Brief Overview of ἐπιτελέω (Strong’s G2005: epiteléō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and appreciating the cultural and intellectual context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιτελέω (Strong’s G2005: epiteléō) is particularly significant as it means “to complete,” “to accomplish,” or “to bring to an end.” This verb is essential in passages that emphasize fulfillment, completion of tasks, or bringing plans and purposes to their intended conclusion, reflecting both divine and human efforts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō) [eh-pee-teh-LEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb τελέω (teléō), meaning “to finish” or “to complete.” Together, they suggest “to bring to completion upon” or “to accomplish fully.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To complete or finish.
• To accomplish or perform.
• To fulfill or carry out.

Similar Words: τελέω (teléō) [teh-LEH-oh] also means “to finish” or “to complete,” but it often focuses on the act of finishing a task or reaching an end. In contrast, epiteléō emphasizes the idea of bringing something to a full or perfect completion, often involving a process or effort that reaches its intended goal.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιτελέω is a compound verb that combines the concept of completing or finishing with a sense of direction or focus. It is frequently used in the New Testament and other Greek literature to describe the fulfillment of a plan, the completion of a task, or the execution of a process. The verb is regular in its conjugation pattern, reflecting standard forms found in Koine Greek.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπιτελέω is defined as “to complete” or “to accomplish,” especially in contexts where a process is brought to a successful conclusion. It emphasizes the idea of fulfilling a plan, purpose, or command.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epiteléō as “to complete,” “to perform,” or “to finish,” often in the sense of carrying out a task to its end. It is used in passages where there is a need to express the idea of bringing something to full fruition.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epiteléō conveys the idea of performing or completing an action or task, particularly in relation to divine or moral obligations. It highlights the thoroughness and completeness implied by the verb.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epiteléō can mean “to complete” or “to perfect,” especially in classical Greek texts where it denotes the act of bringing something to a full or perfect state, such as a work, a task, or a process.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epiteléō as “to complete” or “to fulfill,” focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe the completion or fulfillment of a duty, task, or divine purpose.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 15:28: “When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.”
• Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [ἐπιτελέσει (epitelései)] it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:11: “Now therefore perform [ἐπιτελέσατε (epitelésate)] the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιτελέω (G2005: epiteléō)

The Greek word ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō), meaning “to complete,” “to accomplish,” or “to fulfill,” is a verb that captures the concept of bringing something to its intended conclusion. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the fulfillment of tasks, plans, or divine purposes, emphasizing thoroughness and completion. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is employed to describe the act of completing a work, a process, or a divine command. Understanding epiteléō provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek and Biblical concepts of fulfillment, completion, and purpose.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπιτελέω combines the Greek word for “complete” with a prefix that implies “upon” or “over,” creating a word that vividly conveys the idea of achieving something fully and thoroughly? This word reflects the emphasis in ancient Greek thought and Biblical teachings on not just starting a task, but seeing it through to its ultimate completion.