Understanding ἀπαρτισμός (apartismos) Strong’s G535: The Strategic Calculation that Reveals Divine Wisdom in Planning and Completion

Pronunciation Guide: ah-par-tis-mos’ (emphasis on “tis”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G535: ἀπαρτισμός refers to the act of completion or finishing, particularly emphasizing the careful calculation required to ensure successful completion of a project. In its New Testament context, it specifically relates to the prudent estimation of resources needed to complete an undertaking. This word uniquely combines the concepts of thorough planning and successful execution.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Derived from ἀπαρτίζω (apartizo, “to complete perfectly”)
• Compound of ἀπό (apo, “from”) + ἀρτίζω (artizo, “to prepare, complete”)
• Primary usage in teaching passages
• Rare in biblical Greek, appearing only once in the New Testament

ἀπαρτισμός Morphology:

• ἀπαρτισμός (nominative singular) – completion, the act of finishing
• ἀπαρτισμοῦ (genitive singular) – of completion
• ἀπαρτισμῷ (dative singular) – in/with completion
• ἀπαρτισμόν (accusative singular) – completion (as direct object)

Origin & History

The word ἀπαρτισμός emerges from classical Greek architectural and financial contexts. In Diodorus Siculus’ “Bibliotheca Historica” (1st century BC), the word family appears in discussions of completed building projects and their associated costs. The verbal form ἀπαρτίζω was used in commercial documents from the Ptolemaic period found in Egyptian papyri, often in contexts of completing payments or finishing business transactions.

The concept carries overtones from the Septuagint’s use of related terms, particularly in descriptions of Temple construction under Solomon, where careful planning and resource calculation were essential for completing יהוה (Yahweh)’s house. Though ἀπαρτισμός itself doesn’t appear in the Septuagint, its verbal root is used in contexts of completion and perfection.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The act of completing something with careful planning and calculation
• The process of estimating costs and resources for project completion
• The state of being thoroughly prepared for completion
• The final reckoning or accounting necessary for completion

ἀπαρτισμός Translation Options:

• “Cost of completion” – emphasizes the financial calculation aspect
• “Resources for completion” – highlights the planning element
• “Means of completion” – focuses on the practical requirements
• “Full cost” – captures both the financial and broader resource implications
• “Completion estimate” – combines both planning and finishing aspects

Biblical Usage

The word ἀπαρτισμός appears uniquely in Luke 14:28, where the Messiah uses it in His teaching about counting the cost of discipleship. The context is particularly significant as it occurs within a pair of parallel parables about careful planning – building a tower and a king going to war. In both cases, the emphasis is on the wisdom of calculating the full cost before beginning an endeavor.

This singular usage carries tremendous weight as it appears in a crucial teaching about discipleship. The word choice is deliberate, drawing from business and architectural terminology to illustrate spiritual truth. Its connection to building imagery recalls Solomon’s Temple construction, where careful planning and abundant resources were essential for completion.

Cross Reference:

• Luke 14:28 – “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [ἀπαρτισμός] to complete it?”

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Mediterranean world, unfinished building projects were seen as monuments to foolishness and poor planning. Archaeological evidence from the period shows numerous abandoned building projects, which became local object lessons of failed ambitions. The careful calculation implied by ἀπαρτισμός was thus not merely a practical consideration but a matter of honor and wisdom in the community.

The concept would have particularly resonated with Jesus’ audience in Luke 14 because Herod the Great was famous for his massive building projects, which required immense planning and resources. His successful completion of the Temple renovation and other monumental structures stood in stark contrast to failed projects of lesser rulers who hadn’t properly calculated the ἀπαρτισμός.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπαρτισμός in Jesus’ teaching reveals divine wisdom about the nature of true discipleship. It suggests that following the Messiah isn’t merely about initial enthusiasm but requires thoughtful consideration of the full cost. This connects to the broader biblical theme of God as the master builder who completes what He begins (Philippians 1:6).

The word’s connection to completion and perfect preparation also points to God’s nature as One who plans and provides completely. Just as the Father provided abundantly for Solomon’s Temple construction, He provides all necessary resources for His people to complete their spiritual journey. This reveals His character as both wise planner and perfect provider.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀπαρτισμός, we’re challenged to approach our spiritual journey with both commitment and wisdom. This doesn’t mean we must have everything figured out before following Jesus, but rather that we should soberly consider the implications of discipleship, trusting that God provides the resources for what He calls us to do.

The word reminds us that while salvation is a free gift, discipleship comes with real costs that we should neither ignore nor fear. Instead, we’re invited to calculate these costs in light of God’s faithful provision and the surpassing worth of knowing the Messiah.

Related Words

• τελειόω (teleioō) – to complete, perfect, bring to full maturity; emphasizes the end result rather than the calculation process See G5048
• καταρτίζω (katartizō) – to prepare, equip, perfect; focuses on the process of preparation See G2675
• πληρόω (plēroō) – to fill, fulfill, complete; emphasizes fullness rather than calculation See G4137
• οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) – to build, edify; connects to the construction context See G3618

Did you Know?

• The root word ἀπαρτίζω was commonly used in ancient construction contracts to indicate final completion and fulfillment of contractual obligations, making Jesus’ usage particularly relevant to His audience.
• Modern Greek still uses the verb απαρτίζω in financial and business contexts, particularly in discussing the composition of committees or boards, maintaining its connection to careful planning and completion.
• Archaeological discoveries of unfinished towers from the first century provide tangible evidence of the real-world problem Jesus was addressing, where inadequate planning led to abandoned projects that became lasting symbols of foolishness.

Remember This

ἀπαρτισμός embodies the divine wisdom that true completion comes through careful calculation and commitment, reminding us that God provides abundantly for what He calls us to complete.