ἑτοίμως

readily

Definition

The adverb ἑτοίμως means 'readily,' 'promptly,' or 'in a state of preparedness.' It describes an action performed without hesitation, delay, or reluctance, often implying a willing and eager disposition. In Acts 21:13, it conveys Paul's emotional and spiritual readiness to face suffering for Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:14, it describes a parent's natural and eager willingness to provide for children, contrasting with reluctance. In 1 Peter 4:5, it modifies the verb 'to give an account,' emphasizing that God is prepared and ready to judge, without any delay.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the New Testament, each in a distinct context that highlights a different facet of readiness. In Acts 21:13, it describes personal, voluntary readiness for hardship ('I am ready not only to be imprisoned...'). In 2 Corinthians 12:14, it pertains to a relational and financial readiness within family duty ('children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children'). In 1 Peter 4:5, it describes divine readiness for eschatological judgment ('they will give account to him who is ready to judge...'). It consistently modifies verbs of action to stress the quality of the preparedness behind them.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ἕτοιμος (hetoimos, G2092), meaning 'ready,' 'prepared,' or 'at hand.' The adverb form ἑτοίμως is built by adding the adverbial suffix -ως to the stem. The root concept is one of being in a fit or arranged state for immediate action. Cognates include the verb ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, G2090), 'to prepare.'

Semantic Range

This word enriches our understanding of Christian commitment and divine sovereignty. It depicts the believer's ideal posture: a willing, unreserved readiness to follow Christ, even into suffering (Acts 21:13). It also underscores God's certain and imminent judgment (1 Peter 4:5), which is not a future possibility but a present reality of His character—He is always prepared to execute justice. Understanding this Greek term moves 'readiness' from a passive state to an active, intentional disposition in both human response and divine action.

In the Greco-Roman world, readiness (ἑτοιμότης) was a valued virtue, associated with military preparedness, civic duty, and philosophical resolve. For Paul to declare his readiness for chains (Acts 21:13) would resonate as a statement of unwavering conviction, akin to a soldier's or philosopher's steadfastness. The parental readiness in 2 Corinthians 12:14 aligns with cultural expectations of a paterfamilias providing for his household. The term carries connotations of reliability and fulfillment of obligation.

προθύμως (prothymōs, G4290) — emphasizes eagerness or forwardness of mind, more about willingness of spirit. ταχέως (tacheōs, G5030) — focuses on swiftness or speed in action, more about quickness than inner preparedness. ἕτοιμος (hetoimos, G2092) — the adjective form meaning 'ready' or 'prepared,' describing a state rather than the manner of an action.

Word Details

Scripture References