τελευτή

end of life, death

Definition

τελευτή refers specifically to the end of life, meaning death or decease. In its single New Testament occurrence in Matthew 2:15, it denotes the death of Herod, marking the termination of his life and reign. While the word can broadly mean 'end' or 'completion' in classical Greek, its biblical usage narrows to the finality of physical life. This contrasts with other Greek words for death (like θάνατος) by emphasizing the event or point of conclusion rather than the state or condition of being dead.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 2:15, which quotes Hosea 11:1: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.' The context is the death of Herod, which allowed the holy family to return from Egypt. The singular usage highlights a specific, decisive event—the end of Herod's life—that fulfills prophetic scripture and changes the narrative course. Its rarity suggests the biblical authors typically preferred other terms for death.

Etymology

Derived from the verb τελέω (teleō, G5055), meaning 'to bring to an end, complete, or accomplish.' The noun τελευτή thus carries the core idea of an ending or termination. It is related to τέλος (telos, G5056), meaning 'end' or 'goal.' The development from 'completion' to specifically 'end of life' shows how the concept of a final conclusion was applied to human existence.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, τελευτή in Matthew 2:15 is theologically significant as it marks a divinely orchestrated turning point. Herod's death is presented not as a random event but as part of God's providential timing to fulfill prophecy and protect the Messiah. Understanding this specific term for 'end of life' underscores the biblical theme that even the deaths of powerful opponents are under God's sovereign control to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

In the Greco-Roman world, τελευτή was a common, straightforward term for death, without the heavy philosophical or spiritual connotations some other words carried. Its use for Herod's death reflects a matter-of-fact reporting of a political event. For Matthew's original audience, it would clearly signal the removal of a immediate threat, allowing the narrative to progress, much like a historical chronicle noting a king's demise.

θάνατος (thanatos, G2288) — the most common NT word for death, often referring to the state or condition of death, and used in spiritual contexts (e.g., Romans 6:23). κοιμάω (koimaō, G2837) — means 'to fall asleep,' a euphemism for the death of believers (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15).

Word Details

Scripture References