You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect,
Matthew 5:48 AMPLIFED Version
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We have a "Common Problem"
Perfection
Perfection
This page on Perfection started out as an addition to the Glossary, but ended up as its own page. 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.
How to Navigate this Study
This page is designed as a progressive journey through the Greek understanding of "Perfection." To help you navigate the "Greater" and "Lesser" mysteries found in these scriptures, we 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."
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.
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.
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).
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. We provide this summary at the top so that the 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 word Perfect: Master List
The word Perfect: Master List
This Master Table compiles every Greek variation for "perfection," "completeness," and "wholeness" we have identified, organized by their sequence in the New Testament.
Inner Stream Master Glossary Table
Scripture
Word (English)
Greek Term
Strong’s
Type
Concept
Matt 4:21
mending
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Structural alignment/repair.
Matt 5:48
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Maturity/End-goal.
Matt 19:21
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Maturity/End-goal.
Luke 1:45
performance
teleiōsis
G5050
Tele
Fulfillment of promise.
Luke 2:43
fulfilled
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Bringing to an end.
Luke 6:40
perfect
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Fully trained/adjusted.
Luke 8:14
perfection
telesphoreō
G5052
Tele
Bringing fruit to maturity.
Luke 13:32
perfected
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Completion of a course.
John 4:34
finish
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Accomplishing a task.
John 17:23
perfect
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Consummated in unity.
John 19:28
fulfilled
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Scriptural completion.
Acts 3:16
soundness
holoklēria
G3647
Non-Tele
Wholeness of all parts.
Acts 21:5
accomplished
exartizō
G1822
Non-Tele
Finishing out a timeframe.
Rom 12:2
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Full-grown/Complete.
1 Cor 1:10
joined
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Mending a fracture/division.
1 Cor 2:6
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Spiritual adults/mature.
1 Cor 13:10
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
The final/consummate state.
2 Cor 12:9
perfect
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Strength brought to its end.
2 Cor 13:9
perfection
katartisis
G2676
Non-Tele
The act of being fitted.
2 Cor 13:11
perfect
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Discipline/Instruction.
Gal 6:1
restore
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Setting a broken bone.
Eph 4:12
perfecting
katartismos
G2677
Non-Tele
Equipping/Outfitting.
Eph 4:13
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Full stature of maturity.
Phil 3:12
perfect
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Reaching the finish line.
Phil 3:15
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Mature in mindset.
Col 1:28
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Presenting as full-grown.
Col 2:10
complete
plēroō
G4137
Non-Tele
Filled to full capacity.
Col 3:14
perfectness
teleiotēs
G5047
Tele
Bond of completion.
Col 4:12
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Standing mature/firm.
1 Thess 3:10
perfect
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Supplying what is lacking.
1 Thess 5:23
whole
holoklēros
G3651
Non-Tele
Integrity of every part.
2 Tim 3:17
perfect
artios
G739
Non-Tele
Adapted/fitted for use.
2 Tim 3:17
furnished
exartizō
G1822
Non-Tele
Fully outfitted for a trip.
Heb 2:10
perfect
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Consecration/consummation.
Heb 5:9
perfect
teleioō
G5048
Tele
Reaching the ultimate goal.
Heb 5:14
full age
teleios
G5046
Tele
Capacity for solid food.
Heb 6:1
perfection
teleiotēs
G5047
Tele
Higher stage of knowledge.
Heb 7:11
perfection
teleiōsis
G5050
Tele
State of being made perfect.
Heb 9:11
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Higher/consummate order.
Heb 11:3
framed
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Prepared/arranged.
Heb 12:2
finisher
teleiōtēs
G5051
Tele
Consummator of the race.
Heb 13:21
perfect
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
Outfitting for good works.
James 1:4
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Mature/reaching the goal.
James 1:4
entire
holoklēros
G3651
Non-Tele
No portion missing.
James 1:17
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Consummate/flawless.
James 3:2
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Mature/self-controlled.
1 Pet 1:13
to the end
teleiōs
G5049
Tele
Perfectly/fully.
1 Pet 5:10
perfect
katartizō
G2675
Non-Tele
To stabilize/mend.
1 John 4:18
perfect
teleios
G5046
Tele
Full-grown/complete love.
Rev 3:2
perfect
plēroō
G4137
Non-Tele
Filled up/full measure.
Final Tally
Total Mentions: 50 unique verses identified here (covering approximately 75+ individual Greek word instances when counting repetitive roots in similar contexts).
Unique Greek Variations: 13
Perfect, Perfection
Perfect, Perfection
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:
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
1 Cor. 1:10
"...be perfectly joined together"
katartizō
G2675
2 Cor. 13:9
"...even your perfection."
katartisis
G2676
2 Cor. 13:11
"Be perfect, be of good comfort"
katartizō
G2675
Galatians 6:1
"...restore such an one"
katartizō
G2675
Ephesians 4:12
"For the perfecting of the saints"
katartismos
G2677
Colossians 2:10
"And ye are complete in him"
plēroō
G4137
1 Thess. 3:10
"...perfect that which is lacking"
katartizō
G2675
1 Thess. 5:23
"...your whole spirit and soul..."
holoklēros
G3651
2 Timothy 3:17
"That the man of God may be perfect"
artios
G739
Hebrews 11:3
"the worlds were framed"
katartizō
G2675
Hebrews 13:21
"Make you perfect in every good work"
katartizō
G2675
James 1:4
"...perfect and entire"
holoklēros
G3651
1 Peter 5:10
"...make you perfect, stablish..."
katartizō
G2675
Revelation 3:2
"...not found thy works perfect"
plēroō
G4137
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.
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).
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