ἕτοιμος

ready, prepared

Definition

The adjective ἕτοιμος (etoimos) primarily means 'ready' or 'prepared,' describing a state of complete readiness for immediate action or use. In the New Testament, it often refers to practical readiness, such as a prepared room (Mark 14:15) or a prepared banquet (Luke 14:17). More significantly, it describes a spiritual or moral state of preparedness for God's intervention, as in being ready for the master's return (Matthew 24:44, Luke 12:40) or having lamps ready for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:10). In some contexts, it implies a willingness or resolve, as seen in Peter's declaration of readiness to follow Jesus (Luke 22:33).

Biblical Usage

ἕτοιμος is used 17 times across the Gospels and Acts, predominantly in Jesus's parables and teachings about vigilance and the kingdom of heaven. A key pattern is its use in eschatological contexts urging readiness for the Son of Man's return (Matthew 24:44, Luke 12:40). It also appears in narratives of practical preparation, like the Passover room (Mark 14:15, Luke 22:12) and parables of feasts (Matthew 22:4, 8; Luke 14:17). The word consistently conveys a state of completed preparation, not merely intention.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb ἑτεῖν (hetein), meaning 'to be accustomed' or 'to be used to,' ἕτοιμος evolved to signify a state of being 'at hand' or 'prepared.' It is related to the idea of being 'at one's post' or 'in a state of fitness.' The root conveys a sense of habitual readiness or being properly arranged for a purpose.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures a core ethic of the New Testament: the call to vigilant, active readiness for God's kingdom and Christ's return. It moves beyond passive waiting to denote a life ordered and committed in expectation. Understanding ἕτοιμος enriches reading by highlighting that biblical preparedness involves both practical action (like the wise virgins' oil in Matthew 25:10) and a sustained posture of the heart, essential for Christian discipleship and hope.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, readiness was a prized virtue, especially for military and civic duty. For Jesus's audience, images like a prepared banquet or a watchful servant would resonate deeply, conveying urgency and the high cost of being unprepared. The cultural expectation for a host to have everything completely 'ready' (ἕτοιμος) before inviting guests underscores the seriousness of the parable metaphors.

παρασκευάζω (paraskeuazō, G3903) — a verb meaning 'to prepare' or 'make ready,' focusing on the action of preparation. ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, G2090) — a closely related verb meaning 'to prepare' or 'make ready,' often used interchangeably but sometimes with a more active sense of making arrangements.

Word Details

Scripture References