“Tetelestai” (Greek: τετέλεσται) is one of the most powerful and meaningful words in the Bible. It was spoken by Jesus as His final word on the cross in John 19:30:
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘Tetelestai.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” — John 19:30 (ESV)
✝️ Meaning of Tetelestai
📖 Literal Translation:
“It is finished.”
But the word carries deeper meanings that reveal the fullness of Jesus’ completed work:
🧾 1. A Financial Term – “Paid in Full”
In the ancient Greek world, tetelestai was often written on receipts or bills to mean:
✅ “The debt is fully paid.”
Jesus used this word to say:
“The debt of sin has been paid completely — once and for all.”
🕊️ 2. Theological Meaning – The Work of Salvation Is Done
Jesus had:
- Fulfilled the Law perfectly
- Offered Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice
- Opened the way for reconciliation between God and humanity
No more sacrifices were needed. No more payment. Nothing left to earn.
The mission was complete.
📜 3. Grammatical Note – Perfect Tense (in Greek)
In Greek, tetelestai is in the perfect tense, meaning:
The action has been completed, with ongoing results.
So it doesn’t just mean “It is finished,”
It means:
✅ “It is finished, and it will remain finished forever.”
🔥 Spiritual Impact for Us
- Your sins are paid in full — past, present, future.
- Salvation is complete — you cannot add to it.
- You are free — no more guilt, no more striving to earn God’s love.
- You are invited — to rest in the finished work of Christ.
🙌 In Summary:
Tetelestai means:
✝️ The mission is complete.
✅ The debt is paid in full.
🔓 The door is open for redemption.
🕊️ It is finished — forever.
A poem titled “Tetelestai!”, inspired by Jesus’ final cry from the cross in John 19:30, declaring the finished work of redemption.
✝️ Tetelestai!
— It Is Finished —
Upon the hill, the sky turned black,
The earth cried out, the sun drew back.
The Lamb of God, in pain and strife,
Breathed out the end… and gave His life.
No final plea, no wrathful cry,
Just one triumphant word: “Tetelestai!”
Not whispered low in faint despair,
But thundered through the tear-stained air.
Tetelestai — the debt is done,
The law fulfilled, the victory won.
No more the weight of guilt or shame,
The cross has cleared the sinner’s name.
Tetelestai — the veil is torn,
The grave defeated, hope reborn.
The serpent crushed beneath His heel,
The wound now bleeds, but it will heal.
No work remains, no price to pay,
The blood has washed our sins away.
From Calv’ry’s tree the King declared:
“It is finished — all is spared.”
So when you feel the guilt inside,
When shame and fear begin to rise—
Remember Christ, arms open wide,
And hear Him still: Tetelestai!
📖 “It is finished.” — John 19:30
📖 “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1