Brief Overview of παρασκευάζω (Strong’s G3903: paraskeuazō)

Strong’s G3903: A compound verb combining παρα (beside/near) with σκευάζω (to prepare/make ready), meaning “to prepare, make ready.” Used in both practical and spiritual contexts in the New Testament. The word emphasizes thorough preparation and readiness, often implying careful attention to detail.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρασκευάζω encompasses both physical and spiritual preparation. In its New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from meal preparation to spiritual readiness. The compound structure emphasizes thoroughness in preparation. Early church fathers expanded its usage to discuss spiritual preparation, particularly in relation to worship and service. Today, it reminds believers of the importance of thorough preparation in both practical service and spiritual matters.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρασκευάζω, paraskeuazō, /par-as-kyoo-AD-zo/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + as (as in ‘us’) + kyoo (as in ‘cute’) + AD (stressed) + zo (as in ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• σκευάζω (skeuazō): to prepare, make ready
• -ζω (-zō): verb ending indicating action

D – Defining Meanings

• To make ready
• To prepare thoroughly
• To put in order for use

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies the basic meaning while σκευάζω provides the core concept of preparation, creating the sense of thorough or complete preparation

Translation Options:

• “To make thoroughly ready” – emphasizes completeness
• “To prepare carefully” – highlights the attention to detail
• “To put in complete order” – captures the organizational aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) /het-oy-MAD-zo/ – to prepare, but with less emphasis on process
• κατασκευάζω (kataskeuazō) /kat-as-kyoo-AD-zo/ – to prepare with emphasis on construction
• προετοιμάζω (proetoimazō) /pro-et-oy-MAD-zo/ – to prepare beforehand

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, παρασκευάζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous, Punctiliar

Examples:
παρασκευάζω (I prepare)
παρασκευάζεις (you prepare)
παρασκευάζει (he/she/it prepares)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both practical and metaphorical contexts. Thayer’s notes its military usage for preparation for battle. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in administrative and military contexts. Vine’s highlights its connection to thorough preparation. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in official documents regarding preparations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And while they were [παρασκευάζω] preparing, he fell into a trance” (Acts 10:10)

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 14:8, 2 Corinthians 9:2-3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρασκευάζω emphasizes thorough and careful preparation, whether in practical or spiritual contexts. Its usage spans from everyday preparations to military readiness, highlighting the importance of complete and thoughtful preparation.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in military contexts for battle preparation
• It appears in important passages about Christian giving and stewardship
• The term influenced early Christian liturgical preparation practices

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound verb combining παρα (beside/near) with σκευάζω (to prepare/make ready), meaning “to prepare, make ready.” Used in both practical and spiritual contexts in the New Testament. The word emphasizes thorough preparation and readiness, often implying careful attention to detail.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #verb #preparation #readiness #acts #pauline_epistles #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #stewardship #service​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​