τελειόω
teleióō
G5048 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bring to completion, to accomplish, to carry through to the intended goal or end. In certain contexts, refers to perfecting or making someone or something fully developed or complete in quality, function, or purpose. Semantic range includes achieving finality, reaching maturity, fulfilling a prescribed role or mandate, and bringing about completeness in process or state.
Semantic Range
to complete, finish, bring to an end; to fulfill (a command, requirement, or purpose); to consummate; to make mature or fully developed; to consecrate (by completion of rites or process); to make complete or perfect (in the sense of achieving the intended design or maturity)
Root / Etymology
From the root τέλειος (complete, mature, fully developed), itself from τέλος (end, goal, purpose). τελειόω is a denominative verb indicating the process of bringing to an end or to a state of completeness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τελειόω primarily denotes bringing something to its end or carrying it to its intended goal or fulfillment. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb is frequently used to signify the accomplishment or fulfillment of requirements, intentions, or roles. In ritual contexts (e.g., Lev 8:33), it can refer to the set-apart status conferred upon someone who has completed rites of consecration. In moral or personal development contexts, especially in the New Testament, it can suggest the attainment of maturity or full development (e.g., Hebrews 2:10; James 2:22), not absolute flawlessness but fulfillment of design or purpose. Standard English translations rendering it as 'make perfect' may over-emphasize the sense of moral perfection, whereas the original Greek meaning centers on completion or reaching an intended goal. The verb should be contrasted with Greek verbs meaning 'to begin' (ἀρχίζω), as well as verbs emphasizing skill or virtue (ἀρετάζω), since τελειόω focuses on finality and completion rather than the process or quality alone.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from τέλειος; to complete, i.e. (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character):--consecrate, finish, fulfil, make) perfect.
Root Family
τελειόω (teleioō) — bring to completion, accomplish, make complete, fulfill, perfect
Word Forms
16 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5048-03 |
τελειῶσαι | teleiosai | V AOR ACT INF |
finish | to bring to completion | 4 |
G5048-16 |
τετελείωται | teteleiotai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
has been perfected | has been made complete | 3 |
G5048-15 |
τετελειωμένον | teteleiomenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
made perfect | having been completed | 2 |
G5048-06 |
τελειώσω | teleioso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
I finish | I may complete | 2 |
G5048-08 |
τελειωθεὶς | teleiotheis | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG |
having been brought to completion | 1 | |
G5048-02 |
ἐτελειώθη | eteleiothe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
was perfected | was brought to completion | 1 |
G5048-10 |
τελειοῦμαι | teleioumai | V PRS PASS IND 1P SG |
I am perfected | I am being made complete | 1 |
G5048-05 |
τελειώσας | teleiosas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having finished | having brought to completion | 1 |
G5048-07 |
τελειωθῇ | teleiothe | V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG |
might be fulfilled | may be made complete | 1 |
G5048-12 |
τετελείωμαι | teteleiomai | V PRF PASS IND 1P SG |
perfect | I have been made complete | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
23 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5048-04 |
Luke 2:43 | τελειωσάντων | teleiosanton | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL |
they had fulfilled | of those having brought to completion |
G5048-10 |
Luke 13:32 | τελειοῦμαι | teleioumai | V PRS PASS IND 1P SG |
I am perfected | I am being made complete |
G5048-06 |
John 4:34 | τελειώσω | teleioso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
I finish | I may complete |
G5048-06 |
John 5:36 | τελειώσω | teleioso | V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG |
I may finish | I may complete |
G5048-05 |
John 17:4 | τελειώσας | teleiosas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having finished | having brought to completion |
G5048-14 |
John 17:23 | τετελειωμένοι | teteleiomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
perfected | those having been brought to completion |
G5048-07 |
John 19:28 | τελειωθῇ | teleiothe | V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG |
might be fulfilled | may be made complete |
G5048-03 |
Acts 20:24 | τελειῶσαι | teleiosai | V AOR ACT INF |
finish | to bring to completion |
G5048-12 |
Philippians 3:12 | τετελείωμαι | teteleiomai | V PRF PASS IND 1P SG |
perfect | I have been made complete |
G5048-03 |
Hebrews 2:10 | τελειῶσαι | teleiosai | V AOR ACT INF |
to bring to completion |