κατασκευάζω

kataskeuázō /kat-ask-yoo-ad'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά and a derivative of σκεῦος
Meaningto prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas ἑτοιμάζω refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create
KJV usagebuild, make, ordain, prepare.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kataskeuázō, represented by G2680, means to prepare thoroughly, construct, or build. It appears 13 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition notes that it refers to preparing by external equipment, in contrast to G2090 hetoimázō, which relates more to internal fitness.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2680 is used to describe acts of divine and human preparation. It is used for the construction of Noah's ark G2787, which he prepared for the saving G4991 of his house Hebrews 11:7. This event is also referenced in 1 Peter, which states the ark G2787 was a preparing 1 Peter 3:20. The word also applies to the construction of the tabernacle G4633, which was made Hebrews 9:2 and its components ordained Hebrews 9:6. Figuratively, it describes the mission of the messenger G32 who would prepare the way for the Lord, as it is written G1125 in the prophets (Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 7:27). This culminates in God being identified as the one who built all things Hebrews 3:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand on the theme of preparation and construction:

  • G2090 hetoimázō (to prepare): This word is explicitly compared to G2680 in its definition. It is used alongside G2680 in Luke 1:17, where John the Baptist's mission is to make ready G2090 a people prepared G2680 for the Lord.
  • G2787 kibōtós (ark): This word for a box or ark is directly tied to G2680. Noah prepared G2680 an ark G2787 by faith Hebrews 11:7, and it was during the preparing G2680 of this ark G2787 that God's longsuffering waited 1 Peter 3:20.
  • G4633 skēnḗ (tabernacle): This term for a tent or habitation is used for the place of worship that was made G2680 and ordained G2680. A tabernacle G4633 was made G2680 Hebrews 9:2, and after these things were ordained G2680, the priests entered it Hebrews 9:6.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2680 is significant in several areas:

  • Divine Construction: The word elevates from human construction to divine creation. While every house is builded G2680 by some man, he that built G2680 all things is God Hebrews 3:4. This establishes God as the ultimate builder and source.
  • Preparation for Salvation: G2680 is critically linked to God's plan of salvation. Noah prepared G2680 the ark for the saving G4991 of his family Hebrews 11:7. Similarly, John the Baptist's role was to ready a people prepared G2680 for the Lord's arrival Luke 1:17.
  • Establishing Divine Order: The term is used to describe the establishment of the sacred space for worship. The tabernacle was made G2680 and its services were ordained G2680, indicating a divinely mandated order for approaching God (Hebrews 9:2; Hebrews 9:6).

Summary

In summary, G2680 conveys a sense of thorough and purposeful preparation and construction. It encompasses the physical acts of building an ark G2787 Hebrews 11:7 and making a tabernacle G4633 Hebrews 9:2, the spiritual work of preparing a people for the Lord Luke 1:17, and the ultimate truth that God is the one who built all things Hebrews 3:4. The word illustrates how God's plans are carefully constructed and ordained, from physical structures for worship and rescue to the preparation of human hearts.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Genitive Plural Neuter 1×
  • Present Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Passive Participle Genitive Singular Feminine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
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.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (5 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
2
Luke
5
Hebrews
1
1 Peter

Verse Explorer

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