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τελείως (teleiōs)

teleiōs

completely

G5049 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adverb teleiōs means to do something completely or perfectly. In Scripture, it appears only once, in 1 Peter 1:13, where believers are urged to gird up the loins of their mind for action. The word emphasizes a state of full readiness and thoroughness, leaving nothing out.

Its root lies in the adjective teleios, which conveys completeness or maturity. By using this adverb, Peter highlights that spiritual preparation must be total. It is not a partial effort but a wholehearted commitment to hope in grace.

This single usage underscores the seriousness of Christian vigilance. The call is to approach God’s promises with undivided attention, ensuring that one’s mental and spiritual faculties are fully aligned with divine truth.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When life feels uncertain, it is easy to let our minds drift into distraction or worry. The word completely reminds us that spiritual readiness requires our full attention. Peter urges believers to gird up the loins of their mind, not with half-hearted effort, but with total commitment. This means engaging every thought and intention in the work of faith.

Such thoroughness is not about perfectionism, but about undivided hope. By setting your hope fully on the grace coming at Christ’s return, you anchor your present struggles in eternal promise. This complete focus frees you from anxiety, allowing you to stand firm in truth. It invites a quiet confidence that God’s grace is sufficient for every moment.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • fully1×

Forms in the text

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

  • τελείως1×

Key Verses

  • I Peter 1:13
    Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—

    The adverb modifies the call to hope, indicating that this expectation must be absolute and without reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does completely mean in 1 Peter 1:13?

In this verse, it describes the manner in which believers should set their hope. It signifies a thorough and undivided focus on God’s future grace, leaving no room for divided allegiance or half-hearted trust.

How is completely different from generally being ready?

While general readiness might allow for distraction or partial effort, this word demands total engagement of the mind. It implies that spiritual vigilance requires every faculty to be aligned with divine truth, not just a casual awareness.

Why is this word only used once in the New Testament?

Its singular appearance in 1 Peter highlights the specific intensity of Peter’s exhortation. The unique usage underscores the seriousness of the call to mental sobriety and complete hope in Christ’s revelation.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Peter 1 verse
I Peter 1:13

Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at…