from κατά and a derivative of σκεῦος; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas ἑτοιμάζω refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create:--build, make, ordain, prepare.
### 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.
TRV