Finish
The Concept of Completion in Scripture
The biblical idea of 'finish' encompasses more than mere cessation; it denotes the successful accomplishment of a purpose, the fulfillment of a plan, or the bringing of something to its intended and perfect state. From the very beginning, God is presented as one who finishes what he starts. After the work of creation, Genesis 2:2 states, 'And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.' This establishes a pattern of divine action that culminates in completion and rest.
Key Hebrew and Greek Terms
Several original language terms convey the idea of finishing. The Hebrew word kālâ often means to complete, consume, or bring to an end (as in 2 Chronicles 24:14, where the work on the temple is 'finished'). The Greek term teleō and its related forms carry the sense of bringing something to its intended goal or purpose. This word group appears in significant passages about Jesus completing the work the Father gave him (John 4:34; 5:36). Another Greek term, plēroō, meaning 'to fulfill' or 'fill up,' is sometimes translated as 'finish' in contexts of prophetic fulfillment (Revelation 15:1, 8).
The Climactic Cry: 'It Is Finished'
The most theologically significant use of 'finish' occurs in John's Gospel during the crucifixion narrative. In John 19:30, Jesus declares, 'It is finished' (Greek: Tetelestai). This single word represents the culmination of his earthly mission. Far from a cry of defeat, it is a triumphant announcement that the work of redemption—foretold by prophets and prefigured in Israel's sacrificial system—has been accomplished. The perfect tense of the verb indicates a completed action with ongoing results: the atonement for sin is both finished in history and eternally effective.
Finishing in the Life of Faith
The New Testament applies the concept of finishing to the Christian life. Believers are called to complete good works (2 Corinthians 8:6), run the race to the end (2 Timothy 4:7), and persevere in faith until completion (Philippians 1:6). James 1:15 offers a sobering contrast, describing sin's progression from conception to being 'full-grown' (a translation of a term sometimes rendered 'finished'), which then 'brings forth death.' This warns against allowing sinful desires to reach their complete, destructive end.
Eschatological Consummation
The theme of finishing extends to the end of the biblical story. Revelation presents visions of God finishing his judgments (Revelation 15:1) and ultimately making 'all things new' (Revelation 21:5). The entire creation, now groaning under the burden of sin, awaits its final redemption and the completion of God's restoration project (Romans 8:18-23). The finished work of Christ guarantees this future consummation.
Biblical Context
The theme of finishing appears throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, it describes the completion of God's creative work (Genesis 2:2), the finishing of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 39:32; 2 Chronicles 7:11), and the fulfillment of prophetic words (Jeremiah 25:12). In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly speaks of finishing the work the Father gave him (John 4:34; 17:4). The epistles apply the concept to the Christian's spiritual journey and good works (2 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 12:2). Revelation uses the language of finishing to describe the completion of God's judgments and plans (Revelation 10:7; 15:1, 8).
Theological Significance
The biblical concept of 'finish' teaches profound truths about God's character and his plan of salvation. It reveals God as faithful—one who initiates and completes his purposes (Philippians 1:6). Jesus's cry 'It is finished' is the cornerstone of soteriology, declaring that salvation is accomplished by Christ alone, through grace alone, and is not dependent on human effort. This finished work provides believers with assurance, rest from striving for self-justification, and confidence in God's ability to complete the good work he began in them. It also points toward the eschatological hope that God will finish his redemptive plan for all creation.
Historical Background
The Greek word tetelestai ("it is finished") used in John 19:30 had specific cultural connotations in the first-century world. Archaeological discoveries of papyrus business documents and receipts show this term was commonly written across debts to indicate 'paid in full.' In the context of Jesus's crucifixion, this background enriches our understanding: his declaration signifies that the debt of sin has been completely satisfied. Furthermore, in Jewish religious context, the finishing of the temple (a major theme in Chronicles) represented the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among his people—a promise ultimately fulfilled in Christ (John 1:14). The concept of a work being 'finished' carried weight in ancient Near Eastern creation accounts and covenant ceremonies, where completion established stability and order.