You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], even as your heavenly Father is perfect,
Matthew 5:48 AMPLIFED Version
So then, let us [who minister] be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards (trustees, administrators) of the mysteries of God [that He chooses to reveal],
1 Corinthians 4:1 AMPLIFIED Version
Embedded Files
This is a living framework that grows with your understanding.
THE CONFLICT: THE “NOBODY’S PERFECT” TRAP
THE CONFLICT: THE “NOBODY’S PERFECT” TRAP
RESEARCH INSIGHT: THE PERFECTION OF THE AIM
**Focus:** The 1599 Geneva Bible Marginalia on 1 Corinthians 2:6
THE CONFLICT: THE “NOBODY’S PERFECT” TRAP
One of the greatest obstacles for the modern spiritual seeker is the pervasive mantra: **“Nobody’s perfect.”** While true at the biological level, this statement is used esoterically as a spiritual “settlement.” It encourages the seeker to remain in a state of infancy, safe within their flaws, creating a mental barrier that prevents them from pursuing the “Mark” set in Matthew 5:48.
When a seeker says “Nobody’s perfect,” they are treating perfection as a **static trophy**—a degree of flawlessness that one must earn. Because this is impossible, the carnal mind simply stops trying.
THE GENEVA KEY: PERFECTION AS DIRECTION
The 1599 Geneva Bible translators provided a correction to this error in their notes on 1 Corinthians 2:6:
*“Those are called perfect here, not which had gotten perfection already, but such as tend to it... so that perfect is set against weak.”
The translators identify “Perfection” (*Teleios*) not as a finished state of existence, but as **The Living Aim.** By setting “Perfect” against “Weak,” the notes identify two distinct spiritual categories:
1. **THE WEAK (*Nepios*):** Spiritual “slackers.” They have no aim, no tension, and no momentum. They are comfortable in their infancy and rely on external rules to keep them safe.
2. **THE PERFECT (*Teleios*):** Those who are “at full tension.” Their entire life is oriented, stretched, and aimed toward the goal. In the realm of the Spirit, **direction is identity.** If you are aimed at the Mark with 100% intent, you are called “Perfect” by the Father *now*.
THE GENTILE CONNECTION: INITIATION INTO THE MYSTERY
In the Greek world Paul resided in, *Teleioi* was the technical term for those who were **Initiated into the Mysteries.**
In the mystery traditions (like those at Eleusis), there were two classes:
THE UNINITIATED:** Those who only saw the public ceremonies and the literal, surface-level stories.
THE INITIATED:** Those admitted into the “abstruser rites” and hidden wisdom.
By using this term, Paul tells us that the Gospel is not a public religion of rules, but a private initiation into the very Mind of Christ. The “Weak” are those who can only handle the Milk of the literal Word. The “Perfect” are the spiritual adults initiated into the **Sod** (deep secrets) that the carnal world cannot digest.
COMPARISON: THE BOUNDARY OF THE MARK
1. SPIRITUAL MATURITY**
The Perfect (Teleios):** The Spiritual Adult. Full-grown and initiated into the hidden wisdom of God.
The Weak (Nepios):** The Spiritual Infant. One who requires "milk" and is unable to handle deep spiritual meat.
2. THE DAILY DISPOSITION**
The Perfect:** **The Living Aim.** Like a bowstring at full tension, stretched and pointed toward the Target (Matt 5:48).
The Weak:** **The Settlement.** Spiritual slackness; comfortable with being "only human" and lacking any forward momentum.
3. LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING**
The Perfect:** **The Sod.** Able to discern the deep, allegorical secrets and intent behind the Word.
The Weak:** **The Pshat.** Bound by the surface-level literalism and "worldly wisdom." The lteralness of life, no intuition.
4. GOVERNING IDENTITY
The Perfect:** **The Governor.** Self-ruled by the Spirit within; the law is written on the heart.
The Weak:** **The Subject.** One who requires constant external policing and traditional structures to feel righteous.
