καθοπλίζω (kathoplizō)
kathoplizō
to arm fully
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kathoplizō means to arm someone fully or completely. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Luke 11:21. In this passage, Jesus uses it to describe a strong man who has armed himself and guarded his house, setting the stage for a discussion about spiritual conflict.
The word combines a prefix suggesting completeness with a root meaning "arms" or "weapons." This gives it a sense of total preparation, not just partial readiness. The sources note its use in the Septuagint, particularly in Jeremiah 46:9, where it translates Hebrew terms for seizing weapons, reinforcing the idea of active, martial preparation.
Its single New Testament occurrence highlights the seriousness of spiritual warfare. By choosing this specific term, Luke emphasizes that the strong man is not merely present but fully equipped and defensive. This contrasts with casual or passive states, pointing to a deliberate and total commitment to holding ground.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathoplizō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Luke 11:21. It describes a strong man who is fully armed and guarding his house. This image paints a picture of total preparation and serious intent. The term suggests that this person is not just present but completely equipped for conflict.
Jesus uses this scene to explain spiritual realities. He shows us that the forces opposing God are active and deliberate. They do not wait passively; they take steps to protect what they hold. Recognizing this helps us understand the seriousness of our own spiritual walk.
For your faith, this word reminds us that we cannot treat spiritual matters lightly. The enemy prepares for battle, so we must be aware of the reality around us. This awareness leads us to rely on Christ, who is greater than any strong man. It invites us to stand firm in truth, knowing that our strength comes from Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having armed himself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθωπλισμένος1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 11:21
“When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe.
The term kathoplizō emphasizes the completeness of the strong man's preparation, showing he is not merely present but fully equipped to defend his territory.