Perfection is a concept that originated with the Bible, in Psalms, Ezekiel, and the Epistle to the Hebrews. See, e.g., Ezekiel 28:12 ("Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: 'You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.'");[1] Hebrews 7:11.
Hebrews 2:9-11, which may have been spoken or written by Jesus himself after the Resurrection, explains:[2]
“ | Brothers and sisters:
He "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels,"
that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
|
” |
Jesus used the concept of perfection at Matthew 19:20-22 :
“ | 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. | ” |
In Psalm 18:30, the Bible uses "perfect" in the sense of "blameless":[3]
“ | This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD proves true;
|
” |
The term "perfection" was originally used in the sense of completeness, or attaining completeness. Its more common meaning of flawlessness arose later.