5. BIBLICAL STATUS (1 COR 2:6)**
The Perfect:** **Initiated.** Those to whom the Apostle speaks "Wisdom."
The Weak:** **Uninitiated.** Those to whom the Apostle could not speak as unto Spiritual, but as unto Carnal.
FINAL CONCLUSION FOR THE SEEKER
Matthew 5:48 is not an impossible law; it is a **Call to Tension.** To settle for the “Nobody’s Perfect” excuse is to choose to remain “Weak.” To pursue the Mark is to enter the state of “Perfection”—the state of the soul that is finally, and fully, aimed home.
Comprehensive Study on Perfection
in the New Testament
Comprehensive Study on Perfection
in the New Testament
Historical Overview: The Perfection of Intent
Historical Overview: The Perfection of Intent
A critical key to understanding the New Testament concept of "perfection" is found in the marginal notes of the 1599 Geneva Bible. Commenting on 1 Corinthians 2:6, the translators clarified:
"Those are called perfect here, not which had gotten perfection already, but such as tend to it... so that perfect is set against weak."
NOTE: Please remember this, it will greatly inform us moving forward.
Perfection in the Greek text is frequently a designation of intent and orientation rather than a claim of immediate, sinless achievement. Once a believer sincerely commits to the path (Matthew 5:48), they are categorized among "those who would be perfect."
Once, you answer the Call, count the cost, and commit to the Path of Perfection, Matt 5:48, you are counted among those who would be perfected..
Perfection
Perfection
NOTE: You may not have noticed before but there is a definite corrleation between the concept of Perfection and The Mysteries in the New Testament, including throughout Jesus' Teachings.
This page on Perfection started out as an addition to the Glossary I'm building, but ended up as its own page(s). For years I've wanted to gather up all the different variations of the Greek words translated "perfect" and point to their distinctions and differences.
We cannot discuss perfection(s) without being aware of the Mysteries mentioned throughout the Gospels and Epistles. So don't be shocked by the term just yet.
I will include much historical data for your consideration and personal enlightment.
How to Navigate this Study
Reminder: Let us Learn to distinguish
between things that differ, Phil 1:10 Literal translation
This page is designed as a progressive journey through the Greek understanding of the various Greek words that were translated "perfection" in the New Testament.
To help you navigate the "Greater" and "Lesser" mysteries found in these scriptures, we, Google Gemini Pro, MS Copilot and I, have organized the research into the following sections:
The Master List: Start here for the Arc of Completion. This section provides a high-level summary of the five stages of spiritual growth: from the initial "Mending" to final "Maturity."
Non-"Tele" Variations: Explore the specific distinctions of words like Artios (Fitness) and Plēroō (Fullness) which describe a different "flavor" of completion than the standard Teleios root.
What Does "Non-Tele" Mean?
In English translations of the Bible, several entirely different Greek concepts are all tossed into the same bucket and translated simply as "perfect" or "complete." To rightly divide these scriptures, we use the structural shorthand "Non-tele" to separate them back out.
The "Tele" Root (The Finish Line): Words like teleios share the Greek root Telos, which means the ultimate goal, maturity, or the end of a race.
The "Non-Tele" Roots (The Preparation): Words like Artios (fitness), Katartizō (mending), and Plēroō (fullness) have zero connection to the Telos finish line. Instead, they describe the structural condition, outfitting, and volume of the vessel itself.
The Inner Stream Perspective: This linguistic split mirrors the spiritual progression of the believer. The Greater Mysteries of ultimate, mature completion (the Telos) are hidden in plain sight within the Lesser Mysteries of our structural preparation. Simply put: the "Non-tele" words represent the mending and fitting of the runner, which must happen before they can ever cross the "Tele" finish line.
Deep-Dive Word Studies: At the bottom of this page, you will find dedicated sections for the primary Greek pillars: Katartizō (The Mending), Holoklēros (The Entirety), and Teleiōtēs (The Finisher).
