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G5053 · Greek · New Testament
τελευτάω
teleutao
Verb
to die / come to an end

Definition

Teleutao (G5053) means to complete, finish, or die — from the same root as telos (end/goal). It emphasizes death as a completion or finishing of life's course. Used of the deaths of Joseph, Moses, John the Baptist, Herod, and others in the Gospels.

Usage & Theological Significance

The connection between teleutao and teleo ('It is finished' — Jn 19:30) is theologically charged. When Jesus cried Tetelestai on the cross, He used the perfective of the same root — 'it has been brought to completion.' His death was not a teleutao (coming to an end) but a teleo (completion of mission). The contrast illuminates the difference between mere death and atoning death. Every other human teleutao in Scripture — however great the person (Moses, Elijah) — leaves unfinished business. Only Jesus' death is a perfect completion. The path through teleutao to resurrection is the gospel's structure.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 2:19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph.
Mark 9:44 Where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. (Describing the undying state of Gehenna.)
Acts 2:29 Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried.
Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life (teleuton), made mention of the exodus.
John 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished (Tetelestai).'

Related Words

External Resources

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