### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2936}}` (*ktízō*) carries the fundamental meaning of "to create," "to found," or "to fabricate." Its base definition suggests an act of bringing something into existence, often with the implication of originality or foundational establishment. Unlike mere "making" (`{{G4160}}` *poiéō*) or "building" (`{{G3618}}` *oikodoméō*), *ktízō* frequently denotes an initial act of formation, a bringing forth that establishes the very being or order of something. The suggested etymological link to κτάομαι (*ktaomai*, "to acquire, possess") is significant, implying a proprietary right or ownership on the part of the one who creates. This suggests that the Creator not only brings into being but also maintains authority and dominion over that which is created. The semantic range extends from the creation of the physical cosmos and humanity to the profound spiritual transformation known as "new creation."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G2936}}` appears predominantly in the New Testament, frequently in contexts that underscore God's sovereign creative power.
* **Cosmic and Human Creation:** The verb is used to describe God's original work in bringing the universe and humanity into existence. In [[Mark 13:19]], Jesus speaks of the tribulation as unparalleled "from the beginning of the creation which God created." Similarly, [[Romans 1:25]] condemns those who worship the "creation" (κτίσις, a related noun) rather than the "Creator" (κτίστης, *ktistēs*, derived from *ktízō*). [[Ephesians 3:9]] speaks of God, "who created all things through Jesus Christ," emphasizing Christ's mediatorial role in creation. This is further affirmed in [[Colossians 1:16]], where it is declared that "by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth." [[Revelation 4:11]] and [[Revelation 10:6]] attribute the existence of all things in heaven and on earth to God as the Creator, underscoring His worthiness of worship. The creation of humanity is specifically noted in [[Mark 10:6]], where Jesus refers to "the beginning of creation, God made them male and female."
* **New Spiritual Creation:** A profound theological application of `{{G2936}}` is found in Paul's letters, where it describes the spiritual transformation of believers in Christ. This is not a mere renovation but a radical, originating work of God. In [[Ephesians 2:10]], believers are described as "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." This highlights that salvation is a divine act of new creation, equipping believers for a transformed life. Crucially, [[Ephesians 2:15]] speaks of Christ creating "in Himself one new man from the two," referring to the reconciliation and unification of Jew and Gentile in the church. This "new man" is further elaborated in [[Ephesians 4:24]], where believers are exhorted to "put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." [[Colossians 3:10]] similarly states, "and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him." These passages emphasize that the new life in Christ is a direct, originating work of God, forming a new spiritual reality and identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of creation in the Bible is rich and multifaceted, with `{{G2936}}` *ktízō* interacting with several related terms and ideas.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew verb for "to create" is `{{H1254}}` (*bārā'*), which typically denotes a divine act of creating something new, often *ex nihilo* (out of nothing), and is exclusively used with God as the subject. Another common verb is `{{H6213}}` (*ʿāśāh*), meaning "to make" or "to do," which has a broader semantic range and can apply to human activity as well as divine. While *ktízō* in the LXX sometimes translates *ʿāśāh*, it most closely aligns with the sense of originating power found in *bārā'*.
* **Greek Synonyms/Related Terms:**
* `{{G4160}}` (*poiéō*): "to do, make," a very general verb that can refer to any kind of production or action. While God "makes" things, *ktízō* emphasizes the foundational, originating aspect.
* `{{G3618}}` (*oikodoméō*): "to build, edify," often used metaphorically for spiritual building or growth within the community. *Ktízō* is about the initial formation, *oikodoméō* about the ongoing construction or strengthening.
* `{{G1096}}` (*gínomai*): "to come into being, to happen," a more general term for existence or occurrence, lacking the specific intentionality and originating power inherent in *ktízō*.
* **Concepts:** The word `{{G2936}}` is intrinsically linked to the theological concepts of God's sovereignty, His omnipotence, and His role as the ultimate source of all existence. It undergirds the doctrine of *creatio ex nihilo* (though *ktízō* itself does not always explicitly state creation from nothing, it points to God's unique originating power) and the profound truth of "new creation" as a work of divine grace.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2936}}` *ktízō* is immense, foundational to understanding God's nature, humanity's place, and the radical nature of redemption.
1. **God as the Sole Creator:** The consistent use of *ktízō* to describe God's activity firmly establishes Him as the ultimate originator of all things. This underscores His absolute sovereignty, wisdom, and power. He is not merely a craftsman working with pre-existing materials but the source of all being. This truth serves as a fundamental basis for worship and adoration ([[Revelation 4:11]]).
2. **Christ's Role in Creation:** The New Testament explicitly attributes the act of creation to Christ ([[Colossians 1:16]], [[Ephesians 3:9]]). This highlights His pre-existence and divine nature, affirming His co-equality with the Father in the work of creation.
3. **The "New Creation" in Christ:** Perhaps the most profound theological insight derived from *ktízō* is its application to spiritual regeneration. The "new man" created in Christ is not a mere improvement of the old self but a fundamentally new spiritual reality brought forth by God ([[Ephesians 2:10]], [[Ephesians 4:24]], [[Colossians 3:10]]). This new creation is characterized by righteousness, holiness, and a renewed knowledge of God, reflecting the image of the Creator. It signifies a radical break from the old fallen humanity and the establishment of a new spiritual lineage in Christ.
4. **Reconciliation and Unity:** The use of *ktízō* in [[Ephesians 2:15]] to describe the creation of "one new man" from Jew and Gentile emphasizes the unifying and reconciling power of Christ's work. The church, as this "new man," is a unique entity, a divine creation that transcends former divisions and animosities.
5. **Divine Ownership and Purpose:** The implied connection to proprietorship (from *ktaomai*) reinforces the idea that what God creates, He owns. This means humanity and the cosmos exist for His glory and according to His divine purpose, establishing a framework for understanding human responsibility and the ultimate destiny of creation.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2936}}` (*ktízō*) signifies an act of original formation, to "create" or "found," implying the bringing into existence of something new and distinct. It is used in the New Testament to describe God's foundational work in bringing forth the physical cosmos and humanity. Crucially, *ktízō* also articulates the profound spiritual transformation of believers, who are "created in Christ Jesus" as a "new man," reflecting God's righteousness and holiness. This "new creation" encompasses both individual regeneration and the corporate reality of the church, where Jew and Gentile are unified in Christ. The consistent use of *ktízō* underscores God's (and Christ's) unique role as the sovereign, proprietary Creator, the ultimate source of all being, and the author of radical spiritual renewal. It is a foundational concept for understanding divine power, human identity, and the transformative work of redemption.
TRV