73 Gross Mentions: This is the raw data—a comprehensive table of every New Testament scripture that references perfection, completeness, or wholeness, organized in the order they appear from Matthew to Revelation. NOTE: it is best studied if opened in a new browser window, see icon on top right of the page.
The Arc of Completion is the "Greater Mystery" hidden within these lists. It reveals how the soul progresses through various states of being "made ready" until it reaches the God-intended end: Salvation, made whole, permanently fitted and equipped for the Master's use. This summary is at the top so that the sincere seeker may "see the end from the beginning."
Road Map to Perfection
Road Map to Perfection
Master Glossary: The Mysteries of Perfection
1. Katartizō (G2675) – The Mending (Lesser Mystery)
Definition: To repair, adjust, or restore to a functional state.
Strong’s: To complete thoroughly; i.e., repair or adjust:—fit, frame, mend, restore.
Thayer’s: To render fit, sound, or complete; to mend what is broken (as in mending nets).
Esoteric Nuance: The structural alignment of the "members." This is the mending of the vessel so it can hold the "Greater" fullness.
2. Holoklēros (G3651) – The Entirety (Lesser Mystery)
Definition: Complete in all its parts; consisting of all its members.
Strong’s: Complete in every part, perfectly sound (in body):—entire, whole.
Thayer’s: Consummate integrity; where no part of the "lot" or assigned inheritance is missing.
Esoteric Nuance: Integrity of the whole. It is the preservation of the original divine "lot" so that nothing is lost during the process of growth.
3. Artios (G739) – The Fitness
Definition: Fitted, complete, and specially adapted for use.
Strong’s: Fresh, i.e., (by implication) complete:—perfect.
Thayer’s: Complete because all parts are working together; specially suited for a task.
Esoteric Nuance: The state of being "ready-to-hand." It is the perfect fit of a tool for its purpose.
4. Teleioō (G5048) – The Finishing (Greater Mystery)
Definition: To carry through to the end; to accomplish or consummate.
Strong’s: To make perfect; to consummate in character:—consecrate, finish, fulfill.
Thayer’s: To add what is yet wanting to render a thing full; to bring to the goal.
Esoteric Nuance: The act of crossing the finish line. It is the transition from "apprentice" to "master."
5. Teleiōtēs (G5051) – The Finisher
Definition: A completer or consummator.
Strong’s: A finisher; one who brings a thing to its close.
Thayer’s: One who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection.
Esoteric Nuance: The Person of the Goal. The one who initiates the race and waits at the finish to seal the work.
The Arc of Completion
Mending (Katartizō) → Alignment
Integrity (Holoklēros) → Wholeness
Readiness (Artios) → Fitness
Maturity (Teleioō) → Completion
Consummator (Teleiōtēs) → The Prize
The distinction between the Lesser and Greater Mysteries
The distinction between the Lesser and Greater Mysteries
The easiest and quickest way to SEE this distinction as you study the various Greek words tranlated perfection typically reference preparation and completion:
See what a match we have with the Mysteries:
The Lesser Mysteries are Exoteric in nature, for Preparation
The Greater Mysteries are Esoteric in nature and are the Goal.
Biblical Parallel,Milk (1 Cor 3:2),Solid Food / Strong Meat Hebrews 5:14
Greek Concept,Katartizō (Mending/Fitting),Teleiōsis (Perfection/Completion)
Psychological State,Self-Control & Character,Self-Transcendence & Union
Action,Imitation of the Master,Participation in the Divine Nature
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: Mark 4:11 KJV. Note: the Greek word translated "without" is G1854 exo, the root for exoteric,
The Greek word translated know is G1108 gnosis, basic, experientail knowledge of the Divine Path vs G1922 Epignosis, the advanced comprhension of the New Man, Col 3:10. See also 1 Cor 13:12 G1922 as you are G1922, you will then know as you are known. Selah.
Perfect, Perfection: non-tele
Perfect, Perfection: non-tele
I have audited the New Testament for all non-tel- root words that are translated as perfect, complete, entire, or finished. There are 5 distinct non-tele variations across approximately 15 key mentions.
