Topic(s): Bible Study, Jesus

Todd Clippard

The words in question are found in John 19:30. Jesus actually only uttered one word, though it appears as three words in our English Bible,. It was the Greek "tetelestai." It comes from the Greek root "teleo" and means "brought to completion, accomplish, conclude."

Jesus here speaks of His bringing to completion the Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself and His work. It also implies the bringing to an end the Mosaic system of religion (Col 2:14) and the end of the separation between Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:11-16). Finally, the ushering in of a new covenant was accomplished by His death (Heb 9:16-17).

Everything God had sent Jesus to do was accomplished, therefore He could rightfully say, "It is finished."