Brief Overview of ἐκτελέω (Strong’s G1615: ekteleó)

Introduction

The study of Greek words in Biblical texts is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the New Testament and the cultural and linguistic context in which it was written. The Greek verb ἐκτελέω (ekteleó) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of bringing something to completion or fulfillment. This concept is pivotal in the interpretation of various New Testament passages, where it is often used to describe the completion of tasks, the fulfillment of prophecies, or the carrying out of commands. Understanding ἐκτελέω can enhance our comprehension of the themes of fulfillment and completion that are central to the New Testament message.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐκτελέω (ekteleó) [ek-teh-LEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek, meaning “out” or “from”) and the verb τελέω (teleó, meaning “to complete” or “to finish”). Together, the word signifies bringing something to completion or carrying it out to its end.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative, First Person Singular)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Bring to Completion – Refers to completing a task or fulfilling a purpose.
• To Execute or Carry Out – Used to describe the act of carrying out orders or fulfilling commands.
• To Accomplish – Often used in the context of achieving a goal or bringing a plan to its intended outcome.

Similar Words:

• τελέω (teleó): A similar verb meaning “to finish” or “to complete,” which is closely related to ἐκτελέω but without the directional prefix.
• συντελέω (sunteleó): A related verb meaning “to bring together” or “to consummate,” emphasizing the collective or final completion of a task.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The verb ἐκτελέω is in the present active indicative, which suggests an ongoing or habitual action. The prefix ἐκ- indicates that the action is brought out or fully executed. The word is used in contexts where a task, command, or purpose is not only initiated but carried through to its conclusion. Here is the full conjugation of the verb in the present tense:

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐκτελέω as “to complete” or “to bring to an end,” noting its usage in the New Testament to describe the fulfillment of God’s commands and prophecies.
• Thayers: Highlights the verb’s meaning of “to carry out fully” or “to execute,” emphasizing its use in contexts of obedience and fulfillment of divine will.
• Vines: Notes that ἐκτελέω is often used in a religious context, particularly in relation to the fulfillment of God’s plans or the carrying out of sacred duties.
• LSJ: Describes ἐκτελέω in classical Greek as “to accomplish” or “to finish,” often in the context of military or legal actions where something is brought to its intended conclusion.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines the word as “to accomplish” or “to finish,” with emphasis on the completion of tasks or missions.

Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 8:11 – “So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing (ἐκτελέω) it out of what you have.”
• Galatians 3:3 – “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected (ἐκτελέω) by the flesh?”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκτελέω (G1615: ekteleó)

The Greek word ἐκτελέω (ekteleó) is a verb that encapsulates the concepts of completing, executing, and accomplishing. Whether it is used to describe the fulfillment of a divine command, the completion of a task, or the execution of a plan, ἐκτελέω plays a crucial role in conveying the idea of bringing something to its intended conclusion. Understanding this word deepens our appreciation for the New Testament’s themes of fulfillment and obedience, and it also offers insight into the importance of completion and perfection in ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

The verb ἐκτελέω was not only used in religious or formal contexts but also appeared frequently in ancient Greek military texts. Commanders would use this term to describe the successful execution of strategies and the completion of military operations, highlighting the word’s broad applicability across different domains of ancient life.