ἑτοιμασία (hetoimasia)
hetoimasia
readiness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hetoimasia describes a state of being prepared or ready. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Ephesians 6:15, where Paul urges believers to have their feet shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This single usage highlights its function as a practical stance for spiritual engagement.
The word derives from a root meaning to make ready or establish. While often translated simply as "readiness," some scholars note that in the Septuagint it can also carry the sense of a firm foundation or stable footing. This dual nuance suggests that true readiness is not merely a quick reaction, but a grounded stability derived from a secure base.
Translators typically render hetoimasia as "readiness" to capture the active nature of the preparation involved. The term implies that the believer’s peace is not passive, but an equipped state that allows for steady movement forward. This aligns with the military imagery in Ephesians, where readiness is essential for standing firm against opposition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Paul describes the armor of God in Ephesians 6, he does not just list defensive shields or swords. He begins with something foundational: feet shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This Greek word, hetoimasia, points to a state of being firmly prepared. It suggests that our spiritual stability is not accidental but built on a solid foundation.
This readiness is practical. Just as a soldier needs secure footing to stand against attack, we need a grounded sense of peace to navigate life’s challenges. The gospel provides this stability, allowing us to move forward with confidence rather than fear. It is an active stance, rooted in the truth that God has established a firm base for our faith.
Consider how this applies to your daily walk. When uncertainty arises, remember that your peace is not passive. It equips you to stand firm. This preparation is a gift, offering steady footing in a shifting world. May you find comfort in knowing that your readiness comes from a secure source, anchoring your heart and steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] readiness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἑτοιμασίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 6:15
and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace,
This verse uniquely uses hetoimasia to describe the active, grounded stability believers receive from the gospel, enabling them to stand firm against spiritual opposition.