τέλειος (teleios)
teleios
perfect
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective teleios describes something that has reached its intended end or full measure, carrying the sense of being complete, mature, or perfect. In the New Testament, it is applied to people who have grown into spiritual adulthood, standing in contrast to those who are still infants in their faith. This distinction appears when Paul speaks of believers as "mature" in Philippians 3:15, and when he contrasts spiritual maturity with childish thinking in 1 Corinthians 2:6.
Its most famous usage occurs in Matthew 5:48, where Jesus commands his followers to be perfect, just as God is perfect. This call extends beyond moral flawlessness to a state of wholeness and integrity. James uses the word similarly, urging believers to let their perseverance reach its "perfect" end (James 1:4), implying that faith is meant to develop into a complete character rather than remaining static.
The term’s root relates to telos, meaning "end" or "goal." Thus, being teleios is not about abstract flawlessness but about fulfilling a purpose. It suggests a process of growth toward a defined completion. Translators often render it as "perfect," which can imply sinless purity, but the Greek context frequently emphasizes functional completeness and spiritual maturity instead.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teleios points toward wholeness rather than flawlessness. It describes a life that has reached its intended purpose, much like a child growing into adulthood. When Scripture calls us to be perfect, it invites us into a state of spiritual maturity where our character aligns with God's design. This is not about achieving sinless perfection in this life, but about moving forward with integrity and love.
Consider Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:48 to be perfect as your Father is perfect. This call extends beyond moral rules to a deep sense of completeness. James 1:4 encourages us to let endurance have its perfect work, suggesting that our struggles are meant to shape us into people who lack nothing essential. We grow through patience and trust.
This journey of maturity is shared by all believers. It is a process of becoming fully alive in Christ, where our faith matures into a stable foundation. As we rely on God’s grace, we move from spiritual infancy toward a robust confidence that reflects His love. May you find peace in this ongoing growth, knowing that God is faithful to complete the work He began in you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- perfect8×
- perfect.1×
- perfect,1×
- more perfect1×
- mature,1×
- mature1×
- full grown1×
- a perfect1×
- a complete,1×
- [its] perfect1×
- [for the] mature1×
- [are] mature,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τέλειον4×
- τέλειοι4×
- τέλειος2×
- τέλειον,2×
- τέλειός1×
- τέλειον.1×
- τέλειοι,1×
- τελείων1×
- τελείοις,1×
- τελεία1×
- τελειοτέρας1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:48
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Jesus uses this term to define the standard of love and integrity expected of his followers, mirroring the Father's wholeness.
-
James 1:4
Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The word describes the complete result of perseverance, indicating that trials are meant to produce mature character rather than just endurance.
-
I Corinthians 2:6
We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown, yet a wisdom not of this world nor of the rulers of this world who are coming to nothing.
Paul contrasts spiritual maturity with childish thinking, showing that this term applies to believers who can handle deeper truths.
-
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Epaphras prays for the Colossians to stand complete in God's will, linking the word to stability and full alignment with divine purpose.