### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun τελευτή (teleutḗ, `{{G5054}}`) is derived from the verb τελευτάω (teleutaō, `{{G5053}}`), which means "to finish," "to bring to an end," or "to die." Consequently, the core meaning of teleutḗ is "an end" or "completion," specifically applied to the cessation of life, thus signifying "death" or "decease." Its semantic range is quite narrow in the New Testament, consistently referring to the physical termination of life. It emphasizes the event of dying as a definitive conclusion, rather than exploring the broader theological dimensions or states associated with death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
τελευτή (teleutḗ, `{{G5054}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances found in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 2:15]]**: "...and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 'Out of Egypt I called My Son.'" Here, teleutḗ precisely denotes the physical demise of King Herod the Great. The context is historical, marking a pivotal moment that enables the return of Jesus and His family from Egypt, directly fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The word highlights the cessation of Herod's life as a divinely orchestrated event.
* **[[Matthew 2:19]]**: "Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, 'Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.'" While the specific word teleutḗ is not used here, the verb τελευτάω (teleutaō), from which teleutḗ is derived, is employed (as *τελευτήσαντος*). The close proximity and identical subject (Herod's death) reinforce the meaning of teleutḗ as the literal end of life. Both occurrences in Matthew underscore teleutḗ as a factual, historical event, serving a specific purpose within God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G5053}}` τελευτάω (teleutaō):** The verb "to finish," "to complete," "to die." As the root of teleutḗ, its meaning directly informs the noun. Its use in [[Matthew 2:19]] is a direct parallel to teleutḗ in [[Matthew 2:15]].
* **`{{G2288}}` θάνατος (thanatos):** This is the most prevalent Greek word for "death" in the New Testament, appearing hundreds of times. While teleutḗ focuses on the *event* of dying, thanatos carries a broader semantic range, encompassing physical death, spiritual death (separation from God), and eternal death. Thanatos is used for the death of Christ, the wages of sin, and the "last enemy," carrying significant theological weight that teleutḗ generally does not.
* **`{{G622}}` ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnēskō):** The verb "to die," closely associated with thanatos.
* **`{{G5056}}` τέλος (telos):** Meaning "end," "goal," or "completion." This word shares the conceptual root of "ending" with teleutḗ, but telos can refer to the end of an age or a purpose, whereas teleutḗ specifically denotes the end of life.
* **`{{G2222}}` ζωή (zōē):** "Life," the direct antithesis to teleutḗ. The cessation of zōē is precisely what teleutḗ describes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of teleutή is primarily derived from its specific narrative contexts rather than from an intrinsic theological depth within the word itself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Herod's teleutή is presented as a providential act of God, removing a significant threat to the young Messiah and enabling the fulfillment of prophecy. This highlights God's sovereign control over all of life, including the timing of death, even for those who oppose His divine will. The precise timing of Herod's demise was crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Unlike thanatos, teleutή is not employed to describe the atoning death of Christ, the spiritual condition of humanity, or the ultimate defeat of death. Its contribution is to underscore God's meticulous orchestration of historical events, demonstrating how even the natural end of a human life can serve His overarching divine purposes.
### Summary
τελευτή (teleutḗ, `{{G5054}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "death" or "decease," emphasizing the "end" or "completion" of physical life. Derived from τελευτάω (teleutaō, `{{G5053}}`), it appears only twice in the New Testament, both in Matthew's Gospel, specifically referring to the physical death of King Herod. Distinct from the more theologically expansive θάνατος (thanatos, `{{G2288}}`), teleutή focuses on the event of dying as a definitive temporal boundary. Its limited but precise usage underscores God's sovereign control over historical events, illustrating how even the death of an individual can be a divinely appointed moment that facilitates the fulfillment of prophecy and the advancement of God's redemptive plan.
TRV