Be Perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is Perfect. Mattithyahu (Matthew) 5:48
The meaning of perfection in the Scriptures relates to a state of Completeness or Absolute Wholeness. The word “Perfect” often used in religious conversation is frequently misunderstood. We tend to apply an unqualified philosophical meaning to it and have it mean “without flaw” or “without error” or put it into other absolute categories. The problem in this thinking is that the Hebrew word (Tamym) does not carry the meaning of “without flaw” as does the term “Perfect” in English, it normally means Complete or Mature or Healthy.
Something, or someone, can be complete or mature yet not be “without flaw.” In fact, it is much easier to be mature and still have flaws, than it is to be without error or without flaw. Many people are Mature, but few if any are “without flaw.”
In the Brit Hadashah (NT), a Greek word for “Perfection” or “Perfect” is Teleios meaning: Completion, Mature, or Wholeness. This meaning of maturity dominates most use of the equivalent Greek term in the Brit HaDashah (NT).
Scripture expresses Perfection in at least three (3) different contexts: the Perfection of Yahuah, the Perfection of Yahusha HaMashiach and the Perfection of humans.
Absolute Perfection is a quality that belongs to Yahuah alone. Yet in Matthew 5:48 Scripture explicitly state that Yahuah is by nature Perfect: “Be Perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is Perfect.” As Yahuah is the Perfect being, all that He does is Perfect.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, Perfect:
(a) being entirely without fault or defect
(b) satisfying all requirements
(c) corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept
Matthew 5:48 has often been misunderstood to mean that Yahuah requires us to live a Sinless, Perfect life.
Lets lay aside the Webster’s definition and take a deeper look at the original Greek root words in this verse, we will have a much clearer understanding of what “Perfect” really means.
According to Strong’s Concordance, the word Perfect in this verse was derived from the Greek term Teleios. Teleios is defined this way:
(a) Complete in all its parts,
(b) Full grown, of full age,
(c) especially of the Completeness of Character.
Going even further, Greek philosophers used the word Teleios (which is translated “Perfect”) in regards to something being in it’s intended function.
Nearly all Brit HaDashah (NT) occurrences translate Greek words sharing the tel- stem, from which some half-dozen words are formed that bear the sense of Completion or Wholeness.
In Matthew 5:48, Yahusha is asking that we be complete, that we imitate our heavenly Father, that we be ever moving and growing and doing our best to become more and more like Him. He is asking for Maturity. Maturity in our walk, in our understanding, in how we represent our Elohym in our daily lives, living a Righteous life before him.
Part of becoming more mature involves the growing that happens as a result of our Sins. When Recognize our Sin and Repent, and make things Right between us and our Elohym, when we handle our Sin in the correct manner, Maturity is the result.
There is an additionally important point in this verse. The verb tense used in Matthew 5:48 is a future tense form. It is a “shall be” or a “will be.” So in essence this verse says, “You will be complete as your heavenly Father is complete.” This verse is a command, and a promise.
What Yahusha does here is set a standard (imitating Yahuah) and He reveals to us a pathway towards that (we work on being Complete and Mature). It’s a lifelong process, but it is something we are more than capable of doing through the strength and grace that Yahuah gives us.
Perfect = Tmym (m i m t)
t(Tau/Taw) = Mark, Sign, Signal, Monument. m (Mem) = Water (symbolizes the fountain of the Divine Wisdom of Turah), Mighty, Blood Chaos. i (Yad/Yud) = Work, Throw, Worship. m (Mem) = Mighty, Blood, Chaos.
“Be Perfect” (Perfection) is the Mark or Sign, which is a Monument that Signals that as we are washed in the living Water, through the Wisdom of the Word (Turah). Mighty is the Blood in Chaos. The Arm of hwhy (Yahuah) does the Work as we Throw up our hands in Worship of him, as we are washed in the living Water, through the Wisdom of the Word (Turah). Mighty is the Blood in Chaos.
In the Hebrew Tanak (OT) “Perfect” or “Perfection” is the word Tamym (8549) meaning to be Complete, Sound, without Blemish, Complete, Full, Perfect, Sincerely, Sincerity, Sound, without Spot, Undefiled, from the root word: Tamam 8552 to Complete or Finish, Entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) Integrity, Truth — without Blemish, Complete, Full, Perfect, Upright(-ly), Whole.
You shall be Perfect (Tamym) with (beside) Yahuah your Elohym. Deuteronomy 18:13
In Hebraic thought there is no concept of “Perfect” as in English. A better translation of the verse above is; You will be Complete(d)/Whole (Tamym) with (beside) Yahuah your Elohym.
Yahuah is my Strength and Sower, and He makes my way Perfect (Tamym) . 2 Samuel 22:33
He is telling us that one day, we will be Perfectly Complete, Whole, and Mature – Finished Vessels so to speak. And we get there by working on our maturity today in the here and now.
“He is the Rock, his works are Perfect, and all his ways are Just. A Faithful Elohym who does NO Wrong, Upright and Just is He” Deuteronomy 32:4.
