### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποτελέω (apoteléō), Strong's number `{{G658}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or indicating completion/separation, and the verb τελέω (teleō), meaning "to complete, finish, bring to an end, perform, or pay." The base meaning of τελέω itself relates to bringing something to its destined end or goal (`{{G5056}}` τέλος). The prefix ἀπό in this context serves to intensify the notion of completion, suggesting a definitive, full, or final accomplishment. It implies bringing something *from* its initial state *to* its ultimate, finished state, thus signifying a thorough and complete execution. The semantic range of ἀποτελέω therefore extends to "to complete entirely," "to bring to full maturity," "to perfect," or "to consummate." It denotes not merely the cessation of an action but its successful, definitive, and unhindered termination, leaving nothing undone or lacking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀποτελέω (apoteléō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of James:
* [[James 1:15]]: "Then, when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is **fully grown** (ἀποτελεσθεῖσα), it brings forth death."
In this profound passage, James uses ἀποτελεσθεῖσα (apotelestheisa), the aorist passive participle of ἀποτελέω, to describe the grim trajectory of sin. The imagery is organic: lust conceives, gives birth to sin, and then sin itself "matures" or "comes to full fruition." The passive voice indicates that sin *is brought* to its full completion. Here, ἀποτελέω signifies the *consummation* or *full development* of sin, reaching its ultimate, deadly potential. It is not merely that sin *ends*, but that it runs its full course, achieving its final, destructive purpose. This usage powerfully underscores the inevitable and dire consequence when sin is allowed to progress unchecked to its full and terrible maturity, culminating in spiritual and ultimately physical death. The word emphasizes the finality and completeness of sin's destructive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share a root or conceptual kinship with ἀποτελέω (apoteléō), enriching our understanding:
* **`{{G5055}}` τελέω (teleō):** The root verb, meaning to complete, finish, accomplish, or fulfill. ἀποτελέω is an intensified form, emphasizing the thoroughness of the completion.
* **`{{G5056}}` τέλος (telos):** The noun form, meaning "end," "goal," "purpose," or "consummation." It often refers to the final outcome or the ultimate objective.
* **`{{G2005}}` ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō):** Another compound of τελέω, often meaning "to complete successfully," "to perfect," or "to bring to a successful issue." This word is frequently used in a positive sense, such as completing a good work (e.g., [[Philippians 1:6]]). While similar in meaning to ἀποτελέω, ἐπιτελέω often emphasizes the successful execution of an ongoing task, whereas ἀποτελέω can highlight the definitive, final state of something.
* **`{{G4137}}` πληρόω (plēroō):** To fill, fulfill, or complete. While sharing the concept of completion, πληρόω often pertains to filling something to its capacity or bringing a prophecy/requirement to fulfillment. ἀποτελέω, in contrast, focuses more on the definitive conclusion or full maturation of a process.
* **Concepts:** Consummation, maturation, full development, finality, bringing to fruition, and the inevitable outcome of a process. In the context of [[James 1:15]], it strongly evokes the concept of the "wages of sin" (cf. [[Romans 6:23]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament use of ἀποτελέω (apoteléō) in [[James 1:15]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark warning about the natural and inevitable progression of sin. The word highlights that sin, when given full reign and allowed to reach its "full growth," does not merely cease to exist or fade away; it *consummates* in death. This underscores the inherent destructiveness of sin and the unyielding moral order of God's universe, where unchecked evil culminates in its ultimate, deadly consequence.
This usage contrasts sharply with the concept of God's divine work, which is also brought to completion and perfection (often expressed with words like `{{G2005}}` ἐπιτελέω or `{{G5048}}` τελειόω, "to perfect"). While God's work leads to life, righteousness, and ultimate glorification, the ἀποτελέω of sin leads to spiritual and eternal death. The word emphasizes the *finality* and *completeness* of sin's deadly harvest, presenting it not as a partial or temporary setback, but as an ultimate, inescapable outcome for those who allow it to mature within them. It is a powerful theological statement on the gravity of sin and its inherent trajectory towards destruction.
### Summary
ἀποτελέω (apoteléō), Strong's number `{{G658}}`, is a Greek verb meaning "to complete entirely," "to bring to full maturity," or "to consummate." Formed from ἀπό (apo) and τελέω (teleō), it emphasizes the definitive and thorough conclusion of a process. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[James 1:15]] is highly significant, describing how sin, when "fully grown" or "consummated" (ἀποτελεσθεῖσα), inevitably "brings forth death." This usage powerfully illustrates the dire, final, and inescapable consequence of allowing sin to run its full course. The word serves as a solemn theological warning about the destructive trajectory of sin when it reaches its ultimate, deadly fruition, contrasting sharply with the perfecting work of God.
TRV