Τετέλεσται – John 19:30 (KJV Greek-English Interlinear).
The meaning of the final words of Jesus – It is finished: in Greek it is just one word ‘tetelestai’, a derivative of ‘teleos’. Tetelestai is in the perfect tense, which is ‘significant because the perfect tense says an action which has been completed in the past with results continuing into the present . . . This happened and it is still in effect today.‘ (christianity.com)
Tetelestai was used in a business context on ancient receipts that a debt had been paid in full. It was also used in a judicial context in court when a particular sentence was fully and completely, once and for all, served. Christ satisfied God’s justice through dying for all to pay for the sins of the elect. These sins can never be punished again since that would violate God’s justice. Sins can only be punished once, either with a substitute or through yourself (Strongs Dictionary). Tetelestai was also used in a military context meaning that a battle had been won, so words like triumph and victory are used.
Jesus hangs on the cross and He cries out Tetelestai, It is finished.
He was declaring, the debt of sin was fully paid, the judgement for your sin has been fully served, and the spiritual war against death, sin and satan has been completely won.
In Christ, the work of salvation, victory, reconciliation and new life is fully yours.
TETELESTAI – Τετέλεσται – IT IS FINISHED!
We are very grateful to Christine Crozier who passed this on from a post on Facebook.