Yahuah’s way is Perfect, and His Word is Qadosh (Set Apart): “As for Yahuah, his way is Perfect: Yahuah’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 18:30). Yahuah’s Torah is also Perfect (Psalm 19:7; James 1:25). Shaul (Paul) describes Yahuah’s will as Perfect: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be Able to Test and Approve what Yahuah’s Will is—his Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will” Romans 12:2.
In Scripture essentially Perfection belongs to Yahuah alone. Yahusha states that the “Heavenly Father is Perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Of foundational importance here is Moshah (Moses) statement that Yahuah’s “Works are Perfect” Deuteronomy 32:4.
Yahuah’s Perfection is an attribute of who he is and it involves ethical qualities like Justice and Righteousness (Right ruling).
Yahuah “is Perfect in Knowledge” Job 37:16.
The Brit Hadashah (NT) declares that Yahusha Ha Mashaich was Sinless (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26). It speaks of him being “Perfect, ” In the Book of Hebrews. Yahuah made Mashiach “Perfect through suffering” so that he could bring “many sons to glory” (2:10). “Once made Perfect, he became the source of eternal Salvation for all who obey him” (5:9). Shaul (Paul) surely refers in part to Mashiach when he says that “when Perfection comes, the imperfect disappears” 1 Corinthians 13:10.
Yahuah’s People are called to be Perfect:
“Be Perfect as your Heavenly Father is Perfect” (Matthew 5:48). In Scripture nothing is clearer than the unique Qadoshness (holiness) of Yahuah, so this cannot be a command for Sinners to become Yahuah’s ethical equals.
It is rather the call to “be Imitators of Elohym as dearly beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). Children who treasure their parents typically mimic them. Believers should mimic their Elohym, who is Perfect, thus reflecting his Perfection in their lives.
“If you want to be Perfect (Teleios: Mature, Completion, Reach End Goal), go (to lead, to depart), sell (to exchange or barter, to sell), your possessions (huparchó (5225), to begin, to be ready or at hand, to be; from Sarcho (757), to rule, to begin), give to the Poor, and you will have treasure in Shamym (Heavens). Come, follow me” Matthew 19:21.
A key Brit Hadashah (NT) verse for understanding Perfection in the Believers life is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my Power is made Perfect in weakness.'” Believers are Perfect to the extent that they participate in the unmerited favor (Grace) that Yahuah offers through Mashiach. Yahusha was Perfected through the pursuit of Righteous living amid the bruising realities of an unjust world.
In Hebrews 2:10, For it was fitting to Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, having brought many sons to glory, to make perfect the author of the Salvation of them Through (on account of, Because of) Suffering “Perfect” (to bring to an end, to complete, completed, having reached its end, complete, Perfect)!
Yahusha’s Perfection came through his obedience unto death and the shedding of his blood, establishing the eternal covenant, qualifying him to serve as the faultless high priest for Yahuah’s people (Hebrews 7:28). Only through suffering on the stake was Mashiach able to accomplish the work of redemption and became the Perfect, Complete, Effective Savior of His people (Hebrews 5:9). Yahusha was the Perfect example of what it means to live in obedience to the Father’s will.
As we read in Matthew 5:48, Yahuah’s children are called to be Perfect. This does not mean that humans can obtain the same Qadosh (Holy) Perfection as Yahuah, for He alone is set apart in Qadosh (Holy) perfection (Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 99:9; Exodus 15:11). The call to be Perfect is what Shaul (Paul) meant when he said, “Be imitators of Yahusha, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). As children tend to imitate their parents, Yahuah’s children ought to imitate their Elohym and reflect His Perfection in the way they live.
The idea of Spiritual Maturity relates closely to the word Perfection in Scripture. Humans are not Perfect, but followers of Mashiach are encouraged to seek Perfection: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be Perfect and Complete, lacking in nothing” James 1:4.
Shaul (Paul) said that he had not yet obtained Perfection but had made it his goal: “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached Perfection. But I press on to possess that Perfection for which Yahusha Ha Mashiach first (1st) made me his own”.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already Perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Yahusha Ha Mashiach has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of Yahuah in Yahusha Ha Mashiach. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, Yahuah will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the stake of Mashiach. 19 Their end is destruction, their elohym is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in Shamym (Heavens), and from it we await a Savior, the Adon Yahusha Ha Mashiach, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:12-21
Perfection is a Gift that humans receive through the sacrifice of Yahusha Ha Mashiach:
“For Yahuah’s Will was for us to be made Qadosh (holy) by the sacrifice of the body of Yahusha Ha Mashiach, once for all time. Under the old Covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to Yahuah as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at Yahuah’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made “Perfect” those who are being made
Qadosh (Holy)” Hebrews 10:10–14.
Another verse that is key to understanding Perfection as it relates to the Believers life is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my Power is made Perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Mashiach’s power may rest on me.’
