Life’s End: τελευτάω (Strong’s G5053: teleutaō) Points to Eternal Purpose

Strong’s G5053: A verb meaning “to end life” or “to die,” derived from τελευτή (end). Used euphemistically in the New Testament to describe death, particularly in narrative contexts. Carries connotations of completing one’s earthly journey and transitioning to eternal life.

U – Unveiling the Word

τελευτάω represents more than just the cessation of life; it carries the sense of completing one’s earthly journey. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in narrative contexts to describe death with dignity and purpose. Its first appearance in Matthew 2:19 describes Herod’s death, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history. The early church understood τελευτάω as expressing not just the end of physical life but the completion of one’s earthly purpose and transition to eternal life. Today, this word reminds us that death for believers is not merely an ending but a completion and transition to fuller life in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τελευτάω, teleutaō, tel-yoo-tah’-o
• Phonetic Guide: tel (as in “tell”) + yoo (as in “you”) + tah + o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From τελευτή (teleutē) – end, completion
• Ultimate root τέλος (telos) – end, goal, purpose
• -άω (-aō) – verb ending indicating state or condition

D – Defining Meanings

• To end life
• To die
• To complete life’s journey
• To finish one’s course
• To pass away

Translation Options:

• “to die” – direct and clear meaning
• “to pass away” – euphemistic, gentler expression
• “to complete life” – captures the sense of finishing a journey

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnēskō) – to die See G599
• κοιμάομαι (koimaomai) – to sleep, die See G2837
• ἐκπνέω (ekpneō) – to breathe out, expire See G1606

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (point in time)

Examples:

• Present Active: τελευτῶ (I die)
• Aorist: ἐτελεύτησα (I died)
• Future: τελευτήσω (I will die)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich understanding of τελευτάω. BDAG emphasizes its use as a euphemistic expression for death. Thayer’s notes its connection to completing life’s journey. LSJ traces its development from “bringing to an end” to specifically referring to death. Vine’s highlights its dignified usage in describing death. Strong’s connects it to the concept of finishing or completing. Moulton and Milligan document its common use in epitaphs and death notices in papyri. The combined evidence suggests τελευτάω was a respectful and meaningful way to describe death.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But when Herod died [τελευτήσαντος], behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.” Matthew 2:19

Additional References:
Matthew 9:18, Matthew 15:4, Mark 7:10, Acts 2:29, Acts 7:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τελευτάω beautifully expresses the Christian understanding of death as completion rather than mere ending. Through the Messiah’s victory over death, this word takes on deeper meaning – pointing to the fulfillment of our earthly purpose and transition to eternal life. It reminds us that in Christ, death has lost its sting and becomes a doorway to fuller life. The good news transforms τελευτάω from a term of finality to one of transition and hope.

D – Did You Know?

• τελευτάω appears 11 times in the New Testament
• Ancient Greek epitaphs often used this word as a euphemism for death
• Early Christians adopted this term to emphasize death’s transitional nature

Strong’s G5053: A verb meaning “to end life” or “to die,” derived from τελευτή (end). Used euphemistically in the New Testament to describe death, particularly in narrative contexts. Carries connotations of completing one’s earthly journey and transitioning to eternal life.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: death, completion, transition, end-of-life, mortality, eternal-life, narrative, euphemism, journey, purpose​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​