Bible Dictionary
FINISHER
Finisher means one who completes or perfects. Hebrews applies the title to Jesus, the Leader and Perfecter of faith, who endured the cross and brought faith to its highest fulfillment.
Definition
A finisher is one who completes or perfects something. In the biblical sense, the term denotes completion rather than merely beginning or originating. It is applied especially to Jesus in relation to faith.
Biblical Usage
Hebrews presents Jesus as the Leader or Captain and Perfecter of the faith illustrated by the faithful witnesses. He perfected faith in its highest form by enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. The expression therefore emphasizes His leadership and the completion or perfection of faith.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>fin'-ish-er (teleiotes):</p><p>This word is applied to Jesus (Heb 12:2), and comes from teleioo, "to complete," "to make perfect"; hence, it means finisher in the sense of completing; the King James Version "the author and finisher of our faith," the Revised Version (British and American) "the author (margin "captain") and perfecter of our faith"; but "our" is supplied, and in the connection in which the passage stands--after the examples which have been adduced of the power of faith--most probably the best rendering is "the Leader (or Captain) and Perfecter of the Faith," that is of the faith which has been illustrated by those mentioned in Heb 11, who are as "a great cloud of witnesses" to the power of faith; but above all "looking to Jesus, our Leader" in whom it was perfected, as is shown in what follows: "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross," etc. "In His human nature He exhibited Faith in its highest form, from first to last, and placing Himself as it were at the head of the great army of heroes of Faith, He carried Faith, the source of their strength, to its most complete perfection and to its loftiest triumph" (Westcott).</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>