Word Study for G5048 (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.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of teleióō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

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.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 24 occurrences, inflected in 18 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

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

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 24 verses across 8 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (9 verses); never once in the other 19.

Luke

John

Acts

2 Corinthians

Philippians

Hebrews

James

1 John

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.