ἄρτιος
perfect, complete
Definition
The adjective ἄρτιος (artios) fundamentally means 'complete, perfect, or fully equipped.' It describes something that is in a state of proper fitness, lacking nothing necessary for its intended purpose or function. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it is used metaphorically to describe a person who is 'complete' or 'fully equipped' for a specific task. The word carries the sense of being perfectly adapted, prepared, and proficient.
Biblical Usage
ἄρτιος is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Timothy 3:17. Here, it describes the purpose of Scripture: 'so that the man of God may be complete (ἄρτιος), equipped for every good work.' The context is the sufficiency of Scripture for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The usage is entirely positive, emphasizing the result of biblical instruction: a believer who is fully furnished and ready for service.
Etymology
Derived from the root ἀρ- (ar-), which relates to joining or fitting together. It is connected to the verb ἀραρίσκω (arariskō, G737), meaning 'to fit' or 'to join.' The sense is of something that is properly assembled or fitted, hence 'complete.' The prefix ἀ- (a-) is not negative here but intensive, strengthening the root meaning of fitness.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it speaks directly to the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the goal of God-breathed Scripture is to make the believer 'ἄρτιος'—fully complete and proficient for God's work. It counters any notion that the Bible is insufficient or that believers need extra-biblical revelation to be spiritually mature and effective. Understanding 'artios' enriches reading by highlighting that biblical training aims at practical readiness and holistic competence in Christian living.
In the Greco-Roman world, the term could be used for a tool that was perfectly suited for its job or a person who was fully trained in a craft or skill. This cultural understanding of being 'fully qualified' or 'proficient' directly informs its biblical use, where spiritual proficiency comes from God's word.
τέλειος (teleios, G5046) — emphasizes reaching an end goal or maturity, often moral perfection. ἱκανός (hikanos, G2425) — focuses on being sufficient, adequate, or competent in ability.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →