G3838

Unveiling the Word

The Greek term παντελής (pantelēs) means “complete,” “entire,” or “whole.” It is derived from the root word πᾶς (pas), meaning “all,” and is often used to express totality or completeness in various contexts. The significance of this word in biblical literature is profound, particularly in relation to the completeness of God’s actions and attributes. In Luke 13:11, it is used to describe a woman afflicted by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, highlighting her complete and utter state of suffering before being healed by Jesus. This word illustrates the fullness of the condition she experienced and the totality of the healing she received, showcasing the transformative power of Christ.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παντελής, pronounced [pan-te-LEES].

Etymology: The term is formed from πᾶς (pas), meaning “all” or “every,” combined with the suffix -λήθης (-lēthēs), indicating fullness or completeness. Together, they convey the idea of totality or wholeness.

Part of Speech: παντελής is an adjective and can describe a noun, indicating that the noun is complete or whole.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: “Complete” – The primary meaning of παντελής indicates something that is whole or fully realized without any part missing.

Meaning 2: “Entire” – This meaning emphasizes the idea that something is fully intact, covering every aspect without exception.

Meaning 3: “Whole” – It can also imply that something is undivided, reinforcing the concept of totality and integrity.

Exploring Similar Words

ἀκέραιος (akeraíos) [a-KE-raios]: This word translates to “unmixed” or “pure,” indicating completeness in terms of quality. Unlike παντελής, which emphasizes totality, ἀκέραιος focuses more on the purity of the entirety.

πλήρης (plērēs) [PLAY-ree]: Meaning “full” or “filled,” this term emphasizes capacity rather than totality. It differs from παντελής in that it describes the fullness of a particular space or concept rather than the wholeness of an entity.

ὁλόκληρος (holoklēros) [ho-LO-klee-ros]: Meaning “whole” or “entire,” this word emphasizes a complete entity, similar to παντελής. However, it often has a connotation of physical or geographical completeness.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As an adjective, παντελής agrees with nouns in case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative), number (singular, plural), and gender (masculine, feminine, neuter).

Declension: παντελής is part of the third declension, following standard rules for Greek adjectives in terms of agreement with nouns.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In various Greek lexicons, παντελής is understood as a term that signifies totality and completeness. In New Testament contexts, it emphasizes the wholeness of experiences, particularly in relation to healing and divine intervention. The theological implications of this word reflect the nature of God’s promises and actions as complete and fulfilling. Classical sources often use this word to describe both physical and abstract concepts, reinforcing the idea of integrity and totality across various contexts.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 13:11: “And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.” (The word “infirmity” reflects her complete affliction.)

Matthew 5:48: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (The term “perfect” here resonates with the completeness implied by παντελής.)

Colossians 2:10: “And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (This verse emphasizes the completeness believers find in Christ.)

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Plato, The Republic: “Justice is the complete (παντελής) balance of societal roles, ensuring every individual fulfills their purpose.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “The good life is one that is lived in complete (παντελής) accordance with virtue.”

Example 3: Sophocles, Antigone: “The laws of the gods demand complete (παντελής) adherence, lest we face dire consequences.”

Septuagint Example 1: Genesis 1:31: “And God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good (παντελής).”

Septuagint Example 2: Psalm 119:96: “I have seen the limit of all perfection (παντελής), but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.”

Septuagint Example 3: Isaiah 45:18: “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who established it and did not create it in vain (παντελής), who formed it to be inhabited.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παντελής embodies the idea of completeness and totality, making it a significant word in both biblical and classical Greek contexts. It underscores the concept of wholeness in various dimensions, from physical health to moral integrity.

Did You Know?

1. The word παντελής appears in discussions of divine healing in the New Testament, highlighting the holistic restoration brought by Christ.

2. In classical philosophy, παντελής is used to describe concepts of justice and virtue, emphasizing the need for completeness in moral character.

3. The term is often associated with the fulfillment of God’s promises, signifying that His gifts and callings are without regret or incompleteness.

Strong’s G3838: παντελής (pantelēs) signifies totality and completeness, reflecting the nature of wholeness found in God’s actions and promises, emphasizing that what He does is entirely fulfilling and perfect.