τέλος
télos
G5056 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The end point, completion, or fulfillment of a process, event, or state; the goal or outcome toward which something is directed. In specific contexts, also refers to a purpose or aim, as well as a tax, toll, or tribute imposed by authority. The primary sense is that of reaching a limit, culminating point, or achieving a designated outcome, with secondary uses related either to intent or to fiscal obligations.
Semantic Range
end, completion, fulfillment, purpose, goal, result, outcome, conclusion, termination, duty, tribute, tax, custom
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Greek root τέλ- (tel-), with cognates in classical Greek such as τελέω (to complete, to finish) and τέλος (end, completion, fulfillment). The term has Indo-European roots associated with coming full circle, completion, or turning points (cf. Latin 'telum' for something pointed or directed).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τέλος commonly meant 'end,' 'goal,' or 'fulfillment,' whether in a philosophical or practical sense (e.g., Aristotle's use in teleology, 'the purpose or final cause'). Frequently in Hellenistic and Koine contexts, it retained this broad semantic range, encompassing both literal completions (the end of an event, process, or time) and more abstract ideas of ultimate purpose or intended outcome. In the Septuagint and New Testament, τέλος often designates the completion or consummation of an age, event, or prophecy, but it can also denote 'goal' or 'aim' (e.g., Romans 10:4, where Christ is described as the goal or culmination of the law). Less commonly, and depending on context, τέλος refers to a tax, custom, or tribute, especially under imperial or civic administration. Modern Bible translations mostly render τέλος as 'end,' 'goal,' or 'tax/custom,' but sometimes miss the nuanced sense of fulfillment or purpose, and the term's semantic breadth is wider than the standard English 'end.' The distinction between termination (final cessation) and fulfillment (achievement or realization of purpose) is particularly important in interpreting Pauline and prophetic uses. Compare φόρος as a more typical word for tribute or tax in fiscal contexts.
Translation Consistency
τέλος primarily denotes an end, completion, or goal. "End" is the most natural, versatile English headword that covers completion, culmination, outcome and purpose (and can be used idiomatically where telos means aim). It is more broadly useful and more natural-sounding across contexts than the narrower "completion," and thus best supports consistent rendering of all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a primary (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid):--+ continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare φόρος.
Root Family
τέλος (telos) — end, completion, fulfillment, goal, outcome
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5056-02 |
τέλος | telos | N ACC N SG |
end | the completion | the ending | 33 |
G5056-03 |
τέλους | telous | N GEN N SG |
the end | of completion | end | 5 |
G5056-01 |
τέλη | tele | N ACC N PL |
ends | end-points | end-points | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
40 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5056-02 |
Matthew 10:22 | τέλος | telos | N ACC N SG |
the end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-01 |
Matthew 17:25 | τέλη | tele | N ACC N PL |
custom | end-points | taxes |
G5056-02 |
Matthew 24:6 | τέλος | telos | N NOM N SG |
end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Matthew 24:13 | τέλος | telos | N ACC N SG |
the end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Matthew 24:14 | τέλος | telos | N NOM N SG |
end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Matthew 26:58 | τέλος | telos | N ACC N SG |
outcome | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Mark 3:26 | τέλος | telos | N ACC N SG |
an end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Mark 13:7 | τέλος | telos | N NOM N SG |
end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Mark 13:13 | τέλος | telos | N ACC N SG |
the end | the completion | the ending |
G5056-02 |
Luke 1:33 | τέλος | telos | N NOM N SG |
end | the completion | the ending |