### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasía, `{{G2091}}`) is derived from the verb ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, `{{G2090}}`), which means "to prepare, make ready." Consequently, ἑτοιμασία fundamentally denotes "preparation" or "readiness." It can refer to the *act* of preparing something, or the *state* of being prepared and ready for a task or event. In classical Greek, it carried the sense of equipment or provision for a journey or military campaign. The underlying semantic range thus encompasses the concepts of provision, readiness, establishment, and a firm foundation, all stemming from the proactive act of making something fit for purpose or establishing it securely.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasía, `{{G2091}}`) appears only once, in the apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians: [[Ephesians 6:15]]. As part of the spiritual armor of God, believers are exhorted to have "your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." This is a rich and multi-faceted metaphor.
The "shod feet" (ὑποδησάμενοι τοὺς πόδας) refer to the footwear worn by soldiers, providing traction and stability for movement and standing firm in battle. The specific nature of this footwear is linked to the "preparation of the gospel of peace."
Several interpretations exist for "preparation of the gospel of peace":
1. **Readiness to Proclaim:** It could signify the believer's readiness and eagerness to spread the good news of peace. Just as a soldier is ready to march, the Christian is prepared to advance the gospel.
2. **Firm Foundation/Stability:** Drawing on the Septuagint (LXX) usage of ἑτοιμασία for "foundation" or "establishment" (e.g., [[Psalm 89:14]] where it translates מָכוֹן (makon, `{{H4349}}`) for "foundation" of God's throne), this interpretation suggests that the gospel of peace itself provides the firm, stable footing for the believer. It is the solid ground upon which one stands firm against the schemes of the devil. The peace that the gospel offers is not merely a feeling but a foundational reality that enables steadfastness.
3. **Equipping for Peace:** The gospel of peace equips believers to walk in peace, both internally and in their relationships, enabling them to navigate a hostile world with stability and without stumbling.
Given the context of spiritual warfare and standing firm (στῆτε from ἵστημι, `{{G2476}}` in [[Ephesians 6:11]], [[Ephesians 6:13]], [[Ephesians 6:14]]), the sense of a "firm footing" or "stable foundation" provided by the gospel of peace seems particularly apt. It is the peace *from* the gospel, and the peace *of* the gospel, that secures the believer's stance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term is the verb from which ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasía, `{{G2091}}`) is derived: ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, `{{G2090}}`), meaning "to prepare, make ready." This verb is widely used in the New Testament for preparing a way (e.g., [[Matthew 3:3]]), a place (e.g., [[John 14:2-3]]), or for the coming of the Lord. The adjective ἑτοιμος (hetoimos, `{{G2092}}`), meaning "ready" or "prepared," also belongs to this word family.
Conceptually, ἑτοιμασία in [[Ephesians 6:15]] is linked to:
* **Peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`):** The gospel's core message and its effect on the believer.
* **Gospel (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion, `{{G2098}}`):** The good news of salvation in Christ, which serves as the foundation.
* **Stability and Steadfastness:** Essential qualities for spiritual warfare, often conveyed by verbs like ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), "to stand."
* **Spiritual Armor:** The broader context of [[Ephesians 6:10-18]], where each piece of armor contributes to the believer's defense and readiness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasía, `{{G2091}}`) in [[Ephesians 6:15]] is profound. It underscores the foundational and enabling power of the gospel of peace for the Christian life and spiritual battle.
1. **The Gospel as Foundation:** The gospel is not merely a message to be believed but a secure ground upon which believers stand. It provides stability in a chaotic world and equips them to face spiritual opposition without wavering. This "preparation" is not something the believer generates, but rather something the gospel *provides*.
2. **Peace as Empowerment:** The peace offered by the gospel – peace with God through Christ ([[Romans 5:1]]) and the inner peace that guards the heart and mind ([[Philippians 4:7]]) – is a vital component of spiritual readiness. This peace enables courage, prevents panic, and allows for clear-headed engagement in spiritual warfare.
3. **Active Readiness:** While the gospel provides the foundation, the "shod feet" imply an active readiness to walk, to advance, and to stand firm. It speaks to the believer's posture of preparedness, not passivity. This readiness is fueled by the peace and truth of the gospel.
4. **Holistic Warfare:** Paul's imagery of the armor highlights that spiritual warfare is not just about defense, but about being equipped to move forward and stand. The "preparation of the gospel of peace" allows the believer to walk confidently and securely in their calling.
### Summary
The Greek word ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasía, `{{G2091}}`) signifies "preparation" or "readiness," stemming from the verb ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, `{{G2090}}`), "to make ready." Its singular, yet highly significant, occurrence in the New Testament is found in [[Ephesians 6:15]], where believers are exhorted to have "their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." In this context of spiritual armor, ἑτοιμασία conveys the idea of a firm footing or stable foundation provided by the gospel of peace, enabling believers to stand steadfastly in spiritual warfare and to walk securely in their faith. It underscores that the peace of the gospel is not merely a concept but an active, equipping force that provides stability and readiness for the Christian's journey and battle.
TRV