Perfect Completion: συντελέω (Strong’s G4931: sunteleo) Fulfills Divine Words

Strong’s G4931: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τελέω (to end, complete), συντελέω expresses thorough completion or fulfillment. In the New Testament, it particularly marks the completion of significant discourse or divine purposes, emphasizing perfect accomplishment.

U – Unveiling the Word

συντελέω (sunteleo) represents thorough completion or perfect fulfillment of an action or purpose. This compound word emphasizes bringing something to its intended conclusion with completeness. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of completing important teachings or fulfilling divine purposes. The word first appears marking the conclusion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the completeness of His teaching. Early church writers used this term to emphasize the perfect fulfillment of God’s promises and purposes. Today, it reminds us that God brings His work to perfect completion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συντελέω, sunteleo, /sün-tel-eh’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-tel-EH-oh (where ‘eh’ sounds like in “bed”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• τελέω (teleō) – verb meaning “to complete, finish”
• The combination emphasizes thorough completion

D – Defining Meanings

• To bring to complete end
• To finish thoroughly
• To accomplish perfectly

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds thoroughness to τελέω’s meaning of completion, creating a word expressing perfect fulfillment.

Translation Options:

• “to complete thoroughly” – emphasizes comprehensive finishing
• “to fulfill perfectly” – highlights perfect accomplishment
• “to bring to completion” – stresses the final result

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τελέω (teleō) /tel-eh’-ō/ – to complete
  See G5055
• ἐπιτελέω (epiteleō) /ep-ee-tel-eh’-ō/ – to accomplish fully
  See G2005
• ἐκτελέω (ekteleō) /ek-tel-eh’-ō/ – to finish completely
  See G1615

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Aorist, Future
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Perfective (Aorist)

Examples:

• συνετέλεσεν (he completed)
• συντελεσθῇ (might be completed)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes thorough completion. Thayer’s notes its use in fulfillment contexts. LSJ provides examples of bringing tasks to completion. Vine’s connects it to perfect accomplishment. Strong’s highlights the intensifying effect of the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its use in legal and religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 7:28: “When Jesus had finished [συντελέω] these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching.”

Additional References:
Matthew 13:53
Matthew 19:1
Matthew 26:1
Mark 13:4
Luke 4:2
Luke 4:13
Acts 21:27
Romans 9:28

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συντελέω beautifully illustrates God’s perfect completion of His purposes. This word proclaims the good news that what God begins, He brings to perfect completion. It reminds us that the Messiah perfectly fulfilled His teaching ministry and will likewise bring all His promises to completion.

D – Did You Know?

1. συντελέω often marks the conclusion of Jesus’ major discourses in Matthew
2. It appears in contexts of both divine promises and human responsibilities
3. The word influenced early Christian understanding of prophetic fulfillment

Strong’s G4931: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τελέω (to end, complete), συντελέω expresses thorough completion or fulfillment. In the New Testament, it particularly marks the completion of significant discourse or divine purposes, emphasizing perfect accomplishment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: completion, fulfillment, accomplishment, teaching, divine purpose, Matthew’s Gospel, promises, compound words, Greek verbs, perfection, discourse​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​