### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G739 ártios (ἄρτιος) is derived from `{{G737}}` árti, meaning "now" or "just now." This etymological root provides insight into its core semantic range, suggesting a state of being "fresh," "up-to-date," or "ready for the present moment." By implication, ártios signifies completeness, fitness, or perfection in a functional sense. It describes something or someone that is fully prepared, adequate, and suitable for a specific purpose or task. Unlike some other words for "perfect" that might imply a static, absolute ideal, ártios emphasizes a dynamic readiness and sufficiency, being "all that one needs to be" in a given context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G739 ártios appears only once in the New Testament, in [[2 Timothy 3:17]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant:
> "that the man of God may be **complete**, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (ἵνα ἄρτιος ᾖ ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος, πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἐξηρτισμένος).
In this verse, ártios describes the desired state of "the man of God" (ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος). The immediate context of [[2 Timothy 3:16]] states that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Thus, the purpose of divinely inspired Scripture is to render the man of God ártios.
The parallelism with ἐξηρτισμένος (exērtismenos - `{{G1822}}`), translated "thoroughly equipped," is crucial. While ártios denotes the *state* of being complete, fit, and ready, exērtismenos highlights the *process* or *result* of being fully furnished and prepared. Scripture makes the individual ártios (complete/fit), and this completeness is further elaborated as being exērtismenos (thoroughly equipped) for "every good work" (πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν). This emphasizes a practical, functional completeness, enabling effective service and ministry rather than an abstract or theoretical perfection. The focus is on being fully prepared to fulfill God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἄρτι (árti - `{{G737}}`):** The root word, meaning "now" or "just now," reinforcing the idea of being "up to date" or "ready for the present moment."
* **τέλειος (teleios - `{{G5046}}`):** Often translated "perfect," this word typically refers to reaching a goal, maturity, or full development. While ártios also implies completeness, it emphasizes functional readiness and fitness for purpose, whereas teleios often pertains to moral or spiritual maturity and the completion of a process or a state of ideal perfection. ártios is about being fully furnished for a task; teleios is about reaching an intended end-state or maturity.
* **ἐξαρτίζω (exartizō - `{{G1822}}`):** The verb form from which exērtismenos is derived, meaning "to complete, to furnish completely, to equip fully." Its use in [[2 Timothy 3:17]] alongside ártios serves as a strong semantic parallel and intensifier, explaining *how* the man of God becomes ártios – by being "thoroughly equipped."
* **καταρτίζω (katartizō - `{{G2675}}`):** Meaning "to complete, perfect, prepare, restore," this word also shares a semantic field with ártios in its sense of making something or someone fit, prepared, or fully functional.
* **Sufficiency of Scripture:** The concept of ártios in [[2 Timothy 3:17]] is inextricably linked to the doctrine of the sufficiency and utility of God's inspired Word. It is through diligent engagement with Scripture that believers are made complete and equipped for their divine calling.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of G739 ártios in [[2 Timothy 3:17]] carries profound theological weight, primarily regarding the nature and power of Scripture:
* **Sufficiency of Scripture:** The most significant theological implication is the complete sufficiency of the divinely inspired Word of God. Scripture is presented not merely as informative but as transformative, enabling believers—especially those in leadership or ministry ("the man of God")—to be fully equipped for their calling. It asserts that the Bible provides all that is necessary for spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and effective service.
* **Divine Provision for Ministry:** God, through His Word, provides His servants with everything they need to perform "every good work." This counters any notion that extra-biblical revelation, human philosophies, or additional spiritual experiences are *necessary* for genuine spiritual effectiveness or for fulfilling God's purposes.
* **Practical Sanctification:** ártios points to a practical, functional aspect of sanctification. It signifies not just moral purity (though that is certainly implied by "good work" and "training in righteousness") but also a state of being prepared, capable, and ready to fulfill God's will and serve His purposes in the world. It emphasizes the active, outward expression of an inward transformation.
* **Emphasis on Readiness:** The word highlights the crucial importance of being ready and prepared for service. It serves as an exhortation for believers to diligently engage with and apply Scripture as the primary means to achieve this state of readiness for ministry and good works.
* **Holistic Equipping:** The combination of ártios and exērtismenos suggests a holistic equipping—encompassing not only intellectual knowledge but also spiritual, moral, and practical readiness for all aspects of Christian life and ministry.
### Summary
The Greek word G739 ártios (ἄρτιος), found exclusively in [[2 Timothy 3:17]], denotes a state of being "complete," "fit," or "perfect." Rooted in `{{G737}}` árti ("now"), it conveys a dynamic sense of being fully equipped and suitable for a present purpose. In its sole biblical context, ártios describes the "man of God" who, through the inspired and profitable Scripture ([[2 Timothy 3:16]]), is made ártios and "thoroughly equipped" (`{{G1822}}` exērtismenos) for "every good work." This word powerfully underscores the profound sufficiency of the Bible in preparing believers for effective service and ministry, highlighting God's complete provision for His people to fulfill their divine calling. It points to a practical, functional readiness, demonstrating that through His Word, God furnishes His servants with all that is necessary to live out His will and accomplish His purposes in the world.
TRV