ἐκτελέω
ekteléō
G1615 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To accomplish, to bring to full completion, to carry out thoroughly. In Koine Greek, ἐκτελέω often refers to the full execution or performance of an action or command, with a sense of bringing something to its intended end or fulfillment. The word can indicate performing something without omission, or completely finishing a prescribed task.
Semantic Range
to finish thoroughly, to bring to full completion, to perform (a task) fully, to accomplish or execute without omission
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐκ ('out of, from') and the verb τελέω ('to complete, to finish, to accomplish'). The compound intensifies the sense of thoroughness or totality of completion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐκτελέω is attested with the meaning 'to bring to an end,' 'finish,' or 'accomplish fully.' In the Septuagint, it is used for the thorough carrying out of instructions, especially in ritual or legal contexts, emphasizing the unreserved completion of divine or royal commands. In the New Testament, it appears rarely (Acts 21:27), with the sense of 'to complete' (e.g., when the seven days of purification 'were nearly completed'). The notion goes beyond simple 'completion' and stresses finishing without anything left undone. English translations often render the term as 'fulfill,' 'complete,' or 'finish,' but the underlying idea is total execution rather than mere cessation of activity. The intensive force of ἐκ- in the compound can be lost in English rendering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and τελέω; to complete fully:--finish.
Root Family
ἐκτελέω (ekteleō) — to complete, to bring to an end, to accomplish
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1615-01 |
ἐκτελέσαι | ektelesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to finish | to fully accomplish | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1615-01 |
Luke 14:29 | ἐκτελέσαι | ektelesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to finish | to fully accomplish |
G1615-01 |
Luke 14:30 | ἐκτελέσαι | ektelesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to finish | to fully accomplish |