τελειόω

teleióō /tel-i-o'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom τέλειος
Meaningto complete, i.e. (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
KJV usageconsecrate, finish, fulfil, make) perfect.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word teleióō, represented by G5048, means to complete, accomplish, or consummate in character. It is derived from G5046 τέλειος, meaning complete or perfect. The word appears 33 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible, conveying themes of fulfillment, completion, and spiritual maturity.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5048 is used to describe the completion of a divine task or mission. Jesus speaks of his purpose as needing to finish the work of the one who sent him John 4:34. He later declares this mission accomplished, stating, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" John 17:4. This sense of completion also applies to Christ's suffering, as he was made perfect through what he underwent, thereby becoming the author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 5:9). The term is also used to describe the fulfillment of scripture, as seen before the crucifixion John 19:28.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words build on the concept of completion and perfection:

  • G5046 téleios (perfect): The root adjective from which G5048 is derived, meaning complete in labor, growth, or moral character. It is used to describe how perfect love casts out fear 1 John 4:18.
  • G5055 teléō (finish, accomplish): This verb shares a common root and signifies bringing something to an end or conclusion. It is used alongside G5048 to describe how Jesus knew all things were now accomplished John 19:28.
  • G2005 epiteléō (finish, make perfect): This word implies fulfilling something completely. In Luke, Jesus speaks of performing cures and on the third day being perfected Luke 13:32.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G5048 is centered on the concepts of Christ's work and the believer's spiritual growth.

  • Christ's Perfecting Work: The Son is consecrated for evermore Hebrews 7:28. Through his one offering, he has perfected for ever those who are sanctified Hebrews 10:14. This stands in contrast to the Law, which could make nothing perfect Hebrews 7:19.
  • The Believer's Perfection: Believers are called to be made perfect in unity through Christ John 17:23. This process involves having God's love perfected in them, which is demonstrated by keeping His word 1 John 2:5. God's strength is made perfect in human weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9.
  • Perfection through Faith and Works: Faith is made perfect by works, showing a dynamic relationship between belief and action James 2:22. However, sacrifices under the law could not make the worshiper perfect in regard to the conscience Hebrews 9:9.

Summary

In summary, G5048 is a pivotal term that signifies completion and consummation. It defines the finished work of Christ—from his earthly ministry to his ultimate sacrifice—and the spiritual journey of believers toward maturity in love and unity. The word powerfully contrasts the inability of the old covenant to bring about perfection with Christ's singular, all-sufficient work that perfects his people forever.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 24 occurrences, inflected in 18 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Infinitive 4×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 1st Singular 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 1st Singular 1×

+ 6 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 24 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (9 verses).

2
Luke
5
John
1
Acts
1
2 Corinthians
1
Philippians
9
Hebrews
1
James
4
1 John

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