from an old noun (fitness); adjusted, i.e. ready:--prepared, (made) ready(-iness, to our hand).
Transliteration:hétoimos
Pronunciation:het-oy'-mos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective `{{G2092}}` (hétoimos) derives from an old noun signifying "fitness" or "suitability." Its core meaning denotes a state of being "adjusted" or "ready." This readiness implies a prior act of preparation, ensuring that something or someone is in a suitable condition for an impending event, action, or purpose. The semantic range of `{{G2092}}` extends from the simple preparedness of an object (e.g., a meal, a place) to the readiness of a person (e.g., prepared to act, to suffer, to give an account). It conveys a sense of preparedness that is not merely passive but often implies an active state of being poised for what is to come, whether by divine design or human diligence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2092}}` appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating various facets of readiness. In the eschatological context, Jesus frequently admonishes His disciples to be "ready" for the unexpected return of the Son of Man. For instance, in [[Matthew 24:44]] and [[Luke 12:40]], believers are urged to be "ready" (ἕτοιμοι) because the Son of Man will come at an hour they do not expect. Similarly, in the parable of the ten virgins, only those who were "ready" (ἕτοιμοι) entered the wedding feast with the bridegroom [[Matthew 25:10]]. This highlights the necessity of spiritual vigilance and preparedness for divine appointment.
The concept of a "prepared place" is also significant. John the Baptist's ministry was to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" [[Luke 1:17]], indicating a spiritual conditioning of hearts. Jesus speaks of going to "prepare a place" for His disciples [[John 14:2-3]], and the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, is described as "prepared" (ἡτοιμασμένην) like a bride adorned for her husband [[Revelation 21:2]]. This underscores God's sovereign provision and meticulous preparation for His redemptive plan.
Human readiness for service and suffering is also a prominent theme. Paul declares his readiness to preach the gospel in Rome [[Romans 1:15]] and his readiness to punish disobedience [[2 Corinthians 10:6]]. He also demonstrates his profound commitment in [[Acts 21:13]], stating his readiness "not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Perhaps most notably for believers today, Peter exhorts them to "always be ready (ἕτοιμοι) to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" [[1 Peter 3:15]]. This specific usage emphasizes the intellectual and spiritual preparedness required for evangelism and apologetics.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{G2092}}` (hétoimos) is its verbal form, `{{G2090}}` (hetoimazō), meaning "to prepare" or "to make ready." While `{{G2090}}` describes the *act* of preparation, `{{G2092}}` describes the *state* of being prepared. Another related term is `{{G2091}}` (hetoimasia), a noun meaning "preparation" or "readiness," used metaphorically in [[Ephesians 6:15]] as the "readiness of the gospel of peace" for the soldier's feet.
Conceptually, `{{G2092}}` is closely linked to:
* **Vigilance:** The call to be ready for Christ's return inherently demands watchfulness and alertness.
* **Diligence:** Human readiness often requires active effort, discipline, and foresight.
* **Obedience:** Being ready to carry out a command or mission implies a willing and obedient heart.
* **Anticipation:** The state of readiness looks forward to a future event, whether it be judgment, service, or divine encounter.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's preparations (e.g., a prepared place, a prepared kingdom) highlight His foreknowledge and control over all things.
* **Human Responsibility:** While God prepares, humans are also called to prepare themselves and be found ready.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2092}}` is multifaceted, touching upon both divine action and human responsibility.
Firstly, it underscores **God's meticulous preparation** in His redemptive plan. From the "kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" [[Matthew 25:34]] to the New Jerusalem, God is actively preparing for the consummation of His purposes. This speaks to His sovereignty, faithfulness, and the certainty of His promises. His preparations ensure that His will is accomplished and that His people are provided for.
Secondly, `{{G2092}}` serves as a powerful call to **human readiness and spiritual diligence**. Believers are not merely passive recipients of God's grace but are exhorted to be actively "ready" for various aspects of the Christian life. This includes:
* **Eschatological Readiness:** The imperative to be ready for the Lord's return is a constant theme, urging vigilance, holy living, and faithful stewardship in anticipation of His coming. This readiness is not merely intellectual assent but a lifestyle of spiritual preparedness.
* **Missional Readiness:** The readiness to preach the gospel, to serve, and to suffer for Christ's name highlights the active engagement required of disciples in fulfilling the Great Commission.
* **Apologetic Readiness:** The command to be ready to articulate one's faith demonstrates that Christian belief is not irrational but capable of reasoned defense, requiring thoughtful engagement with the world.
Thus, `{{G2092}}` bridges the gap between divine initiative and human response, emphasizing that while God prepares all things, believers are simultaneously called to prepare themselves in faith, obedience, and anticipation. Unreadiness, conversely, implies spiritual negligence and carries severe consequences, as seen in the parable of the virgins.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2092}}` (hétoimos) signifies a state of being "adjusted" or "ready," implying a prior act of preparation. Its usage in the New Testament reveals a profound theological tension and harmony between God's sovereign preparations and humanity's responsibility to be found ready. God meticulously prepares places, a kingdom, and a people for His divine purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness and foreknowledge. Concurrently, believers are consistently exhorted to be "ready" – for the Lord's return, for gospel proclamation, for suffering, and for defending their faith. This readiness is not passive but demands active vigilance, spiritual diligence, and a life aligned with God's will. Ultimately, `{{G2092}}` serves as a potent reminder of the call to active discipleship, urging believers to live in a perpetual state of spiritual preparedness for all that God has purposed and all that He calls them to do.
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