Telos denotes an end point or outcome, and in some clauses the aim toward which conduct, faith, or an order is directed.

The attested use most often marks an end point, whether the close of events, the limit of endurance, or the termination of life or a kingdom. It also names an outcome that follows from a course of action, an aim toward which something is directed, and, in payment contexts, tax or revenue.

1. end point or limit · dominant

   The singular noun marks the arrival or absence of an end: in 1 Corinthians 15:24 the APB renders the clause "Then comes the end," while in 1 Peter 4:7 it says that "The end of all things has drawn near." In Matthew 10:22, the accusative form sets the limit to which a person endures, and Luke 1:33 describes a kingdom that "will have no end."

   1 Corinthians 15:241 Peter 4:7Matthew 10:22Luke 1:33Hebrews 7:3Mark 13:7
2. resulting outcome · common

   In clauses that assess a course or condition, the noun identifies what it reaches: Romans 6:21 says "the end of those things is death," whereas Romans 6:22 places eternal life after fruit leading to holiness. Philippians 3:19 likewise states a destructive end, and Hebrews 6:8 gives burning as the end of unproductive land.

   Romans 6:21Romans 6:22Philippians 3:19Hebrews 6:82 Corinthians 11:15Matthew 26:58
3. aim or intended completion · common

   The noun can name what stands as the directed aim of something. In 1 Timothy 1:5, the APB renders "the goal of the order" as love arising from specified qualities; in Romans 10:4 it places Christ in relation to righteousness. 1 Peter 1:9 connects the goal of faith with salvation, while 1 Peter 3:8 introduces the qualities expected of all.

   1 Timothy 1:5Romans 10:41 Peter 1:91 Peter 3:8James 5:11John 13:1
4. tax or revenue due · rare

   In the plural accusative form of Matthew 17:25, the noun occurs in a question about what earthly kings take "taxes or tribute" from. In Romans 13:7, the singular accusative form occurs among things owed, where the APB says "tax to whom tax is due, revenue to whom revenue is due."

   Matthew 17:25Romans 13:7

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously uses "end," "goal," "outcome," and payment language such as "taxes" and "revenue." These renderings reflect whole clauses rather than a word-by-word alignment, so individual English choices do not by themselves fix the term's sense.