ἀποτελέω
apoteléō
G658 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To accomplish, bring about to completion, or fulfill fully; to carry a process through to its intended end. In various contexts, it refers to completing a task, fulfilling a command or obligation, bringing something to its intended outcome, or rendering something finished in every detail. The emphasis is frequently on completion or thoroughness.
Semantic Range
to complete entirely, to fulfill fully, to bring something to its intended end, to carry out thoroughly, to accomplish, to bring to fulfillment, to render finished
Root / Etymology
From ἀπό (from, away from, denoting separation or result) and τελέω (to bring to an end, accomplish, complete). Formed as a compound emphasizing 'bringing something thoroughly to completion.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀποτελέω is used for the thorough completion of a process, project, or duty, with stress on bringing something to its proper or intended conclusion. Compared with τελέω, which also means to complete or finish, ἀποτελέω often has the force of 'to bring out fully to completion' — the prefix ἀπό can indicate 'from start to full effect.' In the Septuagint, it may render Hebrew verbs of fulfilling or completing, and its sense often aligns with full performance rather than mere cessation. In the New Testament (see Luke 13:32, 2 Corinthians 7:1), the verb conveys the sense of carrying something through to full accomplishment, such as perfecting holiness or completing a period of work. Standard English translations like 'finish' or 'accomplish' may understate the word's nuance of completeness and fulfillment. The term is less common in the NT, and its range overlaps with related words such as τελειόω ('to make perfect/complete') and τελέω, but ἀποτελέω's use suggests a specific emphasis on thorough or total fulfillment.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and τελέω; to complete entirely, i.e. consummate:--finish.
Root Family
ἀποτελέω (apoteleō) — to bring to completion, to accomplish, to fulfill fully
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G658-01 |
ἀποτελεσθεῖσα | apotelestheisa | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM F SG |
when it is finished | having been fully completed | having been fully completed | 1 |
G658-02 |
ἀποτελῶ | apotelo | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
I perform | I bring to completion | I bring to completion | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G658-02 |
Luke 13:32 | ἀποτελῶ | apotelo | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
I perform | I bring to completion | I bring to completion |
G658-01 |
James 1:15 | ἀποτελεσθεῖσα | apotelestheisa | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM F SG |
when it is finished | having been fully completed | having been fully completed |