Lexical Summary telesphoreó: To bring to completion, to bear fruit to maturity Original Word: τελεσφορέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance produce maturity, bring fruit to perfection. From a compound of telos and phero; to be a bearer to completion (maturity), i.e. To ripen fruit (figuratively) -- bring fruit to perfection. see GREEK telos see GREEK phero HELPS Word-studies 5052 telesphoréō (from 5056 /télos, "end-consummation" and 5342 /phérō, "to carry over") – properly, to bring to completion (maturation, consummation), emphasizing the "eternal carry-over" of this life into the afterlife (see 5056 /télos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom telos and phoreó Definition to bring fruit to perfection, hence to bear perfect offspring NASB Translation bring...fruit to maturity (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5052: τελεσφορέωτελεσφορέω, τελεσφόρω; (τελεσφόρος, from τέλος and φέρω); to bring to (perfection or) maturity (namely, καρπούς): Luke 8:14. (Used alike of fruits, and of pregnant women and animals bringing their young to maturity; 4 Macc. 13:19; Theophrastus, Geoponica, Philo, Diodorus, Josephus, others; (Psalm 64:10 Topical Lexicon Context in Luke 8:14 “The seed that fell among the thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature” (Luke 8:14). The verb translated “does not mature” encapsulates the difference between initial response to the word and a life that reaches the God-intended harvest. Jesus’ warning is not about seed failure but about unfinished growth: the plant begins well yet never comes to the season of ripened grain that glorifies God (John 15:8). Fruitfulness as a Test of Authentic Faith Throughout Scripture the presence of mature fruit distinguishes genuine discipleship from mere profession. John 15:5–6 promises abundant fruitfulness to those who remain in Christ, while Matthew 7:16–20 teaches that trees are known by their fruit. Luke 8:14 therefore reinforces a consistent biblical principle: perseverance that produces visible, Spirit-wrought fruit is the evidence of saving faith (Colossians 1:10; James 2:17). Agrarian Imagery in First-Century Palestine Jesus’ audience lived by the rhythms of sowing and harvest. They knew that drought, weeds, or neglect could keep a fig, olive, or grain crop from reaching maturity. The warning carried immediate force: just as an immature harvest leaves a farmer without provision, so an immature spiritual life leaves the hearer without the promised blessings of the kingdom (Jeremiah 24:1–10; Hosea 8:7). Old Testament Foundations of Mature Fruit The prophets often contrasted early promise with later failure: “Israel was a luxuriant vine; he produced fruit for himself” (Hosea 10:1). Isaiah’s song of the vineyard (Isaiah 5:1–7) laments grapes that turn out wild. Against this backdrop Luke 8:14 underscores the covenant expectation that God’s word, once received, is to yield a harvest of righteousness (Psalm 92:14). New Testament Parallels on Growth to Completion 1 Corinthians 3:6–9 speaks of planting and watering that God causes “to grow.” Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, highlighting qualities that require time and perseverance. Hebrews 6:1 urges believers to “leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity,” echoing the very concept expressed in Luke 8:14. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Vigilance against thorns: worries, riches, and pleasures must be identified and uprooted (1 Timothy 6:9–10, 17). Missional Significance Luke 8:14 cautions evangelists that response alone is not the finish line; ongoing nurture is essential. Paul’s pattern of planting churches and then revisiting them “to strengthen all the disciples” (Acts 14:22) reflects a commitment to seeing fruit brought to maturity. Modern mission strategy likewise prioritizes discipleship that leads to reproducing believers. Encouragement for Personal Application Believers are summoned to examine whether the Word received is moving toward completion. “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). As thorns are confessed and surrendered, the Spirit advances the crop toward the season of full yield, bringing glory to the Father and joy to the disciple (John 15:11). Forms and Transliterations τελεσφορούσι τελεσφορουσιν τελεσφοροῦσιν τελεταί τελετάς τελευταία τελευταίοις telesphorousin telesphoroûsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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