ἑτοιμασία

preparation, readiness

Definition

ἑτοιμασία refers to the state of being prepared or ready, and by extension, the firm foundation or footing that such readiness provides. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Ephesians 6:15, it describes the 'readiness' or 'preparation' given by the gospel of peace, which is part of the Christian's spiritual armor. This readiness is not merely a passive state but an active, stable foundation from which a believer can stand firm and advance. The word carries the dual sense of the internal condition of being prepared and the resulting external stability it produces.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 6:15, within the metaphor of the 'full armor of God.' Here, it is the 'readiness' or 'preparation' that comes from the 'gospel of peace' and is worn on the feet. The context is spiritual warfare, indicating that this gospel-based readiness provides the believer with a stable footing to stand against opposition and to move forward in mission.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, G2090), meaning 'to prepare, make ready.' The noun ἑτοιμασία thus denotes the state or result of that action—'preparedness' or 'readiness.' It is part of a word family centered on the concept of making something fit or suitable for its purpose.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects the believer's stability and proactive stance in spiritual conflict directly to the gospel. The 'readiness' from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15) is not about aggression but about being firmly grounded in God's reconciling work, enabling confident movement and resistance against evil. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of Ephesians 6 by highlighting that the Christian's offensive and defensive posture is founded on the peace achieved by Christ.

In a Greco-Roman military context, soldiers required sturdy footwear for long marches and secure footing in battle. The imagery would immediately communicate to Paul's audience the necessity of being properly equipped with a reliable base. The 'readiness' (ἑτοιμασία) provided by the gospel is analogous to this essential, foundational piece of equipment for the spiritual soldier.

παρασκευή (paraskeuē, G3904) — more commonly denotes practical preparation or making arrangements. ἑτοιμότης (hetoimotēs, G2092) — an alternate noun form for 'readiness' or 'preparation,' used in 2 Corinthians 9:2-3.

Word Details

Scripture References