Matthew 24:14

 

The Eschatological Significance of τέλος and συντέλεια in Matthew’s Gospel

This exegetical study of The Eschatological Significance of τέλος and συντέλεια in Matthew’s Gospel is based on a b-greek discussion from July 4th, 2014, 12:07 pm. The initial query concerned the semantic and etymological relationship between the Greek terms τέλος (Matthew 24:14) and συντελείας (Matthew 28:20), specifically whether they refer to the same prophetic point in time and share a common derivation.

The core exegetical issue lies in discerning the nuanced meanings of τέλος within the same pericope (Matthew 24:13-14) and its precise relationship to ἡ συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος as found in Matthew 28:20 and other eschatological passages in Matthew. While τὸ τέλος in Matthew 24:14 and ἡ συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος are often considered functionally equivalent in an eschatological context within Matthew (cf. 24:3, 6), the passage in 24:13 employs τέλος in a demonstrably different sense. This distinction is critical for a precise understanding of Matthew’s eschatology, requiring careful attention to both the immediate and broader contexts of each term’s usage.

Greek text (Nestle 1904)

¹³ ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος οὗτος σωθήσεται.
¹⁴ καὶ κηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ εἰς μαρτύριον πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, καὶ τότε ἥξει τὸ τέλος.

• Key differences with SBLGNT (2010): There are no key textual differences between the Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT (2010) editions for Matthew 24:13-14. Both versions present identical Greek text for these verses.

Textual Criticism and Lexical Notes

Regarding textual criticism, a review of the Nestle-Aland 28th Edition (NA28) apparatus for Matthew 24:13-14 and 28:20 reveals no significant variants that alter the reading or meaning of τέλος or συντέλεια in these specific passages. The manuscripts consistently present the readings as found in Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010.

Lexical Notes:

• τέλος (telos):
  • KITTEL (TDNT, Vol. VIII, pp. 49-87): This term is remarkably polysemous, encompassing meanings such as ‘end’, ‘limit’, ‘cessation’ (temporal, spatial, or logical), ‘goal’, ‘purpose’, ‘result’, ‘outcome’, ‘fulfillment’, ‘completion’, and even ‘tax’ or ‘duty’. In an eschatological sense, particularly in Matthew’s Olivet Discourse (24:6, 14), τὸ τέλος often signifies the final culmination or the ‘end of the age’. However, the phrase εἰς τέλος can denote perseverance ‘until the end’ of one’s life or a period of tribulation (24:13), or ‘completely/fully’ (John 13:1). The distinction between these uses, especially in Matthew 24, is pivotal.
  • BDAG (3rd ed., p. 995): Defines τέλος primarily as: 1. ‘end, termination, cessation’ (e.g., Mk 3:26, Mt 24:6, 14; 1 Cor 15:24). It notes εἰς τέλος as “until the end” (Mt 10:22, 24:13; Lk 18:7, Heb 3:6, 14). Other meanings include 2. ‘goal, purpose, objective’ (e.g., Ro 10:4), and 3. ‘outcome, result’ (e.g., Ro 6:21f).
• συντέλεια (synteleia):
  • KITTEL (TDNT, Vol. VII, pp. 881-883): This term means ‘completion’, ‘consummation’, or ‘end’, but with a particular emphasis on the *bringing to a close* or *fulfillment* of an era or process. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is frequently used in an eschatological context, almost exclusively in the phrase συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος (“consummation of the age”). This phrase consistently refers to the definitive eschatological end of the present evil age, marking the transition to the new age (Mt 13:39, 40, 49; 24:3; 28:20; Heb 9:26). It implies a more active, decisive completion than a mere termination.
  • BDAG (3rd ed., p. 977): Defines συντέλεια as ‘consummation, close, completion, end’. It highlights that the term is almost exclusively used in the NT (especially in Matthew and Hebrews) with τοῦ αἰῶνος (or τῶν αἰώνων) to refer to the eschatological end of the present cosmic age. It suggests a ‘summing up’ or ‘completion’ rather than just a termination.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The varying uses of τέλος and the distinct phrase συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος in Matthew necessitate careful grammatical and rhetorical analysis to capture their specific meanings.

