### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **telesphoréō**, represented by `{{G5052}}`, means to be a bearer to completion or maturity. It appears 2 times in 1 unique verse, where it is used figuratively to describe the process of ripening fruit, translated as to **bring fruit to perfection**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{G5052}}` is in the Parable of the Sower. It describes the seed that **fell** `{{G4098}}` **among** `{{G1519}}` **thorns** `{{G173}}`. These are individuals who **hear** `{{G191}}` the word but are subsequently **choked** `{{G4846}}` by worldly distractions. As a result of being overwhelmed by the **cares** `{{G3308}}`, **riches** `{{G4149}}`, and **pleasures** `{{G2237}}` of this **life** `{{G979}}`, **they** `{{G3778}}` **bring** **no** `{{G3756}}` **fruit to perfection** `{{G5052}}`, failing to reach spiritual maturity [[Luke 8:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify what prevents spiritual fruitfulness:
* `{{G4846}}` **sympnígō** (choke): This word means to strangle completely or to crowd. It is the action that stops spiritual growth, as when the deceitfulness of **riches** `{{G4149}}` **choke** the word, making it unfruitful [[Matthew 13:22]].
* `{{G3308}}` **mérimna** (care): This term signifies solicitude, often with the idea of distraction. The **care** of this world is identified as one of the "thorns" that **choke** the word [[Matthew 13:22]].
* `{{G4149}}` **ploûtos** (riches): Representing wealth or possessions, this is another hindrance to maturity. The Bible warns against trusting in uncertain **riches** `{{G4149}}` rather than God [[1 Timothy 6:17]].
* `{{G2237}}` **hēdonḗ** (pleasure): This refers to sensual delight or desire. Such **pleasures** `{{G2237}}` are listed alongside **cares** `{{G3308}}` and **riches** `{{G4149}}` as forces that prevent one from bringing fruit to perfection [[Luke 8:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5052}}` is found in its powerful, though negative, illustration of spiritual development.
* **Hindrances to Maturity:** The word is used exclusively to define a failure. It teaches that external pressures like the **cares** `{{G3308}}`, **riches** `{{G4149}}`, and **pleasures** `{{G2237}}` of this **life** `{{G979}}` can actively prevent the Word of God from maturing in a believer's life [[Luke 8:14]].
* **Hearing is not Enough:** Its context distinguishes between the act of hearing the word and the process of maturing from it. The individuals described **hear** `{{G191}}` the message but do not progress, showing that reception without endurance is insufficient for spiritual fruitfulness.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Opposition:** The concept of being **choked** `{{G4846}}` by worldly things frames these distractions not as neutral aspects of life, but as active antagonists to spiritual completion. Believers are elsewhere encouraged to cast their **care** `{{G3308}}` upon God [[1 Peter 5:7]], directly addressing one of the elements that prevents fruitfulness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5052}}` is a specific and impactful term that defines spiritual maturity as bringing fruit to full completion. Its single biblical usage serves as a crucial warning. It vividly illustrates how the competing desires for and **cares** `{{G3308}}` of the world can **choke** `{{G4846}}` the life out of a hearer's faith, preventing them from achieving the purpose for which the seed of the word was sown.
TRV