Understanding ἀποτελέω (apoteleo) Strong’s G658: The Powerful Process of Sin’s Completion and End

Pronunciation Guide: ap-ot-el-eh’-o

Basic Definition

Strong’s G658: ἀποτελέω describes the process of bringing something to completion or full maturity, particularly emphasizing the final state or outcome of a process. It combines the prefix ἀπο- (indicating completion or separation) with τελέω (to complete or fulfill), creating a powerful verb that describes the culmination of a process. This word carries special significance in understanding the development and consequences of both sin and divine purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound word: ἀπό (from, away from) + τελέω (to complete, fulfill)
• Primary usage in teaching passages and warnings
• Appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Related to τέλος (end, goal, purpose)

ἀποτελέω Morphology:

• ἀποτελέω (present active) – to bring to completion
• ἀποτελεῖ (3rd person singular present) – he/she/it brings to completion
• ἀποτελέσῃ (aorist subjunctive) – might bring to completion
• ἀποτελεσθεῖσα (aorist passive participle) – having been brought to completion

Origin & History

The word ἀποτελέω has roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe the completion of tasks or the fulfillment of obligations. Xenophon employed it in his “Memorabilia” to describe the completion of civic duties, while Plato used it in “Republic” to discuss the fulfillment of philosophical ideals.

In the Septuagint, ἀποτελέω appears in contexts describing the fulfillment of divine purposes and the completion of ceremonial duties. The early church father Clement of Alexandria, in his “Stromateis,” used this word to describe the process of spiritual maturation and the completion of God’s work in believers’ lives.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To bring to completion or perfection
• To accomplish fully or finish completely
• To mature to a final state
• To fulfill or achieve an end goal

ἀποτελέω Translation Options:

• “Brings forth completely” – emphasizes the culmination of a process
• “Accomplishes fully” – highlights the thoroughness of completion
• “Matures to completion” – focuses on the developmental aspect
• “Fulfills entirely” – stresses the finality of the outcome

Biblical Usage

The most significant usage of ἀποτελέω occurs in James 1:15, where it describes the tragic progression of sin to its full completion in death. This usage provides a sobering warning about the developmental nature of sin and its ultimate consequences.

In the broader New Testament context, the word appears in passages discussing the completion of both spiritual processes and natural developments. Its usage often carries theological weight, particularly in discussions of spiritual formation and the consequences of moral choices.

• “Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth [ἀποτελέω] sin” James 1:15

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of completion or fulfillment (שָׁלַם – shalam in Hebrew) carried significant weight in understanding both divine purposes and human responsibility. The Greek ἀποτελέω captured this Hebrew concept of bringing something to its intended conclusion or perfection.

The ancient Mediterranean world was deeply concerned with teleology – the study of purpose and ends. This word reflected the cultural understanding that all processes have an intended completion point, whether positive or negative. This connects to the Jewish concept of תַּכְלִית (tachlit), which refers to the ultimate purpose or goal of something.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποτελέω in James 1:15 reveals crucial theological truths about the nature of sin and its development. It shows that sin is not merely a static state but a dynamic process that, if unchecked, reaches a terrible completion in death. This understanding heightens our appreciation for God’s intervention through the Messiah Jesus, who breaks this deadly cycle.

The word also carries profound implications for understanding God’s work in believers’ lives. Just as sin has its completion, God’s purposes and promises also have their fulfillment. This creates a powerful contrast between the completion of sin’s destructive work and the completion of God’s redemptive work in our lives.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποτελέω challenges us to be vigilant about the processes at work in our lives. It warns us to recognize and resist sin in its early stages, before it reaches its devastating completion. Simultaneously, it encourages us to trust in God’s faithful work to bring His good purposes to completion in our lives.

This word reminds us that both destruction and redemption are processes that reach completion. We must choose daily which process we will yield to – sin’s path to death or God’s path to life.

Related Words

• τελέω (teleo) – to complete, finish, fulfill – highlights the basic concept of completion without the intensive force of ἀπο-. See G5055
• συντελέω (sunteleo) – to bring to an end together, consummate – emphasizes joint completion or ending. See G4931
• ἐκτελέω (ekteleo) – to complete fully, finish entirely – stresses completion with the notion of “out from.” See G1615
• ἐπιτελέω (epiteleo) – to complete fully, accomplish – focuses on bringing something to its goal. See G2005

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπο- in ἀποτελέω is the same prefix found in words like apocalypse and apostle, always carrying the idea of completion or separation from something.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀποτελέω in contexts of achieving results or producing outcomes, particularly in academic and scientific literature.
• The concept behind ἀποτελέω influenced early Christian understanding of spiritual formation, viewing salvation not as a single moment but as a process brought to completion through faithful perseverance.

Remember This

ἀποτελέω stands as a powerful reminder that every process in our spiritual life moves toward completion – whether toward death through sin or toward life through submission to God’s transformative work.