Brief Overview of κατασκευάζω (Strong’s G2680: kataskuazō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it helps reveal the layers of meaning embedded in the Scriptures. The Greek word κατασκευάζω (kataskuazō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of “preparing,” “building,” or “constructing.” This word appears in contexts related to creating, establishing, and setting in order. Understanding its usage can provide deeper insights into New Testament passages that discuss preparation for spiritual readiness, divine action, or the establishment of God’s plans. Moreover, it reflects the practical aspects of ancient Greek culture related to construction, preparation, and order.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: κατασκευάζω (kataskuazō) [ka-ta-sku-VAH-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατα- (kata-), meaning “down,” “according to,” or “thoroughly,” and the verb σκευάζω (skeuazō), meaning “to prepare” or “to furnish.” Together, they suggest a thorough preparation or construction.
• Part of Speech: Verb. It is a transitive verb that typically requires a direct object, meaning it involves something being prepared or constructed.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To prepare, construct, or build.
• To furnish, equip, or arrange.
• To establish or make ready for use.

Similar Words

• οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) [oy-ko-do-MEH-oh]: Means “to build” or “to edify.” It often refers to the physical construction of buildings or the metaphorical building up of a person or community.
• ἐτοιμάζω (etoimazō) [e-toi-MAH-zo]: Means “to prepare” or “to make ready.” While similar in meaning, it is more general and can refer to any preparation rather than the specific preparation involved in construction or setting up.
• καταρτίζω (katartizō) [ka-tar-TIH-zo]: Means “to restore,” “to mend,” or “to make complete.” It often involves fixing or putting something back in order rather than initial construction or preparation.

Morphological Features

• Tense, Voice, Mood: κατασκευάζω appears in various tenses, including the present, aorist, and perfect. It can be used in the active and passive voices, and it appears in different moods, such as the indicative, subjunctive, and imperative.

Examples of Morphological Usage

• Present Indicative Active: Describes a continuous or repeated action.
• 1st Person Singular: κατασκευάζω (I prepare)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατασκευάζουσι(ν) (they prepare)
• Aorist Indicative Active: Indicates a simple, completed action in the past.
• 1st Person Singular: κατεσκεύασα (I prepared)
• 3rd Person Plural: κατεσκεύασαν (they prepared)
• Aorist Imperative Active: A command to perform the action.
• 2nd Person Singular: κατασκεύασον (prepare!)
• 2nd Person Plural: κατασκευάσατε (prepare, you all!)

Below is a conjugation table for the Present Indicative Active form of κατασκευάζω:

Aspect: The verb κατασκευάζω demonstrates different aspects depending on the tense. The imperfective aspect (present tense) emphasizes ongoing or habitual action, while the perfective aspect (aorist tense) focuses on a single, completed act of preparing or constructing.

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Lexicon Insights

The Greek word κατασκευάζω (kataskuazō) is used in both the New Testament and the Septuagint to describe acts of preparation or construction, often in spiritual or divine contexts. For instance, in Hebrews 11:7, Noah is said to have “prepared” an ark (κατεσκεύασεν), showing his faith and obedience to God’s command. This word emphasizes careful preparation and setting things in order according to divine instruction, highlighting themes of obedience, faith, and divine provision.

In classical Greek literature, κατασκευάζω was commonly used to describe preparing for a significant event or setting up something substantial, such as a building or fortification. It reflects the meticulous process of readying something for use or service. This aligns with its Biblical usage, where it often involves divine or spiritual preparation for something significant.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 11:7: “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared (κατεσκεύασεν) an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
• Matthew 11:10: “For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare (κατασκευάσει) Your way before You.’”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατασκευάζω (G2680)

The Greek word κατασκευάζω (kataskuazō) is an essential term for understanding Biblical and classical contexts related to preparation, construction, and readiness. In the Bible, it is used to describe acts of preparing or setting in order according to divine instruction, often emphasizing spiritual readiness and obedience. Its usage in classical Greek literature aligns with this, focusing on meticulous preparation for significant events or constructions.

Did You Know?

1. κατασκευάζω is often associated with divine instruction or guidance, particularly in contexts involving preparation for a divine event or purpose.
2. The term appears in both Old and New Testament contexts, emphasizing the continuity of the concept of preparation and readiness in both Jewish and Christian scriptures.
3. κατασκευάζω is a term that signifies not just physical preparation but also spiritual readiness, highlighting its theological depth in Biblical usage.