Brief Overview of προετοιμάζω (Strong’s G4282: proetoimazō)

Strong’s G4282: From pro (before) and hetoimazō (to prepare), προετοιμάζω means to prepare beforehand or make ready in advance. In biblical context, it particularly refers to God’s sovereign preparation in His plan of salvation and the preparation of believers for good works.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προετοιμάζω embodies the concept of divine advance preparation. As a compound word combining προ (before) with ἑτοιμάζω (to prepare), it speaks of purposeful preparation done ahead of time. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts emphasizing God’s sovereign work in preparing vessels of mercy (Romans 9:23) and preparing good works for believers (Ephesians 2:10). Early church fathers used this term to discuss God’s providential preparation in salvation history. Today, it continues to emphasize God’s sovereign planning and preparation in both salvation and sanctification.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προετοιμάζω, proetoimazō, /pro-e-toi-ma’zō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + e (as in “egg”) + toi (as in “toy”) + ma (as in “ma”) + zō (as in “zone”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before” or “in advance”
• ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō): root verb meaning “to prepare or make ready”
• -ω (-ō): primary verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To prepare beforehand
• To make ready in advance
• To provide ahead of time
• To arrange previously

For compound words:
The prefix προ- adds the temporal aspect of “before” or “in advance” to the root verb ἑτοιμάζω (to prepare), creating the concept of preparation done ahead of time with purposeful intent.

Translation Options:

• “to prepare beforehand” – emphasizes the temporal aspect
• “to make ready in advance” – highlights intentional preparation
• “to pre-arrange” – focuses on the planning aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) /he-toi-ma’zō/ – to prepare, without the emphasis on advance planning
• προπαρασκευάζω (proparaskeuazō) /pro-pa-ra-skeu-a’zō/ – to prepare beforehand, more emphatic
• καταρτίζω (katartizō) /ka-tar-ti’zō/ – to prepare thoroughly or perfectly

See G4282

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προετοιμάζω shows these patterns:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

Examples in English:

• I prepare beforehand
• You prepare beforehand
• He/She/It prepares beforehand
• We prepare beforehand
• You (plural) prepare beforehand
• They prepare beforehand

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in divine preparation contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to predestination and providence. LSJ documents its use in planning and preparation contexts. Vine’s connects it to God’s sovereign work. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for divine preparation. Moulton and Milligan note its use in administrative contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

And to make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he had [προετοιμάζω] prepared beforehand for glory. Romans 9:23

Additional References:
Ephesians 2:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προετοιμάζω beautifully captures God’s sovereign preparation in salvation history. This word proclaims the good news that our salvation and good works are not afterthoughts but part of God’s eternal plan. It reminds us that before we chose Him, He had already prepared the way of salvation through Christ and prepared good works for us to walk in.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in ancient military contexts for advance preparation of campaigns.
2. Early Christian writers used it to discuss God’s preparation of salvation before creation.
3. The word appears in ancient architectural documents for advance planning of buildings.

Strong’s G4282: From pro (before) and hetoimazō (to prepare), προετοιμάζω means to prepare beforehand or make ready in advance. In biblical context, it particularly refers to God’s sovereign preparation in His plan of salvation and the preparation of believers for good works.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: preparation, providence, predestination, planning, compound verb, divine purpose, salvation, good works, sovereignty, advance preparation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​