In Matthew 24:13, “ὁ δὲ ὑπομείνας εἰς τέλος οὗτος σωθήσεται,” the phrase εἰς τέλος functions as an accusative of extent or duration. Here, τέλος refers to the endurance of an individual believer ‘to the end’ of a period of tribulation or ‘to the end’ of their earthly life. It emphasizes perseverance and steadfastness. Rhetorically, this serves as an exhortation to the disciples to remain faithful despite persecution, ensuring their salvation. The preposition εἰς with τέλος in this context signals a continuous action leading to a specific point or completion, rather than identifying the point itself as a noun.

Conversely, in Matthew 24:14, “καὶ τότε ἥξει τὸ τέλος,” τέλος is used as a definite noun, “the end.” In this eschatological discourse, it unequivocally refers to the definitive eschatological ‘end’ of the age, the culmination of all prophetic events. This usage parallels ἡ συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος found elsewhere in Matthew 24:3. Rhetorically, it provides a chronological marker, indicating that the preaching of the gospel to all nations is a prerequisite for the arrival of this ultimate eschatological event.

Finally, in Matthew 28:20, “ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος,” the phrase συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος is a fixed Matthean idiom. συντέλεια, often translated as ‘consummation’ or ‘completion,’ adds the prefix σύν- to τέλος, implying a ‘bringing together to an end’ or a ‘summing up’ of the age. This term specifically refers to the ultimate, definitive closing of the present cosmic age, signaling the full establishment of God’s kingdom. Grammatically, it is a genitive phrase governed by ἕως (“until”). Rhetorically, it provides an assurance of Christ’s perpetual presence with his disciples until the final, climactic fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan in history.

Etymologically, both terms share the root idea of ‘end’ or ‘completion.’ However, συντέλεια, with its prefix, carries a stronger connotation of active consummation or finalization of a process, which aligns with its consistent use for the eschatological ‘end of the age’ in the New Testament. While τέλος can denote various types of ends or goals, τὸ τέλος in an eschatological context often functions synonymously with ἡ συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος, referring to the ultimate eschatological climax. The distinction lies primarily in the more general semantic range of τέλος versus the specific, technical eschatological sense of συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

In conclusion, while τέλος and συντέλεια share a common etymological root and can, in certain contexts, refer to the same ultimate eschatological event (e.g., τὸ τέλος in Mt 24:14 and ἡ συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος), their usage is not always interchangeable. The context and grammatical construction are crucial for determining their precise meaning. τέλος is polysemous, capable of denoting a variety of ‘ends’ or ‘goals’, including a personal endurance ‘to the end’ (Mt 24:13). In contrast, συντέλεια, particularly in the Matthean phrase συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος, functions as a more specific theological term for the comprehensive ‘consummation’ or ‘completion’ of the present age.

1. For Matthew 24:13, capturing the sense of individual perseverance:
   

   “But the one who perseveres to the very end will be saved.”

   Explanation: This translation emphasizes the duration and steadfastness required of the individual believer through trials and tribulations.

2. For Matthew 24:14, distinguishing the specific eschatological event:
   

   “…and then the ultimate consummation will come.”

   Explanation: This rendering differentiates τὸ τέλος as a distinct, specific eschatological event—the comprehensive end of the age—from the ‘end’ of individual endurance mentioned in the preceding verse.

3. For Matthew 28:20, reflecting the idiomatic and comprehensive nature of the phrase:
   

   “…until the consummation of the age.”

   Explanation: This translation retains the full and precise meaning of συντέλεια τοῦ αἰῶνος, highlighting the decisive and complete bringing to a close of the present cosmic era.