Introduction
In Biblical studies, delving into Greek words can uncover layers of meaning that enhance our understanding of scripture. One such Greek word is καταρτίζω (katartizō), which is particularly significant for its use in New Testament passages that discuss restoration, preparation, and equipping. Understanding καταρτίζω helps readers grasp the nuances of texts that speak of mending, restoring, and fully preparing believers or objects for a particular purpose. This word has rich implications both in its literal and metaphorical senses, providing depth to New Testament interpretation and insights into ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: καταρτίζω (katartizō) [ka-tar-TEE-zo]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “according to,” and ἀρτίζω (artizō), meaning “to fit” or “to perfect.”
- Part of Speech: Verb. It appears in various tenses, voices, and moods in Biblical Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To restore, mend, or repair something to a proper condition.
- To prepare, equip, or fully furnish someone or something.
- To bring to completion or make perfect.
Similar Words
- ἐπισκευάζω (episkeuazō) [e-pee-skeu-AH-zo]: Means “to repair” or “to restore.” It emphasizes physical repair, whereas καταρτίζω can carry more metaphorical meanings of spiritual or moral restoration.
- κατασκευάζω (kataskeuazō) [ka-ta-skeu-AH-zo]: Means “to construct” or “to build.” While both words involve preparation, κατασκευάζω is more focused on physical construction.
- πληρόω (plēroō) [plee-ROH-oh]: Means “to fill” or “to complete.” This word emphasizes filling up or bringing to full measure rather than the idea of mending or restoring.
Morphological Features
- Tense, Voice, Mood: καταρτίζω appears in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. It is often used in the active voice but can also be found in the passive. It appears in various moods, including the indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.
Examples of Morphological Usage
- Present Indicative Active: Describes a continuous or habitual action.
- 1st Person Singular: καταρτίζω (I prepare)
- 3rd Person Plural: καταρτίζουσι(ν) (they prepare)
- Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
- 1st Person Singular: κατήρτισα (I restored)
- 3rd Person Plural: κατήρτισαν (they restored)
- Perfect Indicative Passive: Indicates a completed action with a resultant state.
- 1st Person Singular: κατήρτισμαι (I have been prepared)
- 3rd Person Singular: κατήρτισται (he/she/it has been prepared)
- Aorist Subjunctive Active: Used to express potential or purpose.
- 1st Person Singular: καταρτίσω (that I might restore)
- 2nd Person Plural: καταρτίσητε (that you might restore)
- Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform the action.
- 2nd Person Singular: κατάρτισον (restore!)
- 2nd Person Plural: καταρτίσατε (restore, you all!)
Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of καταρτίζω:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | καταρτίζω | καταρτίζομεν |
| 2nd | καταρτίζεις | καταρτίζετε |
| 3rd | καταρτίζει | καταρτίζουσι(ν) |
Aspect: The verb καταρτίζω conveys different aspects depending on the tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing or repeated action, while the perfective aspect (aorist tense) highlights a single, completed action of preparing or restoring. The stative aspect (perfect tense) implies a state resulting from a completed action, such as having been restored or equipped.
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Lexicon Insights
The Greek word καταρτίζω (katartizō) is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the process of restoration, equipping, and preparation. In Ephesians 4:12, it is used to describe the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. The word emphasizes a complete preparation and fitting, often for a spiritual purpose. Similarly, in Galatians 6:1, it is used to encourage believers to “restore” a person who has been caught in transgression, implying a gentle and careful process of making someone whole again.
In classical Greek literature, καταρτίζω is often used to describe the mending of nets, the setting of broken bones, or the fitting out of a ship for a journey. The word conveys a sense of bringing something into a proper and fully functional state, whether in physical, moral, or spiritual contexts. It reflects a comprehensive approach to preparation and restoration, whether for a task, journey, or purpose.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Related Scripture References
- Ephesians 4:12: “For the equipping (καταρτισμὸν) of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
- Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore (καταρτίζετε) such a one in a spirit of gentleness.”
- Hebrews 13:21: “May he equip (καταρτίσαι) you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | “Nicomachean Ethics” | “Virtue is a state of character concerned with choice, which lies in a mean, this being determined by reason and as the man of practical wisdom would determine it. It is a kind of mean state between two vices, one of excess and the other of deficiency. To achieve this mean requires training and preparation (καταρτίζειν).” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The men repaired (κατήρτισαν) their broken weapons before the battle.” |
| Hippocrates | “On Fractures” | “He ordered the limbs to be properly set (καταρτίζεσθαι) to ensure full healing.” |
| Septuagint Author | Psalm 7:12 (Septuagint) | “If a man does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready (καταρτίσασθαι).” |
| Septuagint Author | Isaiah 10:12 (Septuagint) | “When the Lord has finished all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, He will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes (καταρτίσαι).” |
| Septuagint Author | 1 Kings 18:30 (Septuagint) | “And Elijah said to all the people, ‘Come near to me.’ And all the people came near to him. And he repaired (κατήρτισε) the altar of the LORD that was broken down.” |
Summary of καταρτίζω (G2675)
The Greek word καταρτίζω (katartizō) is an important term for understanding themes of restoration, preparation, and equipping in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In scripture, it is used to describe both the spiritual preparation of believers and the restoration of those who have fallen. In classical texts, it appears in contexts involving physical repair, preparation for journeys, and moral or philosophical development. This versatility makes καταρτίζω a powerful word for conveying the process of making something or someone whole and ready for their intended purpose.
Did You Know?
- καταρτίζω was often used in medical texts in ancient Greece to describe the setting of broken bones or the mending of wounds.
- The word καταρτίζω is found in both secular and sacred contexts, emphasizing the broad applicability of its meaning from physical repairs to spiritual restoration.
- In the New Testament, καταρτίζω frequently relates to the spiritual growth and equipping of believers, emphasizing the importance of preparation and readiness for ministry and life.
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