from κατά and a derivative of ἄρτιος; to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust:--fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect(-ly join together), prepare, restore.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταρτίζω (katartízō, `{{G2675}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata), which often denotes completion or intensity, and a derivative of ἄρτιος (artios, `{{G739}}`), meaning "fit," "complete," "suitable," or "in order."
The core meaning of καταρτίζω is to bring something into a state of fitness, completeness, or proper order. It implies a process of setting right, equipping, restoring, or making fully functional. Its semantic range is broad and includes:
* **Repair/Mend:** To fix something that is broken, torn, or out of order, restoring it to a usable state (e.g., mending nets).
* **Equip/Prepare:** To make something ready or suitable for a specific purpose, providing what is necessary for its function.
* **Restore/Reconcile:** To bring back into a proper relationship, condition, or state of harmony, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense.
* **Perfect/Complete:** To bring to a state of full development, maturity, or ideal condition; not merely fixing, but making whole and complete for its intended design.
* **Frame/Form/Constitute:** To establish, arrange, or bring into existence in an orderly and purposeful manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
καταρτίζω appears 13 times in the New Testament, revealing its diverse applications:
* **Literal Repair:**
* [[Matthew 4:21]] and [[Mark 1:19]]: Used literally to describe James and John "mending" their fishing nets. This foundational usage establishes the sense of physical repair and restoration to functionality.
* **Spiritual Unity and Restoration:**
* [[1 Corinthians 1:10]]: Paul urges believers to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Here, καταρτίζω signifies spiritual unity, reconciliation, and the bringing of disparate opinions into harmonious agreement within the church.
* [[2 Corinthians 13:11]]: As a final exhortation, Paul commands the Corinthians to "be perfect" (or "be restored," "be set in order"). This is a call to spiritual maturity, reconciliation, and wholeness in their conduct and relationships.
* [[Galatians 6:1]]: Believers are instructed to "restore such a one" (a brother caught in a trespass) "in a spirit of gentleness." This is a crucial ethical application, emphasizing the gentle, redemptive process of bringing a sinning member back into spiritual health and fellowship.
* **Divine Preparation and Equipping:**
* [[Romans 9:22]]: Describes "vessels of wrath fitted for destruction." The nuance here is complex, possibly implying that these vessels were *prepared* or *made ready* for their ultimate destiny, or even that they *fitted themselves* for it.
* [[Hebrews 10:5]]: In a citation of [[Psalm 40:6]], it is stated, "A body hast thou prepared me." This refers to God's divine provision and equipping of a physical body for Christ, essential for His incarnation and atoning sacrifice.
* [[Hebrews 13:21]]: A prayer that God would "make you perfect in every good work to do his will." This signifies God's ongoing work of equipping, perfecting, and enabling believers for obedience and service, aligning them with His divine purpose.
* [[1 Peter 5:10]]: A powerful benediction: "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." This verse beautifully encapsulates God's comprehensive work in the believer's life—to bring them to spiritual maturity, steadfastness, strength, and firm establishment after enduring trials.
* **Divine Creation:**
* [[Hebrews 11:3]]: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God." Here, καταρτίζω describes God's act of creation, bringing order, structure, and completeness to the cosmos through His word. It emphasizes the divine design and purposeful establishment of the universe.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of καταρτίζω intersects with several other significant Greek terms:
* **ἄρτιος (artios, `{{G739}}`):** As the root, ἄρτιος means "complete," "fit," or "equipped." καταρτίζω is the verbal action of making something ἄρτιος.
* **τελειόω (teleioō, `{{G5048}}`):** To complete, perfect, bring to an end or maturity. While both aim for perfection, καταρτίζω often emphasizes the *process* of mending, restoring, or equipping to achieve that state, whereas τελειόω can focus more on the final state of completion or maturity. καταρτίζω can be a means to τελειόω.
