ἕτοιμος (hetoimos)
hetoimos
ready
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hetoimos describes something that is prepared or ready for use. It appears frequently in the Gospels and epistles to indicate a state of readiness, whether referring to physical objects or people. In Luke 14:17, a host announces that the feast is "ready," signaling that everything is set for the guests. Similarly, in Matthew 25:10, the wise virgins are described as ready when the bridegroom arrives, highlighting their preparedness for his coming.
When applied to people, hetoimos suggests a willingness or capacity to act. In 2 Corinthians 9:5, Paul encourages believers to have their gift "ready" beforehand, so it is not collected in haste. The word carries the sense of being fit or suitable for a purpose, derived from a root implying fitness. This nuance distinguishes it from mere availability; it implies an active state of preparation for a specific event or task.
Translators often render hetoimos as "ready," but the underlying concept involves being equipped or suited for what lies ahead. In 1 Peter 1:5, believers are kept by God’s power for salvation, described with a related form meaning prepared. This usage underscores that readiness is not self-generated but maintained through divine action. The word thus bridges the gap between potential and actualization, emphasizing that preparation is essential for meeting future demands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hetoimos describes a state of being fully prepared for a specific purpose. It goes beyond simple availability to suggest that something is fit, equipped, and suitable for what lies ahead. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this term to describe both physical preparations, like a dinner set for guests, and spiritual readiness for His return. This distinction reminds us that faith involves active preparation rather than passive waiting.
For your daily life, this concept offers a gentle invitation to live with intention. Whether you are preparing to share your hope with others or serving in practical ways, the call is to be equipped and willing. It is not about striving for perfection on your own, but about allowing God’s power to keep you fit for His purposes. This readiness brings peace, knowing that you are aligned with what He has planned.
When challenges arise, remember that this readiness is maintained by divine action. You do not have to generate this fitness from scratch. Instead, you can rest in the assurance that God guards those who trust in Him. This perspective shifts the focus from anxiety about the future to faithful presence in the present moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ready11×
- ready;2×
- ready.1×
- ready,1×
- readiness1×
- [and] ready;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἕτοιμός2×
- ἕτοιμοι2×
- ἑτοίμην2×
- Ἕτοιμοι1×
- ἕτοιμά1×
- ἕτοιμοί1×
- ἕτοιμος.1×
- ἕτοιμον·1×
- ἕτοιμοι·1×
- ἕτοιμοι,1×
- ἕτοιμα·1×
- ἕτοιμα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:10
While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.
This verse contrasts preparedness with neglect, showing that the door to the feast closes for those who were not ready when the bridegroom arrived.
-
I Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear,
Here the word defines the believer's posture toward others, requiring a calm and humble readiness to explain the hope within them.
-
Luke 14:17
He sent out his servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now.’
The host declares everything is ready, emphasizing that God’s invitation is extended only when the preparation is complete and suitable for guests.
-
II Corinthians 9:5
I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
Paul urges the church to have their gift ready beforehand so that generosity flows naturally rather than out of haste or pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hetoimos mean in the Bible?
How is hetoimos different from simply being available?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Does this word imply self-effort?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle…
Matthew 22:8“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.
Matthew 24:44Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come.
Matthew 25:10While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and…