"to finish, complete, conclude, an operation, Mt. 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; to finish a circuit, Mt. 10:23; to fulfil, to carry out into full operation, Rom. 2:27; Gal. 5:16; Jas. 2:8; to pay dues, Mt. 17:24; pass. to be fulfilled, realized, Lk. 12:50; 18:31; of time, to be ended, elapse..."
Definition and meaning
to finish, complete, conclude, an operation, Mt. 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; to finish a circuit, Mt. 10:23; to fulfil, to carry out into full operation, Rom. 2:27; Gal. 5:16; Jas. 2:8; to pay dues, Mt. 17:24; pass. to be fulfilled, realized, Lk. 12:50; 18:31; of time, to be ended, elapse, Rom. 15:8; 20:3, 5, 7
In the original Greek the word is written: τελέω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of teleo (G5055) across the King James Bible.
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5055 (teleo) is a Greek word that means: to finish, complete, conclude, an operation, Mt. 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; to finish a circuit, Mt. 10:23; to fulfil, to carry out into full operation, Rom. 2:27; Gal. 5:16; Jas. 2:8; to pay dues, Mt. 17:24;... It appears 26 times in the King James Bible.
The word teleo (G5055) appears 26 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5055 is teleo, a Greek word defined as: to finish, complete, conclude, an operation, Mt. 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; to finish a circuit, Mt. 10:23; to fulfil, to carry out into full operation, Rom. . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
teleo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.