συντελέω (sunteleō)
sunteleō
to complete
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunteleō means to bring something to its intended end or completion. It is not merely stopping an activity, but finishing it in a way that fulfills its purpose. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts where a task, period, or prophecy reaches its natural conclusion. For example, Luke notes that Jesus’ temptation was completed (τετελέσθη) after forty days (Luke 4:13), and John records that Jesus declared "it is finished" on the cross (John 19:30, though using a related form, the concept aligns with the lexical sense of finality).
Its components suggest working together toward an end: syn ("with") and telos ("end" or "goal"). This prefix adds a sense of thoroughness or collective fulfillment. The sources highlight its use in Romans 9:28, where Paul quotes Isaiah to say that the Lord will finish His work quickly and cut it short in righteousness. Here, sunteleō emphasizes God’s decisive action in accomplishing His plan, not just delaying it. It conveys a sense of purposeful closure, whether describing the end of a trial, the fulfillment of a promise, or the completion of a divine mission.
Translators often render it as "finish," "complete," or "accomplish," depending on context. Its theological weight lies in its association with God’s faithfulness to bring His purposes to fruition. Unlike words that simply mean "stop," sunteleō implies a goal-oriented conclusion, where the end matches the original intent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunteleō carries a sense of purposeful completion rather than simple cessation. When Scripture speaks of God finishing a work, it implies that His plan reaches its intended goal with precision and faithfulness. This assurance can bring deep comfort, knowing that the promises made to us are not left unfinished or abandoned halfway through.
In moments of waiting or uncertainty, this concept reminds us that God’s timeline is intentional. Whether dealing with personal trials or broader historical events, the completion of His purposes reflects His righteousness and care. We can rest in the knowledge that He brings things to their proper end, aligning outcomes with His wise design.
Even when circumstances feel prolonged, there is a steady hope that every season has a defined conclusion. This perspective encourages patience and trust, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God’s word without anxiety about the unknown future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when were ending1×
- to be completed,1×
- to be accomplished1×
- having finished1×
- concluding1×
- I will ratify1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συντελῶν1×
- συντελέσω1×
- συντελέσας1×
- συντελεῖσθαι,1×
- συντελεῖσθαι1×
- συντελεσθεισῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 9:28
for he will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”
This verse highlights God's decisive action in accomplishing His plan quickly and righteously, emphasizing that His work reaches its intended goal without delay.
-
Luke 4:13
When the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from him until another time.
Here the word marks the natural conclusion of Jesus' temptation, showing that the trial reached its full measure before the devil departed.
-
Mark 13:4
“Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?”
The disciples ask about the sign when these events will be completed, linking the term to the final fulfillment of prophetic timelines.