome of progressive sanctification, as believers are increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.
* **Love (`{{G26}}` *agapē*):** As highlighted in Colossians, love is the unifying principle that brings about `{{G5047}}` among believers, demonstrating its essential role in Christian completeness.
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{G5047}}` carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Standard and Human Aspiration:** `{{G5047}}` points to the absolute perfection of God, who is the ultimate standard of completeness. The call for believers to pursue `{{G5047}}` is a call to reflect God's character and to grow into His likeness, a journey of conformity to divine holiness.
* **Progressive Sanctification and Spiritual Growth:** In the context of Hebrews, `{{G5047}}` underscores the dynamic nature of the Christian life. It is not a static state achieved instantaneously but a continuous process of spiritual development. Believers are called to move beyond initial conversion and foundational truths towards a deeper, more mature understanding and application of their faith. This involves persistent learning, obedience, and endurance.
* **Love as the Unifying Principle of Completeness:** As seen in Colossians, `{{G5047}}` is inextricably linked to love. Love is not merely one virtue among many but the essential bond that brings all Christian virtues into a harmonious and complete expression. It is the defining characteristic of the mature Christian community, enabling believers to live together in unity and full spiritual health.
* **Christ as the Exemplar and Means:** Ultimately, `{{G5047}}` finds its fullest embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect man, the one who perfectly fulfilled the will of God. Believers are "complete in Him" ([[Colossians 2:10]]) and are called to grow "into Christ" ([[Ephesians 4:13]]), who is the head and in whom all fullness dwells. Our pursuit of `{{G5047}}` is a pursuit of Christlikeness, enabled by the Holy Spirit.
* **Eschatological Hope:** While `{{G5047}}` is a present pursuit, its ultimate and complete realization awaits the believer's final glorification, when they will be fully conformed to Christ's image and experience perfect redemption, free from the presence of sin.
### Summary
`{{G5047}}` (*teleiótēs*) denotes the state of completeness, perfection, or maturity, particularly in a moral and spiritual sense. Derived from `{{G5046}}` (*teleios*), it signifies the attainment of an intended end or full development. In the New Testament, it appears in [[Colossians 3:14]], where love is described as the "bond of perfectness," unifying all virtues into a harmonious whole, and in [[Hebrews 6:1]], where it signifies spiritual maturity and advancement beyond elementary doctrines. Theologically, `{{G5047}}` reflects the divine standard of God's character, emphasizes the ongoing process of progressive sanctification, highlights love as the pinnacle of Christian completeness, and finds its ultimate source and exemplar in Christ. It represents a dynamic pursuit of spiritual fullness and conformity to God's will, with its full realization anticipated in eschatological hope.
TRV