Age-Ending Completion: συντέλεια (Strong’s G4930: sunteleia) Reveals Divine Purpose

Strong’s G4930: A compound noun combining σύν (with) and τέλος (end), συντέλεια describes the complete finishing or consummation of an age or purpose. In the New Testament, it particularly refers to the culmination of the present age when the Messiah returns to establish His kingdom.

U – Unveiling the Word

συντέλεια (sunteleia) represents the complete fulfillment or consummation of a period or purpose. This compound word emphasizes not just an ending, but a purposeful completion that achieves its intended goal. In the New Testament, it appears primarily in Matthew’s Gospel, describing the culmination of the present age. Early church writers used this term to express their anticipation of the Messiah’s return and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Today, it reminds believers that history moves purposefully toward its divinely appointed conclusion.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συντέλεια, sunteleia, /sün-tel’-i-ah/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-TEL-ee-ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, together”
• τέλος (telos) – root noun meaning “end, purpose”
• -εια (-eia) – suffix forming abstract nouns

D – Defining Meanings

• Completion or consummation
• End of an age
• Full accomplishment of a purpose

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds completeness to τέλος (end/purpose), while the suffix -εια makes it an abstract noun describing the state or quality of completion.

Translation Options:

• “consummation” – emphasizes purposeful completion
• “culmination” – highlights the climactic aspect
• “end-completion” – stresses both termination and fulfillment

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέλος (telos) /tel’-os/ – end, goal
  See G5056
• συντελέω (sunteleō) /sün-tel-eh’-ō/ – to complete, fulfill
  See G4931
• ἐκτελέω (ekteleō) /ek-tel-eh’-ō/ – to finish completely
  See G1615

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Forms include:

• συντέλεια (nominative) – completion
• συντελείας (genitive) – of completion
• συντελείᾳ (dative) – in/at completion

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its eschatological significance. Thayer’s notes its use in marking the end of an age. LSJ provides examples of completion in various contexts. Vine’s connects it to divine purpose fulfillment. Strong’s highlights the completeness implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its use in apocalyptic literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 13:39: “and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end [συντέλεια] of the age, and the reapers are angels.”

Additional References:
Matthew 13:40
Matthew 13:49
Matthew 24:3
Matthew 28:20
Hebrews 9:26

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συντέλεια powerfully reminds us that history moves toward a divinely appointed goal. This word proclaims the good news that the Messiah will return to complete His work of redemption. It assures us that despite present challenges, God’s purposes will reach their perfect fulfillment in His timing.

D – Did You Know?

1. συντέλεια appears most frequently in Matthew’s Gospel
2. It’s often paired with αἰών (age) in apocalyptic contexts
3. The word influenced early Christian understanding of history’s purpose

Strong’s G4930: A compound noun combining σύν (with) and τέλος (end), συντέλεια describes the complete finishing or consummation of an age or purpose. In the New Testament, it particularly refers to the culmination of the present age when the Messiah returns to establish His kingdom.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: end times, completion, consummation, divine purpose, Matthew’s Gospel, eschatology, harvest, age, compound words, Greek nouns, fulfillment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​