καταρτίζω (katartizō)
katartizō
to complete
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katartizō carries the core idea of making something complete or fit for its intended purpose. Its roots suggest a process of joining or mending, which is why it frequently appears in contexts of repair. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it literally when describing fishermen mending their nets (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19), evoking an image of restoring broken tools to full functionality.
Beyond physical repairs, the word extends into ethical and spiritual preparation. It describes equipping a person for a specific role or character state. Paul uses it in this sense when urging believers to be restored to wholeness (Galatians 6:1) or to be fully equipped for every good work (Hebrews 13:21). The emphasis is not merely on fixing damage, but on bringing someone into a state of readiness and maturity.
This dual usage highlights its theological weight: God’s work in believers involves both repair and preparation. Whether restoring what was broken or equipping for future service, the term points to a deliberate act of completion. Translators often render it as "restore," "perfect," or "equip" depending on whether the context emphasizes healing damage or preparing for action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word katartizō carries the quiet weight of restoration. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to describe fishermen mending their nets, turning broken tools back into instruments of provision. This image reminds us that God often works through practical, hands-on repair. When life feels fragmented or when our own efforts seem insufficient, this word points to a divine process of making things whole again.
Beyond physical repair, the term speaks to spiritual preparation. Paul uses it to describe believers being equipped for good works and restored in gentleness when they stumble. It is not about harsh correction but about bringing someone into a state of readiness and maturity. God’s grace does not leave us in our brokenness; He completes us, aligning our hearts with His will so we can serve with purpose.
This dual meaning offers comfort to those who feel incomplete. Whether you are facing personal failure or waiting for future service, God is actively at work. He restores what is damaged and prepares what is needed. Trust in this ongoing process of completion, knowing that His grace is sufficient to make you fit for the good works He has prepared for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- would he equip1×
- will perfect1×
- to supply1×
- to have been formed1×
- mending1×
- knit together1×
- fully trained1×
- fitted1×
- do restore1×
- do be perfected,1×
- adjusting1×
- You have prepared for yourself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατηρτίσω2×
- καταρτίσαι2×
- καταρτίζοντας2×
- κατηρτίσθαι1×
- κατηρτισμένος1×
- κατηρτισμένοι1×
- κατηρτισμένα1×
- καταρτίσει1×
- καταρτίζετε1×
- καταρτίζεσθε,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:21
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
This verse provides the literal background of the word, showing Jesus using it to describe fishermen repairing their nets, which grounds the spiritual metaphor in everyday labor.
-
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.
Here Paul applies the term to community life, urging believers to restore a fellow Christian caught in sin with gentleness, highlighting its use for moral and spiritual repair.
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Hebrews 13:21
make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
This passage connects the word directly to divine action, asking God to make believers complete in every good work, emphasizing preparation for service rather than just fixing damage.
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I Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Peter uses this term to describe God’s work after suffering, linking restoration and completeness with the hope of eternal glory, showing its eschatological significance.