. The Total Count
Tel- Root Mentions: 48
Non-Tel- Root Mentions: ~17 (depending on how many "mending/restoring" uses of katartizō you include).
Gross Total for Glossary: 65 Mentions.
Total Greek Variations: 11 Variations (6 tel- types + 5 "other" types).
Esoteric Note for your Glossary: The tel- words usually refer to the End/Goal, whereas the katart- words (G2675) refer to the Alignment/Mending required to get there. One is the finish line; the other is the structural integrity of the runner.
1. Non-"Tele" Glossary Additions
Artios (Adjective)
Strong’s Number: G739
Reference: 2 Timothy 3:17 ("That the man of God may be perfect...")
Thayer’s Definition: Fitted, complete, perfect. Having reference to "special aptitude for uses." It implies being "complete because all the parts are working together."
Katartizō (Verb)
Strong’s Number: G2675
References: Matthew 4:21 (mending nets); 2 Corinthians 13:11 (be perfect); Hebrews 13:21 (make you perfect).
Thayer’s Definition: To render fit, sound, complete. To mend what is broken or repair what is rent. In a legal or political sense, it means to "set a bone" or "refit a ship."
Katartisis / Katartismos (Noun)
Strong’s Number: G2676 / G2677
References: 2 Corinthians 13:9 (perfection); Ephesians 4:12 (perfecting of the saints).
Thayer’s Definition: A training, disciplining, or instructing. The complete furnishing or equipping of a person.
Holoklēros (Adjective)
Strong’s Number: G3651
References: 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (whole); James 1:4 (entire).
Thayer’s Definition: Complete in all its parts. Consisting of all its members. (From holos "whole" + klēros "lot").
Plēroō (Verb)
Strong’s Number: G4137
References: Colossians 2:10 ("ye are complete in him"); Revelation 3:2 ("thy works perfect").
Thayer’s Definition: To fill up; to cause to abound; to make complete in every particular.
2. Updated "Gross" List (The Non-Tele References)
Starting with the Gospels and moving through the Epistles, here are the non-tele references for your Inner Stream project:
Study SectionWhat You Will FindThe Master ListThe Arc of Completion. A high-level summary of the 5 stages of spiritual growth.73 Gross MentionsThe Raw Data. A comprehensive table of every NT scripture regarding perfection.Non-"Tele" VariationsSpecialized Nuances. Definitions for Artios (Fitness) and Plēroō (Fullness).Deep-Dive Word StudiesThe Pillars. Individual sections for Katartizō, Holoklēros, and Teleiōtēs.
3. The New Total Count
Tel- Root Mentions: 48
Non-Tel- Root Mentions: ~17 (depending on how many "mending/restoring" uses of katartizō you include).
Gross Total for Glossary: 65 Mentions.
Total Greek Variations: 11 Variations (6 tel- types + 5 "other" types).
Esoteric Note for your Glossary: The tel- words usually refer to the End/Goal, whereas the katart- words (G2675) refer to the Alignment/Mending required to get there. One is the finish line; the other is the structural integrity of the runner.
the "non-tele" variations, including the Strong’s definitions, Thayer’s insights, and the deep-dive nuances found in the scholarship of Spiros Zodhiates.
Artios (Adjective)
the "non-tele" variations, including the Strong’s definitions, Thayer’s insights, and the deep-dive nuances found in the scholarship of Spiros Zodhiates.
Artios (Adjective)
- Greek Root: From a derivative of arō (to fit).
- Strong’s Definition: Fresh, i.e. (by implication) complete:—perfect.
- Thayer’s Definition: Complete, perfect. Used of a man who is "completely efficient" for a task.
- Zodhiates Nuance: Zodhiates defines Artios as being specially adapted. While Teleios refers to reaching the finish line (maturity), Artios refers to the state of being ready. It is the "perfect" fit of a key in a lock or a tool in a hand. It describes a person who lacks nothing necessary to perform their specific divine function.
