### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimázō) derives from the adjective ἕτοιμος (hetoimos), meaning "ready" or "prepared." Fundamentally, ἑτοιμάζω signifies the act of "making ready," "preparing," or "getting ready." Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Literal Preparation:** The physical act of arranging, setting up, or making provisions for an event, journey, or meal.
* **Figurative Preparation:** The act of setting conditions or arranging circumstances for a future event, a divine intervention, or a state of spiritual readiness.
* **Provision/Availability:** To provide or make available something that has been prepared.
* **Anticipation:** Often implies a state of readiness or preparedness in anticipation of an immediate or future action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἑτοιμάζω appears frequently in the New Testament, revealing diverse applications:
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** Most prominently, it describes the mission of John the Baptist, who was sent "to prepare the way of the Lord" ([[Matthew 3:3]], [[Mark 1:3]], [[Luke 3:4]]). This highlights a divinely orchestrated preparation for the advent of the Messiah, requiring spiritual readiness from the people.
* **Practical Arrangements:** Jesus instructs his disciples to ἑτοιμάζω the Passover meal ([[Matthew 26:17]], [[Mark 14:12]], [[Luke 22:8]]), a concrete act of physical preparation for a deeply symbolic event. Similarly, it is used for preparing a place for Paul's journey ([[Acts 23:23]]).
* **Parabolic Warnings:** In Jesus' parables, ἑτοιμάζω often underscores the necessity of human readiness for significant, often eschatological, events. The wise virgins "prepared" their lamps ([[Matthew 25:10]]), and a king "prepared" a wedding feast ([[Matthew 22:4]]), emphasizing the need for foresight and vigilance.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God is frequently depicted as the One who ἑτοιμάζω various things. He "prepared" good works for believers to walk in ([[Ephesians 2:10]]), and "vessels of mercy, which he had prepared beforehand for glory" ([[Romans 9:23]]). This points to God's pre-ordained plan and active involvement in salvation history.
* **Eschatological Provision:** A profound usage is found in [[Hebrews 11:16]], where God "has prepared for them a city" for His people, signifying His ultimate provision for their eternal destiny. Jesus also promises to "prepare a place" for His disciples in His Father's house ([[John 14:2-3]]).
* **Preparation for Judgment:** In Revelation, ἑτοιμάζω describes the preparation of angels and instruments of divine judgment ([[Revelation 8:6]], [[Revelation 9:7]]), underscoring God's meticulous execution of His righteous judgments.
* **The New Jerusalem:** The heavenly city is depicted as "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" ([[Revelation 21:2]]), symbolizing its perfect readiness and beauty for the consummation of God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2091}}` (hetoimos):** The adjective "ready" or "prepared," serving as the root for ἑτοιμάζω.
* **`{{G2092}}` (hetoimasia):** The noun form, meaning "readiness" or "preparation," as seen in "the preparation of the gospel of peace" ([[Ephesians 6:15]]).
* **`{{G2680}}` (kataskeuazō):** This word, also meaning "to prepare" or "to construct," is explicitly compared in the base definition. While ἑτοιμάζω emphasizes the state of readiness, κατασκευάζω often implies a more substantial act of building or constructing to achieve that readiness (e.g., building an ark or a house, [[Hebrews 3:3-4]], [[Hebrews 11:7]]). The two terms can overlap but often carry distinct nuances.
* **Divine Providence:** The concept of God's active foresight and provision for His creation and His people.
* **Human Responsibility:** The call for individuals to be prepared, vigilant, and ready for God's actions and His return.
* **Sanctification:** The process by which believers are "prepared for every good work" ([[2 Timothy 2:21]]), becoming fit for divine service.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑτοιμάζω is multifaceted and profound:
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** The frequent portrayal of God as the One who prepares underscores His meticulous planning, foresight, and active involvement in history. From preparing the way for Christ to preparing a heavenly city, God's actions demonstrate His sovereign control and faithful execution of His redemptive purposes. This provides assurance of His ultimate victory and provision.
* **Eschatological Hope and Certainty:** The concept of a "prepared" kingdom, city, and inheritance points directly to the future hope of believers. This divine preparation ensures the certainty of God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of His plan for humanity, culminating in eternal dwelling with Him.
* **The Necessity of Human Readiness:** While God prepares, ἑτοιμάζω also serves as a poignant reminder of human responsibility. The warnings in parables about unpreparedness highlight the need for spiritual vigilance, ethical living, and active anticipation of the Lord's return or His call to service. This emphasizes the synergy between divine grace and human response.
* **Empowerment for Service:** God's preparation of believers for "good works" ([[Ephesians 2:10]], [[2 Timothy 2:21]]) signifies His equipping and enabling grace. This divine act empowers believers to live out their faith effectively and participate in His kingdom work, transforming them into "vessels prepared for noble use."
### Summary
The Greek verb ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimázō) encapsulates the vital concept of "to make ready" or "to prepare." Its rich usage in the New Testament reveals a dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The word consistently highlights God's active and meticulous providence, showcasing His preparation of historical events, redemptive plans, and the ultimate eschatological realities for His people. Simultaneously, ἑτοιμάζω serves as a powerful call to humanity, urging believers to cultivate spiritual readiness, vigilance, and active participation in God's purposes. Whether describing God's preparation of a heavenly dwelling or humanity's need to prepare for His coming, ἑτοιμάζω underscores the essential state of anticipation and readiness that defines both God's eternal work and the believer's journey of faith.
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