The Greek word télos offers a profound insight into the concept of culmination or completion, with its various meanings encapsulating the end goal of a long journey, a finished product, or the ultimate purpose of a series of events. When applied to scriptural interpretation, understanding télos adds a layer of richness and depth to the biblical text. This article will explore the usage and significance of télos in several Bible verses, shedding light on the divine intention behind these passages and guiding readers toward a deeper appreciation of God’s ultimate plan for their lives.
5056 τέλος télos, tel’-os (neuter noun): To set out for a definite point or goal. The point aimed for. The end goal or ultimate purpose. The conclusion of an act. Finished. –BibleHub, Blue Letter Bible
5046 τέλειος, teleios (adjective): Mature (full grown of full age), Consummated (brought to its end), finished (lacking nothing necessary to completeness), perfect. –BibleHub, Blue Letter Bible
Here are a few exciting verses that contain the Greek word telos…
Romans 6:22 “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end (G5056 telos) everlasting life.” – Therefore, the end product, the final result, the ultimate result (telos) will be eternal life.
Romans 10:4 “For Christ is the end (G5056 telos) of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” – Christ is the final purpose and ultimate end goal of the law. He did what we could not do. Therefore, Christ is the completion (telos) of the law, the fulfillment of the law.
1 Corinthians 1:8 “Who shall also confirm you unto the end (G5056 telos), that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” – Jesus Christ knows all the steps and all the stages and all the stops leading to the full journey you are going to make. He will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you are blameless at the completion (telos) of your journey.
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect (5046 teleios), will of God.” – Let God change the way you think so you can know the end game (telos) of God for your life to be lacking nothing necessary to completeness.
James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect (5046 teleioi) and entire, wanting nothing.” – Allowing you to endure many temptations is God’s way to make you complete (telos — in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.)
In conclusion, the Greek word télos provides valuable insight into the ultimate goals and purposes found in the Scripture. By examining the various verses where this term appears, we uncover a richer understanding of the spiritual journey, Christ’s role as the fulfillment of the law, and the significance of life’s trials in molding our character. As we continue to explore and appreciate the nuances of the biblical text, let us remain open to the profound wisdom and guidance offered within, ultimately leading us toward a deeper relationship with God and a more complete, purpose-driven life.
Whenever you have difficulty understanding a verse, check to see if the word telos is in that verse and it will help you unlock the real meaning. Please let us know how this helped you in the comments below or by writing to us.
Roman’s 10:4 is extremely misleading using the English word end for the greek telos . So many Christians are taught that Christ or Yeshua “did away with the law ” badly misleading them in their understanding of Yehova’s word.
Greetings John, thank you for taking the time to write. But I am not sure what you consider to be the correct understanding.
As you remember, Romans 9-11 was written by Paul (who was a Jew from birth and a Torah scholar under the great Gamaliel) to explain how God could set aside his chosen people and save the Gentiles, and how he would remember the Jews and restore the nation of Israel in the future.
Almost every translation of Romans 10:4 uses the phrase “the end of the law” or “the culmination of the law” but I particularly like NLT, which says, “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.”
Most good commentaries are very clear that the law was a schoolmaster, tutor, or guardian that led us to Christ. But the Jews, like many people today, misunderstood the point of the law. They worshipped the law as a way of establishing their own righteousness and rejected the Mesiah.
I particularly like the way Warren W. Wiersbe described it in Be Right (Romans) How to Be Right with God, Yourself, and Others
Christ is “the end of the law” in the sense that through His death and resurrection, He has terminated the ministry of the law for those who believe. The law is ended as far as Christians are concerned. The righteousness of the law is being fulfilled in the life of the believer through the power of the Spirit (Rom. 8:4), but the reign of the law has ended (see Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14). “For ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). Romans 10:4
Please read:
I think that what Rom 10:4 is saying is that trying to obtain righteousness by one’s own efforts in keeping God’s law has come to an end under the new covenant. Righteousness can only result from faith in Christ’s sacrifice, providing grace for our transgressions of God’s law. Does this thereby nullify the law? Absolutely not. “Shall we continue in sin (transgression of God’s law) that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Rom 6:1).
Greetings Ron,
Thanks for taking the time to write.
You are correct that we cannot obtain righteousness by our own efforts as described in Titus 3.
In addition, Romans 1-3 clearly explains there was never any way for anyone to become righteous through keeping the law.
This agrees with the teaching in Galatians 3 that the law was a schoolmaster to bring everyone to Jesus Christ.
God bless,
David