τελείωσις

completion, fulfillment, perfection

Definition

τελείωσις (teleiōsis) primarily means 'completion,' 'fulfillment,' or 'perfection,' carrying the sense of bringing something to its intended end or goal. In Luke 1:45, it refers to the 'fulfillment' of God's promise to Elizabeth, indicating the actualization of what was spoken. In Hebrews 7:11, the term is used in a more technical, priestly context, questioning the need for another priesthood if 'perfection' (or a state of complete spiritual effectiveness) could have been attained through the Levitical system. Here, it points to a state of ultimate completeness and efficacy in relationship to God.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct contexts. In Luke 1:45, it describes the tangible fulfillment of a divine promise in a narrative setting. In Hebrews 7:11, it is used in a theological argument about the superiority of Christ's priesthood, where 'perfection' denotes the ultimate spiritual completeness and access to God that the old Levitical system could not provide.

Etymology

Derived from the verb τελειόω (teleioō, G5048), meaning 'to complete, finish, or perfect.' It is built on the root τέλος (telos, G5056), meaning 'end, goal, or purpose.' Thus, τελείωσις inherently conveys the idea of reaching an intended end or achieving a state of wholeness.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects God's faithful fulfillment of promises (Luke 1:45) with the ultimate perfection found only in Christ's priesthood (Hebrews 7:11). It highlights a key theme in Hebrews: the Old Covenant, with its laws and Levitical priesthood, was incomplete and could not bring believers to spiritual perfection or final reconciliation with God. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that the 'perfection' in Hebrews is about a finished, effective work, not moral flawlessness.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'perfection' (τελείωσις) often related to initiation into religious mysteries or the completion of a process. The author of Hebrews adapts this cultural understanding of reaching a goal to argue that only Christ's sacrifice truly completes the process of redemption and brings believers into full relationship with God, unlike the repeated, incomplete sacrifices of the old system.

τέλος (telos, G5056) — emphasizes the end, goal, or outcome itself. τελειότης (teleiotēs, G5047) — focuses more on the state or quality of being perfect or mature. τελειόω (teleioō, G5048) — the verb meaning to complete, perfect, or accomplish.

Word Details

Scripture References