* **οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō, `{{G3618}}`):** To build up, edify. This concept of spiritual building, strengthening, and growth aligns with the restorative and equipping aspects of καταρτίζω within the Christian community.
* **ἀποκαθίστημι (apokathistēmi, `{{G600}}`):** To restore, reestablish. This word specifically denotes bringing something back to a former, proper state, which is a significant component of καταρτίζω's meaning, particularly in the context of restoring a fallen brother.
* **ἐτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, `{{G2090}}`):** To prepare, make ready. This aligns with the "prepare" aspect of καταρτίζω, especially in the context of divine provision.
* **κατασκευάζω (kataskeuazō, `{{G2680}}`):** To prepare, build, construct. Similar to ἐτοιμάζω and relevant to the "framing" or establishing sense of καταρτίζω.
### Theological Significance
The verb καταρτίζω carries profound theological significance, illuminating God's active and multifaceted involvement in His creation and in the lives of His people.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Creation:** [[Hebrews 11:3]] reveals God as the ultimate καταρτίζω, the One who "framed" the worlds. This underscores His omnipotence, wisdom, and meticulous design in bringing order, structure, and purpose to the cosmos. It speaks to a divinely ordered creation, not a chaotic one.
2. **Redemptive Provision:** God "prepared" a body for Christ ([[Hebrews 10:5]]), highlighting the divine orchestration of the incarnation as an essential part of His redemptive plan. This preparation was crucial for Christ to fulfill His atoning work as the perfect sacrifice.
3. **Sanctification and Spiritual Formation:** The most prominent theological application of καταρτίζω concerns the spiritual maturation and completeness of believers. God, through the Holy Spirit and His Word, actively works to "perfect," "restore," and "equip" His people. This divine work encompasses:
* **Ecclesiastical Unity:** Paul's earnest appeal for believers to be "perfectly joined together" ([[1 Corinthians 1:10]]) emphasizes the crucial importance of spiritual unity, harmony, and reconciliation within the body of Christ, overcoming divisions.
* **Restoration of the Erring:** The instruction in [[Galatians 6:1]] to "restore" a sinning brother reflects God's own restorative grace. It is a call for the community to gently bring those who have stumbled back into spiritual health and fellowship, embodying redemptive love.
* **Equipping for God's Will:** [[Hebrews 13:21]] and [[1 Peter 5:10]] portray God as actively "making believers perfect in every good work" and "making them perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle" them. This signifies His ongoing process of equipping His people for obedience, service, and endurance through suffering, bringing them to spiritual completeness and steadfastness.
4. **Divine Initiative and Human Responsibility:** While God is consistently presented as the primary agent who καταρτίζω (e.g., [[Hebrews 13:21]], [[1 Peter 5:10]]), there is also a clear human responsibility to "be perfect" ([[2 Corinthians 13:11]]) and to participate in the restoration of others ([[Galatians 6:1]]). This highlights the synergistic nature of sanctification, where divine grace enables and human will responds.
### Summary
The Greek verb καταρτίζω (katartízō, `{{G2675}}`) encapsulates the profound concept of bringing something into a state of fitness, completeness, or proper order. Its semantic range spans from literal mending and repairing to the deeper spiritual notions of equipping, preparing, restoring, and perfecting. Biblically, it illuminates God's sovereign hand in creation, where He "framed" the worlds ([[Hebrews 11:3]]), and His meticulous plan in redemption, where He "prepared" a body for Christ ([[Hebrews 10:5]]). Most significantly, καταρτίζω describes God's ongoing work in the lives of believers, perfecting them, establishing them, strengthening them, and settling them ([[1 Peter 5:10]]) for His will and good works ([[Hebrews 13:21]]). It also serves as a mandate for the church to pursue unity ([[1 Corinthians 1:10]]) and to gently restore those who have erred ([[Galatians 6:1]]). In essence, καταρτίζω speaks to a divine process of making whole, functional, and complete, reflecting God's transformative power in both the physical and spiritual realms.
TRV