Exartizō (Verb)
Exartizō (Verb)
- Reference: 2 Timothy 3:17 ("...thoroughly furnished unto all good works.")
- Strong’s Definition: To finish out (time); to equip fully (a teacher):—accomplish, thoroughly furnish.
- Thayer’s Definition: To complete, finish. To furnish perfectly.
- Zodhiates Nuance: This is the intensive form of Artios. Zodhiates notes that this word was often used of outfitting a wagon or a ship for a long journey. If Artios means the man is "ready," Exartizō means he has been "fully stocked" with every supply (scripture, doctrine, reproof) needed to survive the trek and complete the mission.
Plēroō (Verb)
Plēroō (Verb)
- Reference: Colossians 2:10 ("And ye are complete in him...")
- Strong’s Definition: To make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify:—accomplish, complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
- Thayer’s Definition: To fill to the full; to cause to abound; to render perfect.
- Zodhiates Nuance: Zodhiates links this to the Pleroma (Fullness). It isn't just "finishing" a task; it is "filling a void." In Colossians, it means that because Christ is the fullness of God, and you are in Him, there is no "hollow space" left in your spiritual standing. You are "perfected" by being filled to capacity with His life.
Holoklēros (Adjective)
Holoklēros (Adjective)
- Reference: James 1:4 ("...perfect and entire, wanting nothing.")
- Strong’s Definition: Complete in every part, perfectly sound (in body):—entire, whole.
- Thayer’s Definition: Consisting of all its members and parts; quite complete in all respects.
- Zodhiates Nuance: Derived from holos (whole) and klēros (a lot/inheritance). Zodhiates explains this as "integrity of the whole." It was used of sacrificial animals that had to be "whole"—no missing limbs, no defects. It represents the "Lesser Mystery" of keeping your entire "allotted portion" (spirit, soul, and body) intact and undamaged by the world.
Glossary Comparison Summary
Glossary Comparison Summary
Word
Word
Focus
Focus
Esoteric Meaning
Esoteric Meaning
Teleios
Teleios
The End
The End
Maturity/Full-grown status.
Maturity/Full-grown status.
Katartizō
Katartizō
The Joint
The Joint
Mending/Alignment (Setting the bone).
Mending/Alignment (Setting the bone).
Artios
Artios
The Fit
The Fit
Suitability/Aptitude for a specific use.
Suitability/Aptitude for a specific use.
Plēroō
Plēroō
The Volume
The Volume
Fullness/Filling the empty space.
Fullness/Filling the empty space.
Holoklēros
Holoklēros
The Parts
The Parts
Wholeness/Integrity (Nothing missing).
Wholeness/Integrity (Nothing missing).
Total Gross Count Audit
Total Gross Count Audit
With these non-tel- additions, your Inner Stream Glossary now covers 13 distinct Greek variations across 70+ key New Testament mentions.
With these non-tel- additions, your Inner Stream Glossary now covers 13 distinct Greek variations across 70+ key New Testament mentions.
Perfect "non-tele" variations
Perfect "non-tele" variations
the "non-tele" variations, including the Strong’s definitions, Thayer’s insights, and the deep-dive nuances found in the scholarship of Spiros Zodhiates.
Artios (Adjective)
the "non-tele" variations, including the Strong’s definitions, Thayer’s insights, and the deep-dive nuances found in the scholarship of Spiros Zodhiates.
Artios (Adjective)
- Greek Root: From a derivative of arō (to fit).
- Strong’s Definition: Fresh, i.e. (by implication) complete:—perfect.
- Thayer’s Definition: Complete, perfect. Used of a man who is "completely efficient" for a task.
- Zodhiates Nuance: Zodhiates defines Artios as being specially adapted. While Teleios refers to reaching the finish line (maturity), Artios refers to the state of being ready. It is the "perfect" fit of a key in a lock or a tool in a hand. It describes a person who lacks nothing necessary to perform their specific divine function.
