ἐξαρτίζω (exartizō)
exartizō
to finish/furnish
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exartizō carries the sense of bringing something to a state of completeness or perfect fitness. Derived from roots meaning "out" and "complete," it suggests not just ending an action, but finishing it in a way that makes it fully adequate for its purpose. In Acts 21:5, this meaning appears when the disciples urge Paul to stay longer, asking him to complete his days with them, highlighting a sense of finality and fullness in time spent together.
In the New Testament, this word is most notably used in 2 Timothy 3:17 to describe Scripture’s role in equipping believers. Here, it means to furnish or supply thoroughly, ensuring that the person of God is fully prepared for every good work. The image is one of a craftsman finishing a tool so it is ready for use, emphasizing that the Bible provides everything necessary for spiritual maturity and service.
This term distinguishes itself by focusing on the result: a state of being complete and equipped. It is not merely about stopping an activity, but about reaching a goal where nothing is lacking. Translators often render it as "furnished" or "equipped," capturing the idea that God’s Word supplies all that is needed for a life of faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exartizō paints a picture of thorough preparation. It is not enough to start well; the goal is to reach a state where nothing is lacking. In 2 Timothy 3:17, we see this applied to Scripture. The text says that God’s Word equips believers completely for every good work. This means the Bible provides all the spiritual tools needed for daily life and service.
There is a comforting finality in this idea. Just as a craftsman finishes a tool so it is ready for use, God ensures His people are fully prepared through His Word. We do not need to search elsewhere for what is missing. The supply is complete. This assurance allows us to face challenges with confidence, knowing we have been furnished with everything necessary.
When we read the Scriptures, we are engaging with a resource that brings us to wholeness. It shapes our character and guides our actions. This completeness is a gift, not something we achieve by our own effort. Rest in the truth that you are already equipped for the path ahead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fully equipped.1×
- [were] completing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξηρτισμένος.¶1×
- ἐξαρτίσαι1×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 3:17
that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This verse uses exartizō to describe how Scripture thoroughly equips believers, ensuring they have all they need for every good work.
-
Acts 21:5
When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
Here the word highlights the completion of a shared time, emphasizing the fullness and finality of the disciples' farewell to Paul.