📖 Biblical Definition
Christ's final word from the cross: It is finished (John 19:30). Greek tetelestai is the perfect passive indicative of teleo (to bring to completion, finish, accomplish) — a tense that names completed action with abiding effect. The work is finished and remains finished. Commercial receipts of the period have been found stamped tetelestai for paid in full: the debt is settled, the transaction closed. Christ's cry from the cross announces the satisfaction of every claim the law had against the elect: the price paid, the sacrifice complete, the work the Father gave Him accomplished (John 17:4). Romans 4:25 reinforces: Christ was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Nothing remains to be added to Christ's finished work. The Christian rests on what is already accomplished.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Jesus' final cry: "It is finished, completely."
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The Greek verb form Jesus uttered as His final word from the cross, recorded in John 19:30; perfect passive — completed and standing-completed; commercial papyri use it for paid-in-full receipts. The cross declares the saving work finished.
📖 Key Scripture
John 19:30 — "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."
Hebrews 10:14 — "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
Romans 8:1 — "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Reduced to 'I am dying' rather than received as the doctrinal declaration of completed atonement.
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Common translations soften tetelestai to "it is finished" without conveying the receipt-stamp force ("paid in full"). The corruption is reading the cross as a conclusion ("Jesus died, the end") rather than as a verdict ("paid"). Whatever you add to a paid receipt diminishes it.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek teleō — to finish, complete.
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['Greek', 'G5055', 'teleō', 'to finish, complete, accomplish']
['Greek', 'G5056', 'telos', 'end, goal']
Usage
"The cross says paid-in-full."
"Add nothing to tetelestai."