Exartizō (Verb)
Exartizō (Verb)
- Reference: 2 Timothy 3:17 ("...thoroughly furnished unto all good works.")
- Strong’s Definition: To finish out (time); to equip fully (a teacher):—accomplish, thoroughly furnish.
- Thayer’s Definition: To complete, finish. To furnish perfectly.
- Zodhiates Nuance: This is the intensive form of Artios. Zodhiates notes that this word was often used of outfitting a wagon or a ship for a long journey. If Artios means the man is "ready," Exartizō means he has been "fully stocked" with every supply (scripture, doctrine, reproof) needed to survive the trek and complete the mission.
Plēroō (Verb)
Plēroō (Verb)
- Reference: Colossians 2:10 ("And ye are complete in him...")
- Strong’s Definition: To make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify:—accomplish, complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
- Thayer’s Definition: To fill to the full; to cause to abound; to render perfect.
- Zodhiates Nuance: Zodhiates links this to the Pleroma (Fullness). It isn't just "finishing" a task; it is "filling a void." In Colossians, it means that because Christ is the fullness of God, and you are in Him, there is no "hollow space" left in your spiritual standing. You are "perfected" by being filled to capacity with His life.
Holoklēros (Adjective)
Holoklēros (Adjective)
- Reference: James 1:4 ("...perfect and entire, wanting nothing.")
- Strong’s Definition: Complete in every part, perfectly sound (in body):—entire, whole.
- Thayer’s Definition: Consisting of all its members and parts; quite complete in all respects.
- Zodhiates Nuance: Derived from holos (whole) and klēros (a lot/inheritance). Zodhiates explains this as "integrity of the whole." It was used of sacrificial animals that had to be "whole"—no missing limbs, no defects. It represents the "Lesser Mystery" of keeping your entire "allotted portion" (spirit, soul, and body) intact and undamaged by the world.
Glossary Comparison Summary
Glossary Comparison Summary
Word
Word
Focus
Focus
Esoteric Meaning
Esoteric Meaning
Teleios
Teleios
The End
The End
Maturity/Full-grown status.
Maturity/Full-grown status.
Katartizō
Katartizō
The Joint
The Joint
Mending/Alignment (Setting the bone).
Mending/Alignment (Setting the bone).
Artios
Artios
The Fit
The Fit
Suitability/Aptitude for a specific use.
Suitability/Aptitude for a specific use.
Plēroō
Plēroō
The Volume
The Volume
Fullness/Filling the empty space.
Fullness/Filling the empty space.
Holoklēros
Holoklēros
The Parts
The Parts
Wholeness/Integrity (Nothing missing).
Wholeness/Integrity (Nothing missing).
Total Gross Count Audit
Total Gross Count Audit
With these non-tel- additions, your Inner Stream Glossary now covers 13 distinct Greek variations across 70+ key New Testament mentions.
With these non-tel- additions, your Inner Stream Glossary now covers 13 distinct Greek variations across 70+ key New Testament mentions.
Katartizō (G2675)
Katartizō (G2675)
Next, ler's focus on the Thayer's definition for Katartizō (G2675) next, given its heavy use in the Epistles for "perfecting" the saints.
Katartizō (Verb)
Strong’s Number: G2675
Greek Root: From kata (intensive) and artios (G739, "fitted/ready").
Strong’s Definition: To complete thoroughly, i.e. repair or adjust:—fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect, perfectly join together, prepare, restore.
Thayer’s Dictionary Definition
To render fit, sound, complete: To mend what is broken or repaired (as in mending nets in Matthew 4:21).
To fit out, equip, put in order: To arrange, settle, or combine parts into a whole.
Ethically: To strengthen, perfect, or make one what he ought to be (as in Hebrews 13:21).
Inner Stream Word Study (Zodhiates Influence)
Zodhiates emphasizes that Katartizō is a structural term. While Teleios (G5046) focuses on the end goal (maturity), Katartizō focuses on the internal adjustment necessary to reach it.
