Original Word: τέλειος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: teleios
Pronunciation: TEH-lei-os
Phonetic Spelling: (tel'-i-os)
Definition: perfect, (a) complete in all its parts, (b) full grown, of full age, (c) specially of the completeness of Christian character.
Meaning: The term "τέλειος" is generally translated as "perfect," "complete," or "mature." It conveys the idea of reaching an intended goal or state of completeness.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word τέλος (telos), meaning "end" or "completion."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of "τέλειος" can be related to several Hebrew words that convey similar meanings of completeness or perfection, such as:
• תָּמִים (tamiym) • Strong's Hebrew 8549, meaning "complete," "whole," or "blameless."
• שָׁלֵם (shalem) • Strong's Hebrew 8003, meaning "complete," "safe," or "at peace."

These Hebrew terms, like "τέλειος," often describe a state of moral integrity and spiritual wholeness, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical perfection.

Usage: The word "τέλειος" is used in the New Testament to describe spiritual maturity, moral integrity, and the state of being fully developed in character and faith. It is often used to encourage believers to strive for spiritual growth and completeness in Christ.

Context: • The concept of "τέλειος" in the New Testament is closely associated with the idea of spiritual maturity and the process of sanctification. It suggests a progression towards a state of completeness in one's relationship with God.
• In Matthew 5:48, Jesus instructs His followers, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Here, "τέλειος" is used to call believers to emulate the moral perfection of God, emphasizing the pursuit of holiness and love.
• In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature." The use of "τέλειος" here underscores the importance of maturity in understanding and discernment.
• James 1:4 states, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage highlights the role of trials in developing a believer's character, leading to spiritual completeness.
• The term is also used in Hebrews 5:14, where mature believers are described as those who have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil, indicating a depth of spiritual insight and discernment.

Cognate: 5046 téleios (an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e. developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056 (telos).

[This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]

Word Origin
from telos
Definition
having reached its end, i.e. complete, by ext. perfect
NASB Translation
complete (2), mature (4), more perfect (1), perfect (12).

STRONGS NT 5046: τέλειος

τέλειος, τελεία, τέλειον (τέλος), in classic Greek sometimes also τέλειος, τέλειον (cf. Winers Grammar, § 11,1), from Homer down, the Sept. several times for שָׁלֵם, תָּמִים, etc.; properly, brought to its end, finished; lacking nothing necessary to completeness; perfect: ἔργον, James 1:4; ἡ ἀγάπη, 1 John 4:18; ὁ νόμος, James 1:25; (δώρημα, James 1:17); τελειοτερα σκηνή, a more perfect (excellent) tabernacle, Hebrews 9:11; τό τέλειον, substantively, that which is perfect: consummate human integrity and virtue, Romans 12:2 (others take it here as an adjective belonging to θέλημα); the perfect state of all things, to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven, 1 Corinthians 13:10; of men, full-grown, adult; of full age, mature (Aeschylus Ag. 1504; Plato, legg. 11, p. 929{c}): Hebrews 5:14; τέλειος ἀνήρ (Xenophon, Cyril 1, 2, 4f; 8, 7, 6; Philo de cherub. § 32; opposed to παιδίον νήπιον, Polybius 5, 29, 2; for other examples from other authors see Bleek, Brief a. d. Hebrew ii., 2, p. 133f), μέχρι ... εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον, until we rise to the same level of knowledge which we ascribe to a full-grown man, until we can be likened to a full-grown man, Ephesians 4:13 (opposed to νήπιοι, 14); τέλειοι ταῖς φρεσί (opposed to παιδία and νηπιαζοντες ταῖς φρεσί), 1 Corinthians 14:20 (here A. V. men); absolutely, οἱ τέλειοι, the perfect, i. e. the more intelligent, ready to apprehend divine things, 1 Corinthians 2:6 (R. V. marginal reading full-grown) (opposed to νήπιοι ἐν Χριστῷ, ; in simple opposed to νήπιος, Philo de legg. alleg. i. § 30; for מֵבִין, opposed to μαντανων, 1 Chronicles 25:8; (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians 1:28; Philippians 3:15)); of mind and character, one who has reached the proper height of virtue and integrity: Matthew 5:48; Matthew 19:21; Philippians 3:15 (cf. Lightfoot as above); James 1:4; in an absolute sense, of God: Matthew 5:48; τέλειος ἀνήρ, James 3:2 (τέλειος δίκαιος, Sir. 44:17); as respects understanding and goodness, Colossians 4:12; τέλειος ἄνθρωπος ἐν Χριστῷ, Colossians 1:28 (cf. Lightfoot as the synonym above: see ὁλόκληρος, and Trench, § xxii.).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

complete, perfect, mature

From telos; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with ho) completeness -- of full age, man, perfect.

see GREEK telos

see GREEK ho

Forms and Transliterations

τελεια τελεία τέλειαι τελειοι τέλειοι τελειοις τελείοις τελειον τέλειον τελειος τέλειος τέλειός τελειοτερας τελειοτέρας τελειων τελείων teleia teleía teleioi téleioi teleiois teleíois teleion teleiōn teleíon teleíōn téleion teleios téleios téleiós teleioteras teleiotéras

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