The Hebrew verb nalah means to complete, to accomplish, to bring to an end, or to cease. It conveys the idea of finishing a task or bringing something to its intended conclusion. The word can also imply the cessation of an activity — something that has run its course and come to its natural end.
In the Old Testament, the concept of completion carries deep theological weight. God Himself is the one who brings His purposes to completion. His plans cannot be thwarted or left unfinished. When applied to human effort, the word reminds believers that faithful labor will reach its intended end under God's sovereign direction. The concept also relates to the cessation of judgment — there comes a point when God's disciplinary work is complete and restoration begins.