The Surgical/Medical Nuance: In classical Greek, the word was used for setting a broken bone. It isn't just "making something better"; it is moving a displaced member back into its rightful, functional position.
The Nautical Nuance: It was used of outfitting a ship for a voyage. The ship is "perfect" (katartizō) when every sail, rope, and tool is on board and in its proper place so it can fulfill its purpose.
The Corporate Nuance (1 Corinthians 1:10): To be "perfectly joined together." This implies a restoration of unity where there was previously a fracture or "schism" in the body.
Revised "Non-Tele" Totals for your Glossary
To be exhaustive, I have added G1822 and G2045, which are often overlooked but critical "completeness" words.
Scripture
English Translation
Greek Word
Strong's
Matthew 4:21
"...mending their nets"
katartizō
G2675
Luke 6:40
"...every one that is perfect"
katartizō
G2675
Acts 3:16
"...this perfect soundness"
holoklēria
G3647
2 Cor. 13:9
"...even your perfection."
katartisis
G2676
Ephesians 4:12
"For the perfecting of the saints"
katartismos
G2677
Colossians 2:10
"And ye are complete in him"
plēroō
G4137
2 Timothy 3:17
"...may be perfect, thoroughly furnished"
artios / exartizō
G739 / G1822
Hebrews 13:21
"Make you perfect in every good work"
katartizō
G2675
James 1:4
"...perfect and entire"
holoklēros
G3651
Glossary Summary Statistics
New Word Found: Exartizō (G1822) – To finish out, to equip fully. (Used in 2 Tim 3:17 and Acts 21:5).
New Word Found: Ereunaō (G2045) – Sometimes related to a "searching out" to completion.
Final Gross Mentions: 68
Total Greek Variations: 13 Variations
Holoklēros
Holoklēros
Holoklēros serves as the bridge between the structural mending of the Lesser Mysteries and the finality of the Greater Mysteries.
Holoklēros (Adjective)
Strong’s Number: G3651
Greek Root: From holos (whole, complete) and klēros (a lot, an inheritance, or that which is assigned by lot).
Strong’s Definition: Complete in every part, perfectly sound (in body):—entire, whole.
Thayer’s Dictionary Definition
Consisting of all its members and parts: Quite complete in all respects, entire.
In a moral sense: Consummate integrity; for a person to be "whole" in their character, where no part of their allotted virtue is missing or damaged.
Zodhiates/Inner Stream Word Study
Zodhiates highlights that Holoklēros implies a preservation of the original lot. While Teleios (G5046) looks forward to the finish line, Holoklēros looks at the "inventory" of the person to ensure everything God gave at the start is still present and intact.
The Sacrificial Nuance: In the Septuagint and classical Greek, this word was used to describe unblemished sacrificial animals and priests. They had to be "whole"—no missing limbs, no scars, and no defects.
The Ethical Nuance (James 1:4): "That ye may be perfect (teleios) and entire (holoklēros)." This pairing suggests that a man must not only reach the goal of maturity but must arrive there with his entirety intact.
The "Lot" Connection: Because it contains the root klēros (lot/inheritance), it suggests that every believer has an "allotted" spiritual portion. To be holoklēros is to ensure that no part of that divine inheritance has been lost to the world, the flesh, or the enemy.
The Transition from Lesser to Greater
Within your Glossary, you can categorize the "perfections" as follows:
Mystery Level
Greek Term
Focal Point
Purpose
Lesser
Katartizō (G2675)
Structural
To mend what is broken/out of joint.
Lesser
Holoklēros (G3651)
Integrity
To keep the whole "lot" undamaged.
Greater
Teleioō (G5048)
Functional
To finish the course/consecrate.
Greater
Teleios (G5046)
Stature
To reach full-grown spiritual adulthood.
Inner Stream Note: You cannot be Teleios (mature) if you are not Holoklēros (whole). Perfection requires that the "End" (Telos) meets a "Whole" (Holos) vessel.
