GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

συντέλεια (sunteleia)

sunteleia

consummation

G4930 · Greek · New Testament · 6 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
6 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun sunteleia signifies a final completion or consummation, marking the point where a process reaches its intended end. In the New Testament, it appears six times, primarily in the Gospels and Hebrews, to describe the conclusion of an age or era rather than a simple termination. The word carries the weight of fulfillment, suggesting that history is moving toward a definitive close.

This term is most frequently paired with "the age," as seen in Matthew 13:39-40 and 28:20, where it denotes the end of the current system of things. It also appears in Hebrews 9:26 to describe the moment Christ appeared to put away sin by His sacrifice, framing that event as the decisive conclusion of the old order. The underlying verb implies bringing something together to its fullness, so sunteleia is not merely an ending but a completed state.

Translators often render it as "consummation" or "end," capturing the sense of a final, irreversible stage. Unlike words that simply mean cessation, sunteleia implies that what was begun has now been brought to its proper goal. This usage reflects a theological view where history is purposeful and directed toward a specific, completed outcome.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word sunteleia points to a final completion rather than a simple stop. It describes the moment when God’s purposes reach their intended goal. In Matthew, Jesus uses this term to describe the end of the age, showing that history moves toward a definitive close. This is not just about things ending, but about them being fulfilled.

For your faith, this offers deep comfort. You are not waiting for chaos, but for a completed plan. Hebrews 9:26 reminds us that Christ appeared at the end of the ages to put away sin. His work was finished, bringing the old order to its proper goal. This means your life is part of a story that is heading toward peace and resolution.

When you face uncertainty, remember that God brings things to their fullness. The same Lord who promised to be with you until the end of the age is present now. You can trust that what He has begun, He will bring to completion. This hope anchors your heart in His faithful character.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • consummation3×
  • [the] consummation2×
  • completion1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • συντελείᾳ3×
  • συντελείας2×
  • συντέλεια1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 13:39
    The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.

    This verse identifies the 'end of the age' as the harvest time when angels separate the wicked from the righteous, defining sunteleia as a moment of divine judgment and sorting.

  • Matthew 28:20
    teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

    Here Jesus promises His presence 'to the end of the age,' using sunteleia to mark the entire duration of the church's mission until history reaches its final fulfillment.

  • Hebrews 9:26
    or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

    The author states Christ appeared 'at the end of the ages' to put away sin, framing His sacrifice as the decisive conclusion that ends the old system of atonement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sunteleia mean in the Bible?

Sunteleia means consummation or final completion. It refers to the point where a process, especially an age or era, reaches its intended goal. It is not merely a termination but a fulfillment of what was begun.

How is sunteleia different from other words for 'end'?

While some Greek words simply mean cessation or stopping, sunteleia implies bringing something to its fullness. It suggests that history is moving toward a specific, completed outcome rather than just fading away.

Where does this word appear in the New Testament?

It appears six times, primarily in Matthew’s Gospel and Hebrews. Key occurrences include Matthew 13:39, 28:20, and Hebrews 9:26, where it describes the end of the age or the culmination of Christ’s work.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)

Matthew 5 verses
Matthew 13:39

The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.

Matthew 13:40

As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age.

Matthew 13:49

So it will be in the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous,

Matthew 24:3

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…

Matthew 28:20

teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”…

Hebrews 1 verse