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a Perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3:2
There is no fear in love, but Perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been Perfected in Love. 1 John 4:18
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of Yahuah, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, Qadosh (Holy) and acceptable to Yahuah, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the Will of Yahuah, what is Good and Acceptable and Perfect. Romans 12:1-2
For if we go on Sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the Truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for Sins, Hebrews 10:26
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not Sin. But if anyone does Sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Yahusha Ha Mashiach the Righteous. 1 John 2:1
No one who abides in him keeps on Sinning; no one who keeps on Sinning has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6
No one born of Yahuah makes a practice of Sinning, for Yahuah’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on Sinning because he has been born of Yahuah. 1 John 3:9
So you also must consider yourselves Dead to Sin and Alive to Yahuah in Yahusha Ha Mashiach. Romans 6:11
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in Sin that Grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to Sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2
By this is Love Perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the Day of Judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17
For by a single offering he has Perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing Qadoshness (Holiness) to completion in the fear of Yahuah. 2 Corinthians 7:1
But the one who looks into the Perfect Torah (law), the Torah (law) of Liberty, and Perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be Baruk (Blessed) in his doing. James 1:25
Training us to renounce unrighteousness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, Upright, and Righteous lives in the present age, Titus 2:12
The Righteousness of the Blameless keeps his way Straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. Proverbs 11:5
Nevertheless, Yahuah’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “Yahuah knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of Yahuah must turn away from Iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
This Elohym—his Way is Perfect; the Word of Yahuah proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30
The Torah (law) of Yahuah is Perfect, Reviving the Soul; the Testimony of Yahuah is sure, making wise the simple; Psalm 19:7
But as he who called you is Qadosh (Holy), you also be Qadosh (Holy) in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be Qadosh (Holy), for I am Qadosh (Holy).” 1 Peter 1:15-16
And being made Perfect, he became the source of eternal Salvation to all who obey him, Hebrews 5:9
Therefore be Imitators of Elohym, as beloved Children. Ephesians 5:1
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 My shield is with Yahuah, who saves the upright in heart. Psalm 7:10
You shall be blameless before Yahuah your Elohym, Deuteronomy 18:13
The Elohym who girds me with Strength And makes my way Blameless. Psalm 18:32
To the general Assembly and Assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in Shamym (Heavens), and to Yahuah, the Judge of all, and to the ruchs (spirits) of the Righteous made Perfect, Hebrews 12:23
Because Yahuah had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made Perfect. Hebrews 11:40
That He might present to Himself the Assembly in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be Qadosh (Holy) and Blameless. Ephesians 5:27
So that you will prove yourselves to be Blameless and Innocent, children of Yahuah above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, Philippians 2:15
Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in Shalum (Peace), Spotless and Blameless, 2 Peter 3:14
And no lie was found in their mouth; they are Blameless. Revelation 14:5
“Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was Perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” declares Yahuah Elohym. Ezekiel 16:14
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and ruch (spirit), Perfecting Righteousness out of Reverence for Yahuah. 2 Corinthians 7:1
Pursue Shalom (Peace) with all men, as well as Righteousness, without which no one will see Yahuah. Hebrews 12:14
How can a young man keep his way Pure? By guarding it according to Your Word. Psalm 119:9
He has Saved us and Called us to a Qadosh (Holy) life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own Purpose and Grace. This Grace was given us in Yahusha Ha Mashiach before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become Blameless and Pure, children of Yahuah without Fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:14- 16
But among you there must not be even a hint of Sexual Immorality, or of any kind of Impurity, or of Greed, because these are improper for Yahuah’s Qadosh (Holy) people. Ephesians 5:3
There is no one holy like Yahuah; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our Elohym. 1 Samuel 2:2
You are to be Qadosh (Holy) to me because I, Yahuah, am Qadosh (Holy), and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. Leviticus 20:26
Don’t you know that you yourselves are Yahuah’s temple and that Yahuah’s Ruch (Spirit) dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then Yahuah Elohym Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Amos 5:14
I will show the Qadoshness (Holiness) of my great Name, which has been profaned among the nations, the Name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am Yahuah, declares the Sovereign Adonai (Lord), when I am proved Qadosh (Holy) through you before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:23
Seek Yahuah and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 All Scripture is breathed out by Yahuah and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in Righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of Hallu (Praise), think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Until we all attain to the unity of the Emunah (Faith) and of the knowledge of the Son of Yahuah, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Mashiach, Ephesians 4:13
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, Isaiah 1:16
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
Mark the Blameless and behold the Upright, for there is a future for the man of Shalom (Peace). Psalm 37:37
And he believed Yahuah, and he counted it to him as Righteousness. Genesis 15:6 Every good gift and every Perfect Gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does Yahuah require of you but to do Justice, and to Love, Kindness, and to walk Humbly with your Elohym? Micah 6:8
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to Completion at the day of Yahusha Ha Mashiach. Philippians 1:6
I’m Not That Perfect Person.
I’m The One Who Knows I Need YAHUAH Every Day!
Source:
http://www.yahuahkingdom.com/…/6/9/8369443/be_perfect.pdf
