καταρτίζω

katartízō /kat-ar-tid'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and a derivative of ἄρτιος
Meaningto complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust
KJV usagefit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word katartízō, represented by G2675, is a term meaning to complete thoroughly, repair, or adjust. It appears 15 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from the literal act of mending or preparing an object to the figurative restoration and perfecting of people and the church.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2675 is used in several distinct contexts. It describes a literal, hands-on action, such as when James and John were mending their nets Matthew 4:21. Figuratively, it is used to call for spiritual restoration, as when the spiritual are instructed to restore someone overtaken in a fault Galatians 6:1. The word also carries a sense of creative power, as seen in Hebrews 11:3, which states that the worlds were framed by God's word. In a communal context, believers are urged to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment, eliminating divisions 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context and purpose of G2675:

  • G4978 schísma (a split or gap): This word is used in direct opposition to G2675. Believers are to be "perfectly joined together" precisely so that there are no divisions among them 1 Corinthians 1:10.
  • G3870 parakaléō (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke): This word of exhortation or beseeching often precedes a call for perfection. Paul beseeches the Corinthians to be perfectly joined together 1 Corinthians 1:10, and he encourages them to "Be perfect, be of good comfort" 2 Corinthians 13:11.
  • G4741 stērízō (to set fast... to confirm): This term appears alongside G2675 to describe God's work in believers. After suffering, God will make believers perfect, stablish them, strengthen them, and settle them 1 Peter 5:10.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G2675 is demonstrated in its application to God's work and the believer's life.

  • Divine Equipping and Perfection: The word is used to describe God's power to make believers complete. God is the one who will make believers perfect 1 Peter 5:10 and equip them in every good work to do His will Hebrews 13:21. This process culminates in a disciple becoming like his master Luke 6:40.
  • Church Unity and Order: G2675 is central to the concept of a healthy church. The call to be perfectly joined together is an appeal to mend relational fractures and align in mind and judgment, avoiding schisms 1 Corinthians 1:10. This state of being perfect is linked to being of one mind and living in peace 2 Corinthians 13:11.
  • Sovereign Preparation: The term extends to God's ultimate authority in preparing and arranging all things. This includes the cosmic act of framing the worlds Hebrews 11:3, the specific preparation of a body for Christ Hebrews 10:5, and even the fitting of vessels for their purpose Romans 9:22.

Summary

In summary, G2675 conveys a dynamic process of being made complete and fit for a purpose. It moves from the tangible act of mending nets to the profound spiritual work of restoring a brother, perfecting the saints, and framing the universe. It is a key biblical term for understanding how God brings order, maturity, and readiness to His creation and His people, calling them to a state of wholeness and unity.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Middle Indicative 2nd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Active Optative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Infinitive 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Optative
A wish or prayer — rare in the New Testament.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 10 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (3 verses).

2
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Luke
1
Romans
1
1 Corinthians
1
2 Corinthians
1
Galatians
1
1 Thessalonians
3
Hebrews
1
1 Peter

Verse Explorer

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