Brief Overview of προκαταρτίζω (Strong’s G4294: prokatartizō)

Strong’s G4294: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “katartizō” (to prepare/perfect), meaning to prepare or arrange beforehand. In biblical context, it specifically relates to advance preparation, particularly regarding charitable giving and spiritual readiness in the Christian community.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προκαταρτίζω embodies the concept of thorough advance preparation and carries connotations of completion and perfection. As a compound word, it combines the forward-looking aspect of “pro” with the detailed preparation and completion inherent in “katartizō.” In its New Testament context, specifically in 2 Corinthians 9:5, it appears in relation to preparing generous gifts for the Jerusalem church, emphasizing both the practical and spiritual aspects of Christian giving. The early church understood this term as highlighting the importance of intentional, pre-planned generosity. Today, it continues to teach us about the value of thoughtful preparation in spiritual matters, especially regarding stewardship and charitable giving.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προκαταρτίζω, prokatartizō, pro-ka-tar-TID-zō
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + ka (as in “car”) + tar (as in “tar”) + TID (as in “tid-bit”) + zō (as in “zone”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before, ahead of time”
• κατά (kata-) – prefix meaning “down, according to”
• ἀρτίζω (artizō) – root verb meaning “to prepare, complete”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To prepare thoroughly beforehand
• To make complete in advance
• To arrange prior to an event

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand,” while κατά (kata-) intensifies the action, and ἀρτίζω (artizō) provides the basic meaning of preparation and completion.

Translation Options:

• “to prepare in advance” – emphasizes the temporal aspect
• “to make ready beforehand” – highlights the completeness
• “to arrange ahead of time” – stresses the organizational aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καταρτίζω (katartizō, ka-tar-TID-zō) – See G2675: lacks the “beforehand” aspect
• προετοιμάζω (proetoimazō, pro-e-toy-MAD-zō) – See G4282: similar meaning but emphasizes readiness
• ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, he-toy-MAD-zō) – See G2090: focuses on general preparation

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προκαταρτίζω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Subjunctive
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Perfective

In English, the morphology would show as:

• Present: “I prepare beforehand”
• Aorist: “I prepared beforehand”
• Perfect: “I have prepared beforehand”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in contexts of thorough preparation. Thayer’s highlights the completeness aspect of the preparation. LSJ notes its use in formal arrangements. Vine’s connects it to the concept of spiritual readiness. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting thorough advance preparation. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri where it indicates careful planning.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
2 Corinthians 9:5: “So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange [προκαταρτίσωσι] in advance for the generous gift you had promised.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, προκαταρτίζω appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προκαταρτίζω beautifully captures the essence of intentional, thoughtful preparation in Christian service. This word proclaims the good news by showing that generous giving and service in God’s kingdom should be planned and prepared with care, reflecting the deliberate nature of God’s own giving in Christ. It reminds us that our giving should be purposeful and prepared, just as God prepared His gift of salvation from before the foundation of the world.

D – Did You Know?

• Προκαταρτίζω is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament
• The word was commonly used in medical contexts for preparing treatments
• Its usage in 2 Corinthians relates to the largest charitable collection mentioned in the New Testament

Strong’s G4294: A compound verb combining prefixes for “before” and “thoroughly” with the concept of preparation, signifying complete advance preparation. Used specifically in the context of preparing generous gifts, emphasizing both practical planning and spiritual readiness in Christian giving.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: preparation, planning, giving, generosity, stewardship, completion, readiness, charity, corinthians, service, organization, advance-planning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​