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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides profound insights into the original meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) is significant as it conveys the concept of preparation or making ready. This verb appears in various contexts in the New Testament, emphasizing both physical and spiritual preparation. Comprehending its nuances deepens our understanding of the readiness and preparedness emphasized throughout scripture and sheds light on ancient Greek cultural practices.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) [heh-toy-MAH-dzo]
- Etymology: Derived from the Greek root ἕτοιμος (hetoimos), meaning “ready” or “prepared.”
- Part of Speech: Verb, typically in the active voice; it has both transitive and intransitive uses.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To prepare: To make something ready or suitable for a particular purpose.
- To make ready: Often used in the context of preparing for an event or a person’s arrival.
- To arrange: To put things in order or organize them.
Similar Words: προετοιμάζω (proetoimazō) [pro-eh-toy-MAH-dzo], meaning “to prepare beforehand.” While both ἑτοιμάζω and προετοιμάζω involve preparation, προετοιμάζω adds the prefix “pro,” indicating an action that occurs in advance or prior to another.
Further Insights: The verb ἑτοιμάζω is a straightforward verb in Greek, commonly used in the active voice. Its morphology does not exhibit irregularities, making it relatively easy to conjugate. The verb is widely used in both the Septuagint and New Testament, emphasizing both physical and metaphorical preparation.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἑτοιμάζω is defined as “to make ready, to prepare.” BDAG highlights its use in contexts such as preparing a meal, making arrangements for a significant event, or spiritually preparing oneself for divine encounters.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon presents ἑτοιμάζω as meaning “to prepare,” “to make ready.” It focuses on its usage in New Testament passages where preparation is crucial, such as for the coming of the Lord or in metaphorical senses for spiritual readiness.
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Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s emphasizes the spiritual applications of ἑτοιμάζω, particularly in preparing one’s heart or environment for divine action. It is often used in the context of John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for the Lord.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon includes broader classical uses of ἑτοιμάζω, noting its use in preparing objects, people, or settings for various purposes, such as religious rites, journeys, or events.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἑτοιμάζω as “to prepare, make ready.” It is used both in literal senses, such as preparing food or lodging, and in figurative senses, like preparing a person or a group for a spiritual encounter.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 3:3: “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare (ἑτοιμάζω) the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'”
- John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare (ἑτοιμάζω) a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
- Luke 9:52: “And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready (ἑτοιμάζω) for him.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “They made ready (ἑτοιμάζω) a feast for the king’s visit.” |
| Plato | Republic | “Before entering the discussion, he prepared (ἑτοιμάζω) his arguments carefully.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “The soldiers prepared (ἑτοιμάζω) for the journey, ensuring they had all the supplies they needed.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Genesis 24:31 | “Come in, O blessed of the Lord; why do you stand outside? For I have prepared (ἑτοιμάζω) the house.” |
| Psalms | Psalm 23:5 | “You prepare (ἑτοιμάζω) a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” |
| Isaiah | Isaiah 40:3 | “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare (ἑτοιμάζω) the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'” |
Summary of ἑτοιμάζω (G2090)
ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) is a verb that primarily means “to prepare” or “to make ready.” It appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the New Testament and classical Greek literature, emphasizing the importance of preparation for an event, person, or purpose. Its usage in scripture highlights both physical preparation, such as preparing a place or a meal, and spiritual preparation, such as preparing one’s heart or life for divine action. Understanding this word provides deeper insights into the importance of readiness and anticipation in the Biblical narrative.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) is not only found in Biblical texts but also frequently in classical Greek literature to describe preparations for significant events, such as battles, feasts, and religious ceremonies? This illustrates how the concept of preparation was integral to both everyday life and spiritual practice in ancient Greek culture.
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