Understanding ἄρτιος (artios) Strong’s G739: The Divine Quality of Complete Perfection that Equips God’s People for Every Good Work

Pronunciation Guide: AR-tee-os

Basic Definition

Strong’s G739: ἄρτιος describes something that is complete, perfect, and fully fitted for its designated purpose. It carries the sense of being thoroughly equipped, well-coordinated, and properly arranged to accomplish its intended function. The word emphasizes both structural completeness and functional readiness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root: Derived from ἄρω (arō), meaning “to fit, join”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching and exhortation passages
• Literary Context: Primarily appears in instructional literature

ἄρτιος Morphology:

• ἄρτιος (nominative singular masculine) – complete, perfect
• ἀρτία (nominative singular feminine) – complete, perfect
• ἄρτιον (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – complete, perfect
• ἀρτίου (genitive singular) – of complete/perfect

Origin & History

The word ἄρτιος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was often used to describe things that were properly fitted or arranged. In mathematical contexts, it was used by Pythagoras to describe even numbers, as they could be perfectly divided. Plato employed the term in “Republic” to describe the harmonious arrangement of the ideal state.

In the Septuagint, though ἄρτιος itself is rare, its concept aligns with the Hebrew תָּמִים (tamim), which describes completeness and integrity. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” used ἄρτιος to describe the complete spiritual maturity of the believer.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete structural integrity with all necessary parts present
• Perfect fitness for purpose or function
• Well-coordinated arrangement of components
• Thoroughly equipped state of readiness

ἄρτιος Translation Options:

• “Complete” – Emphasizes the presence of all necessary components
• “Perfectly fitted” – Highlights the functional readiness aspect
• “Well-equipped” – Focuses on preparedness for service
• “Thoroughly prepared” – Combines both completeness and readiness

Biblical Usage

The most significant usage of ἄρτιος appears in 2 Timothy 3:17, where it describes the complete equipping of the man of God through Scripture. This usage is particularly powerful as it connects the word’s meaning to the divine purpose of preparing believers for service.

The concept, though not always using this specific term, appears throughout Paul’s letters when discussing spiritual maturity and preparation for ministry. It ties closely to the idea of perfection (τέλειος) but focuses more on functional readiness rather than moral perfection.

• “That the man of God may be complete [ἄρτιος], thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek athletics, ἄρτιος was used to describe an athlete who was fully prepared for competition, having completed all necessary training and preparation. This athletic imagery would have resonated strongly with Paul’s audience, as he often used athletic metaphors to describe spiritual preparation and discipline.

The word also carried significance in ancient architecture, where it described the perfect fitting of stones in construction. This architectural usage provides a powerful metaphor for understanding how believers are “fitted together” in the body of the Messiah, each one complete and ready for their purpose.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄρτιος in 2 Timothy 3:17 reveals a profound truth about God’s work in believers’ lives. It shows that through His Word, God completely equips His people for every good work He has prepared for them. This speaks to both His sufficiency and His thoroughness in preparing His people for service.

The concept also reflects God’s perfect wisdom in designing and equipping the body of the Messiah. Each member is made ἄρτιος – completely fitted and prepared – for their unique role in His divine plan. This demonstrates God’s meticulous care in preparing His people for service.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄρτιος challenges believers to trust in God’s complete provision through His Word and Spirit. When we feel inadequate for the tasks before us, this word reminds us that God makes us “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We can rest in the confidence that He provides everything necessary for us to fulfill His calling.

This word also encourages us to pursue wholeness in our spiritual development, recognizing that God desires to make us complete in every aspect of our lives, not just in isolated areas of gifting or service.

Related Words

• τέλειος (teleios) – perfect, complete, mature (emphasizes the end goal rather than functional readiness) See G5046
• καταρτίζω (katartizō) – to complete, perfect, fully furnish (the verbal action of making something ἄρτιος) See G2675
• πλήρης (plērēs) – full, complete, filled (focuses on fullness rather than functional fitness) See G4134

Did you Know?

• The mathematical use of ἄρτιος for even numbers in ancient Greek continues in modern Greek mathematics, where it still carries this technical meaning.
• In ancient Greek shipbuilding, ἄρτιος described a vessel that was fully equipped and seaworthy, carrying all necessary gear for its journey – a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparedness.
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe the proper setting of bones and the complete healing of injuries, suggesting restoration to full functionality.

Remember This

ἄρτιος represents God’s thorough work in equipping His people, leaving no lack in preparing them for every good work He has ordained for them to accomplish.