What The Biblical Meaning of Tetelestai?

Posted by Martina Birk on Thursday, May 9, 2024

The final words spoken by our saviour Jesus Christ before he died on the cross were translated as “It is finished” from the Greek word Tetelestai. The verb teleo, which means “to bring to a conclusion, to complete, or to accomplish,” is the root of the word tetelestai. It’s an important word since it denotes the accomplishment of a specific line of action.

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit as we can record in John 19:28-30.

When the Lord Jesus Christ cried ‘it is finished’ he meant “It was finished in the past, it is still finished in the present, and it will remain finished in the future.” He, however, did not say ‘I Am Finished’. In that case, it would mean that he died defeated.

Read Also: The Life and Story of Moses In The Bible

What Does Tetelestai Really Means?

The English translation of the Greek phrase “It is finished” is tetelestai, which is the perfect indicative passive tense of the verb telos, which means to terminate, to bring to a conclusion, to complete, to accomplish, to fulfill, or to finish.

According to theologians, whatever reaches telos has achieved maturity, perfection, or completion. There were many different meanings for this word since it was first said, but four of them are particularly important in relation to this pivotal instance of Christ’s atonement.

Jesus’ Last Words from the Cross

  • Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
  • Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43
  • Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother. John 19:26-27
  • My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34
  • I thirst. John 19:28
  • It is finished. (From the Greek “Tetelestai”) John 19:30
  • Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46
  • Read Also: What Are The Seven Seals Of Revelation In The Bible?

    The Reason Why Jesus Christ Said ‘It Was Done’

    • Jesus, who was both truly God and truly human, provided the ideal, last sacrifice for sin.
    • Only Jesus fully upheld the law. He was the real Son of Israel, completely loving both God and his neighbour.
    • Nothing can be added to what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf.
    • God has given us both salvation and faith as gifts.
    • Because of our sin, we were unable to properly uphold the law.
    • Our fruit, not our own faithfulness, is proof of the Holy Spirit’s work in our life.
    • Believers are never held accountable for their actions.

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