κτίζω

ktízō /ktid'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootprobably akin to κτάομαι (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer)
Meaningto fabricate, i.e. found (form originally)
KJV usagecreate, Creator, make.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word ktízō, represented by G2936, means to fabricate, found, create, or make. It appears 16 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible. The term refers to the act of original formation, whether applied to the physical universe or to spiritual transformation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In Scripture, G2936 is used to describe God's absolute power as the originator of all existence. It encompasses the creation of "all things" in heaven and on earth, both "visible and invisible" Colossians 1:16. This creative act is the reason God is worthy of glory, honor, and power Revelation 4:11. Beyond the initial formation of the cosmos, the term is applied to the spiritual re-creation of believers. Paul explains that we are God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" Ephesians 2:10 and that believers are to put on the "new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" Ephesians 4:24. The word also appears in the context of creating specific things for a purpose, such as God having created foods to be received with thanksgiving 1 Timothy 4:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to clarify the concept of creation:

  • G2937 ktísis (creation, creature): This noun refers to the product of God's creative act. It is used in direct contrast to the Creator G2936, as seen in the warning against worshipping the creature rather than the Creator Romans 1:25.
  • G1746 endýō (to invest with clothing, put on): This verb is used figuratively to describe the believer's role in their spiritual re-creation. Believers are commanded to "put on the new man," which is created by God (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10).
  • G4161 poíēma (workmanship, thing that is made): This term highlights the believer as a product of God's divine skill. We are described as His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for a specific purpose Ephesians 2:10.
  • G1504 eikṓn (image, likeness): This specifies the model for the new creation. The new man is renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him Colossians 3:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2936 is significant and multifaceted:

  • Divine Sovereignty: The act of creation is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and authority. He created all things for His own pleasure and purpose, establishing His role as the sovereign originator of everything (Revelation 4:11, Colossians 1:16).
  • Spiritual Transformation: The word's usage is not confined to the past. It illustrates the profound change that occurs in a believer, who is made into a "new man." This new creation is not of human effort but is a divine act, created after the likeness of God himself Ephesians 4:24.
  • The Foundation of Worship: The distinction between the Creator G2936 and the creature G2937 is foundational to proper worship. Idolatry is defined as changing the truth of God by serving the created thing rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever Romans 1:25.

Summary

In summary, G2936 is a powerful verb that defines God's role as the sole fabricator of the universe and the author of spiritual newness. From the creation of "all things" by Jesus Christ Ephesians 3:9 to the creation of "one new man" in the church Ephesians 2:15, the term establishes God's ultimate authority and the transformative nature of His work in the lives of believers. It underpins the very basis for worship, distinguishing the one who creates from all that has been made.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
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.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 12 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Ephesians (4 verses).

1
Mark
1
Romans
1
1 Corinthians
4
Ephesians
2
Colossians
1
1 Timothy
2
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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