Teleiōtēs (Noun)
Teleiōtēs (Noun)
For the final entry in your Inner Stream glossary, we look at the one who initiates and seals the entire process of perfection.
Teleiōtēs (Noun)
Strong’s Number: G5051
Reference: Hebrews 12:2 ("...the author and finisher of our faith.")
Strong’s Definition: A completer, i.e. consummator:—finisher.
Thayer’s Definition: One who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith. One who perfects or brings to a close.
Zodhiates/Inner Stream Word Study
Zodhiates notes that this word is unique in the New Testament, appearing only once. It is the masculine noun form of the tel- root, identifying a person rather than a process.
The Consummator: While the "Author" (Archēgos) starts the race, the Teleiōtēs is the one who waits at the finish line. He is the "perfecter" because He has already traversed the path from the Lesser to the Greater Mysteries.
The Captain of the Finish: Zodhiates emphasizes that Christ is the Teleiōtēs because He brings our faith to its full intended measure. He doesn't just watch us run; He draws the faith within us toward its final state of maturity.
Glossary Summary: The Arc of Perfection
To wrap up your Master List, here is how these terms move from the "broken" state to the "finished" state:
Katartizō (G2675): The Mending (Structural).
Holoklēros (G3651): The Wholeness (Integrity).
Artios (G739): The Fitness (Aptitude).
Teleioō (G5048): The Finishing (Function).
Teleiōtēs (G5051): The Finisher (The Person/Goal).
Gross Mentions Final Count: 73 (including this final "Finisher" reference).
Key to the Master List of "Perfect"
Key to the Master List of "Perfect"
The data provides a vocabulary and contextual analysis of Greek words related to 'perfection', 'completion', or 'mending' across different Scripture references. Total Statistics
Total Mentions: 73
Unique Scripture Verses: 62 (Several verses, such as James 1:4 and 1 John 4:18, contain multiple distinct Greek words for perfection).
Unique Greek Variations: 13
Here is a summary of the key takeaways and a visualization of the most frequent Greek words:
Key Takeaways
Dominance of the Teles Word Family
The study's focus is highly concentrated on the Greek teles word family, which relates to the concept of an end, goal, or perfection.
The most frequent Greek word is teleioō (G5048), which appears 21 times. This word is a verb, and its usage is highly diverse, ranging from "Love made perfect" to "Made perfect in one" to "To finish his work."
The second most frequent is the adjective teleios (G5046), appearing 16 times. This word describes a state or quality, such as "Be ye therefore perfect," "Unto a perfect man (Stature)," and "Every perfect gift is from above."
Variety in Context and Application
The two most frequent words, teleioō and teleios, are used across a wide spectrum of theological and practical contexts, suggesting a nuanced understanding of 'perfection' is being explored.
teleioō (The Verb): Its use highlights the process or action of reaching a goal, often associated with a divine act or outcome. Contexts include:
Divine/Spiritual Completion: "Love made perfect," "His love is perfected in us," and "Made perfect in one."
Sacrificial/Christological Fulfillment: "Son, who is consecrated," and "Captain of salvation perfect."
teleios (The Adjective): Its use focuses on the state or quality of being complete or mature. Contexts include:
Moral/Spiritual Maturity: "Be ye therefore perfect," "As many as be perfect," and "Them that are of full age."
Qualities of God/Heavenly things: "Every perfect gift is from above," and "More perfect tabernacle."
Other Notable Words
The remaining references are scattered among other related Greek words, indicating an analysis beyond the primary teles family.
katartizō (G2675) is the third most frequent word, appearing 8 times. It carries a distinct meaning of "mending," "repairing," or "equipping," and its initial entry context is "Mending/Repairing nets."
Other, less frequent words include holoklēros (G3651, two instances) meaning "whole" or "complete," and exartizō (G1822, two instances) meaning "to complete" or "to furnish completely."
Click Here to view the Master List of all 73 mentions of the Greek words that are translated "perfect" or some variation in the New Testament.
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