John 19:30 · NASB · 1 of 6
Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
Word study · Greek
τετέλεσται
finished · tetelestai · it has been brought to completion, paid in full
Perfect tense: done, with a result that stands. Used on receipts for a debt paid. Not ‘I am finished’ as collapse. It is finished as accomplishment.
Insight
The last word from the cross in John is a merchant’s word and a priest’s word: the work is complete. He does not die with the sentence unfinished. He dies because the sentence is finished. What you cannot add, you must not try to add. The bowed head is not defeat. It is a King setting down a completed task.