Quick Definition
I complete, accomplish, form fully, perfect
Strong's Definition
to complete entirely, i.e. consummate
Derivation: from G575 (ἀπό) and G5055 (τελέω);
KJV Usage: finish
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἀποτελέω, ἀποτελῶ; (1 aorist passive participle ἀποτελεσθεις); to perfect; to bring quite to an end: ἰάσεις, accomplish, Luk_13:32 (L T Tr WH for R G ἀπιτέλω); ἡ ἁμαρτία ἀποτελεσθεῖσα having come to maturity, Jas_1:15 (Herodotus, Xenophon, Plato, and subsequent writers).
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
ἀποτελέω apoteleō 2x
to complete; pass. to be perfected, to arrive at full stature or measure, Luk_13:32 ; Jas_1:15
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
** ἀπο -τελέω , -ῶ ,
[in LXX : 1Es_5:73 , 1Ma_15:39 * ;]
to bring to an end, complete, accomplish ( cf. MM , s.v. ): Luk_13:32 , Jas_1:15 .†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
ἀποτελέω [page 70]
The verb occurs P Tebt II. 276 (ii/iii A.D.), an astrological document, describing the effects (ἀποτελέσματα ) due to the positions of the planets. Thus 14 Jupiter in conjunction with Mars (etc.) μεγάλας̣[βασιλεία ]ς̣κ̣αὶ ἡγεμονίας ἀπ̣ο̣τελεῖ , makes. This is in accord with the use in Luk_13:32 ἰάσεις ἀποτελῶ , and also in Jas_1:15 ἡ δὲ ἁμαρτία ἀποτελεσθεῖσα ἀποκυεῖ θάνατον , where Hort ( ad l. ) has shown that ἀ . is fully formed rather than full-grown. In PSI 101 .11 (ii/A.D.) ἀποτελεσθῆαι ( l. ναι ) γὰρ τὴν κώμην πάλαι ἀπὸ ἀνδρῶν κ̄ζ̄ , νυνεὶ δὲ εἰς μόνους κατηντηκέναι ἄνδρας γ̄ (who had emigrated from inability to meet the heavier taxation) it seems to mean the village once had a full strength of 27 contributors. (It should be noted that Prof. Hunt, in The Year s Work for 1912, p. 135, included this document among transcriptions which show signs of inexperience. )
Liddell-Scott — Intermediate Greek Lexicon
ἀποτελέω "to bring quite to an end, complete" a work, Hdt. , Xen. , etc.:—Pass., perf. part. ἀποτετελεσμένος, "perfect", Xen. "to pay or perform what one is bound to pay or perform", as vows to a god, Hdt. , Xen. : generally, "to accomplish, perform", Xen. "to render or make" of a certain kind, τὴν πόλιν ἀπ. εὐδαίμονα "to make" the state "quite" happy, Plat. ; and Mid., ἄμεμπτον φίλον ἀποτελέσασθαι "to make" him without blame "towards himself", Xen.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
ἀπο-τελέω, -ῶ
[in LXX: I Est.5:73, 1Ma.15:39 * ;]
to bring to an end, complete, accomplish (cf. MM, see word): Luk.13:32, Jas.1:15.†
(AS)
📖 In-Depth Word Study
Fully accomplished (658) apoteleo
Fully accomplished (658) (apoteleo from apó = intensifies the meaning + teléo = complete) means to perfect, accomplish or achieve the natural purpose. It conveys the idea of completeness in parts and function accompanying full growth as opposed to a rudimentary or incomplete state. Here in James apoteleo describes personifies sin as "running its course" and of reaching its goal (the final stage).
Apoteleo is a strong word, implying an ultimate and final consummation. As alluded to below, if sin is allowed to continue unabated in one's life without ever exhibiting repentance or experiencing redemption by Christ the result is eternal and irrevocable spiritual death.
A T Robertson explains that apoteleo in this passage...
It does not mean “full-grown” like teleioÃ
Â, but rather completeness of parts or functions as opposed to rudimentary state (Hort) like the winged insect in contrast with the chrysalis or grub (Plato). The sin at birth is fully equipped for its career (Ro 6:6-note; Col 3:5-note). (Word Pictures in the New Testament)
Apoteleo is used only one other time in the NT, in the gospel of Luke where Jesus is speaking...
Luke 13:32 And He said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform (apoteleo in the present tense = continually) cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal.' (Comment: Here Jesus uses apoteleo in a literal sense of completing or finishing, in the context of curing).