# Made Perfect ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Made Perfect* ([[hebrews-05#^hebrews-05-9|Heb 5:9]]) - *Teleioō* (Gk.): means \"to complete\" or \"to perfect\". The verb is used nine times in Hebrews and 14 times elsewhere in the NT. It can describe a mission accomplished ([[luke-13#^luke-13-32|Lk 13:32]]), a prophecy fulfilled ([[john-19#^john-19-28|Jn 19:28]]), a faith brought to completion ([[james-02#^james-02-22|Jas 2:22]]), or the perfection of unity and love ([[john-17#^john-17-23|Jn 17:23]]; [[1-john-04#^1-john-04-12|1 Jn 4:12, 17-18]]). In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author uses the term to stress that the ritual observances of the Old Covenant cannot penetrate beyond the body to perfect the soul ([[hebrews-07#^hebrews-07-19|Heb 7:19]]; [[hebrews-09#^hebrews-09-9|9:9]]; [[hebrews-10#^hebrews-10-1|10:1]]; [[hebrews-12#^hebrews-12-23|12:23]]). He also uses t; [[hebrews-10#^hebrews-10-1|10:1]]; [[hebrews-12#^hebrews-12-23|12:23]]). He also uses the ver; [[hebrews-12#^hebrews-12-23|12:23]]). He also uses the verb with ). He also uses the verb with ). He also uses the verb with ). He also uses the verb with ). He also uses the verb with ). He also uses the verb with reference to Jesus, who was perfected through his Passion ([[hebrews-02#^hebrews-02-10|Heb 2:10]]; [[hebrews-05#^hebrews-05-9|5:9]]; [[hebrews-07#^hebrews-07-28|7:28]]). At one level, the h; [[hebrews-07#^hebrews-07-28|7:28]]). At one level, the humanit). At one level, the humanit). At one level, the humanit). At one level, the humanit). At one level, the humanit). At one level, the humanity of Jesus, being fired in the furnace of human suffering, came out a perfect image of filial obedience as well as a perfect instrument of our salvation. At another level, the author seems to adopt the language of the Greek OT, where *teleioō* often renders a Hebrew idiom (\"fill up the hands\") for the rite of priestly ordination ([[exodus-29#^exodus-29-29|Ex 29:29, 35]]; [[leviticus-08#^leviticus-08-33|Lev 8:33]]; [[leviticus-16#^leviticus-16-32|16:32]]; [[leviticus-21#^leviticus-21-10|21:10]]; etc.). It can be sai; [[leviticus-21#^leviticus-21-10|21:10]]; etc.). It can be said that,; etc.). It can be said that, viewed against this backdrop, obedient suffering ordained the humanity of Christ for priestly ministry, which he now exercises in heaven above ([[hebrews-08#^hebrews-08-1|Heb 8:1-2]]; [[hebrews-09#^hebrews-09-24|9:24]]) (CCC 609). ### Sources [[19-hebrews-commentary#^ewd9qz|Made Perfect — word study]]