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ἐπιτελέω

epiteléō

G2005 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To bring something to its full end or completion; to perform, accomplish, or execute a task fully. In various contexts, it can mean to carry a project, command, or process through to its intended conclusion, to complete or fulfill an obligation, or to perfect something by executing its final phase.

Semantic Range

to bring to completion, to bring to full effect, to accomplish, execute thoroughly, to fulfill an obligation, to carry out (a command or ritual), to finish, to perfect

Root / Etymology

ἐπιτελέω is formed from the preposition ἐπί (upon, on) and the verb τελέω (to complete, finish, fulfill). Thus, it denotes an intensified or completed action, emphasizing the reaching or bringing of something to its fully-intended end.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ἐπιτελέω is used for carrying out assignments, fulfilling duties, or completing rituals (such as sacrifices or ceremonies), thus extending the sense of τελέω with a sense of thoroughness or consummation. In the Septuagint, it can denote accomplishing divine commands or completing vows, especially in cultic or legal contexts. In the New Testament, this verb often describes the completion or fulfillment of spiritual obligations, divine purposes, or ethical duties (e.g., 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 3:3; Philippians 1:6). The English translations "accomplish," "complete," and "perfect" can capture these meanings but sometimes lose the nuance of active, thorough fulfillment that the verb implies. In contrast to simple τελέω, ἐπιτελέω stresses both the process and the result of bringing something to full effect.

Translation Consistency

primary "complete" 6 occurrences

ἐπιτελέω primarily means bringing something to its full end or carrying it through to its intended conclusion. 'Complete' is a natural, versatile English verb that covers the typical senses (finish, accomplish, fulfill, bring to completion) and works well for commands, obligations, rituals, and projects, so it will provide consistent, natural renderings across all forms.

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"bring to full completion" (2x) "performing" (1x) "accomplished" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and τελέω; to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo:--accomplish, do, finish, (make) (perfect), perform(X -ance).

Root Family

ἐπιτελέω (epiteleō) — to complete, to fulfill, to perform fully

Root τελέ- to complete, to fulfill, to perform

Word Forms

9 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2005-09 ἐπιτελοῦντες epitelountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL perfecting those fully completing completing 2
G2005-04 ἐπιτελέσαι epitelesai V AOR ACT INF completion to fully complete to fully complete 1
G2005-08 ἐπιτελέσει epitelesei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will perfect will fully complete will fully complete 1
G2005-01 ἐπιτελεῖν epitelein V PRS ACT INF to complete to bring to full completion to bring to full completion 1
G2005-07 ἐπιτελέσῃ epitelese V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG he would complete might fully complete might fully complete 1
G2005-06 ἐπιτελέσατε epitelesate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL finish Bring to full completion bring to full completion 1
G2005-02 ἐπιτελεῖσθαι epiteleisthai V PRS PASS INF are being accomplished to be brought to completion to be accomplished 1
G2005-05 ἐπιτελέσας epitelesas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having finished having fully completed having fully completed 1
G2005-03 ἐπιτελεῖσθε epiteleisthe V PRS MID IND 2P PL being perfected you are completing for yourselves you are completing for yourselves 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2005-05 Romans 15:28 ἐπιτελέσας epitelesas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having finished having fully completed having fully completed
G2005-09 2 Corinthians 7:1 ἐπιτελοῦντες epitelountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL perfecting those fully completing completing
G2005-07 2 Corinthians 8:6 ἐπιτελέσῃ epitelese V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG he would complete might fully complete might fully complete
G2005-06 2 Corinthians 8:11 ἐπιτελέσατε epitelesate V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL finish Bring to full completion bring to full completion
G2005-04 2 Corinthians 8:11 ἐπιτελέσαι epitelesai V AOR ACT INF completion to fully complete to fully complete
G2005-03 Galatians 3:3 ἐπιτελεῖσθε epiteleisthe V PRS MID IND 2P PL being perfected you are completing for yourselves you are completing for yourselves
G2005-08 Philippians 1:6 ἐπιτελέσει epitelesei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will perfect will fully complete will fully complete
G2005-01 Hebrews 8:5 ἐπιτελεῖν epitelein V PRS ACT INF to complete to bring to full completion to bring to full completion
G2005-09 Hebrews 9:6 ἐπιτελοῦντες epitelountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL performing those fully completing performing
G2005-02 1 Peter 5:9 ἐπιτελεῖσθαι epiteleisthai V PRS PASS INF are being accomplished to be brought to completion to be accomplished
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