τελείωσις (teleiōsis)
teleiōsis
perfection
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun teleiōsis denotes a state of completion or perfection, derived from the verb meaning to bring to an end or finish. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, carrying the weight of something fully realized rather than merely started. The term suggests that a process has reached its intended goal, leaving nothing outstanding or incomplete.
This word links directly to the Old Testament concept of fulfillment, often translating Hebrew terms for the consecration or completion of rituals. In Luke 1:45, it describes the certainty of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, marking the moment God’s promise moves from speculation to fact. Here, perfection is not moral flawlessness but the reliable arrival of what was spoken.
Hebrews 7:11 uses the term to contrast the Levitical priesthood with Christ’s order. The text argues that if perfection through Levi had been achieved, there would be no need for a different priest to arise. Thus, teleiōsis represents the finality of divine action, where the old system is superseded by a completed work.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teleiōsis points to a state of completion where God’s promises move from speculation to fact. In Luke 1:45, it describes Elizabeth’s pregnancy as a fulfillment of what the Lord spoke. This is not about moral flawlessness but the reliable arrival of what was promised. It reminds us that God’s word does not remain in the realm of hope alone; it reaches its intended goal.
Hebrews 7:11 uses this term to show that the old system had a limit. If perfection through the Levitical priesthood had been fully achieved, there would be no need for another priest. Instead, Christ’s work brings a finality that the old rituals could not provide. This completion invites us to rest in the certainty of what God has done.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- perfection1×
- a fulfillment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τελείωσις2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:45
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!”
This occurrence marks the moment God’s promise moves from speculation to fact, showing that teleiōsis is about the reliable arrival of what was spoken.
-
Hebrews 7:11
Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Here the term highlights the finality of divine action by contrasting the limited Levitical priesthood with the completed work of Christ.