παρασκευάζω (paraskeuazō)
paraskeuazō
to prepare
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb paraskeuazō means to make ready or prepare something for use. In the New Testament, it appears in four verses, primarily in Acts and the Pauline letters. The core sense involves getting things in order so that a specific event or action can proceed smoothly.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on voice. In the active form, as seen in Acts 10:10, it describes preparing a meal. In the middle voice, found in 1 Corinthians 14:8, it refers to making personal preparations, such as tuning an instrument before playing. The passive voice, used in 2 Corinthians 9:2-3, indicates that something has already been made ready by another.
The word combines a prefix meaning "beside" with a root for "equipment" or "preparation." This etymology highlights the idea of arranging tools or resources at hand. Translators typically render it simply as "prepare," capturing its practical, functional nature in biblical contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paraskeuazō simply means to get ready for something specific. It is a practical term used when arranging tools or setting a table so that an event can happen without delay. In Acts, it describes the simple act of preparing a meal, showing that even daily routines are part of God's world.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses it to describe tuning a musical instrument before playing. If the sound is unclear, no one knows how to prepare for battle. This reminds us that our spiritual lives need clarity and focus so we can respond faithfully when called.
Paul also notes in 2 Corinthians that the believers had already been prepared by his earlier visit. Their readiness was not just their own effort but a response to grace. We are invited to trust that God equips us for every good work, turning our ordinary moments into opportunities for faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will prepare himself1×
- when were preparing1×
- having prepared yourselves1×
- has prepared itself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρεσκεύασται1×
- παρεσκευασμένοι1×
- παρασκευάσεται1×
- παρασκευαζόντων1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 10:10
He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.
This verse shows the word used in its most basic sense of preparing food, grounding spiritual experiences in everyday human needs.
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I Corinthians 14:8
For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?
Paul uses a military metaphor here, linking the word to the necessity of clear communication for effective action.
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II Corinthians 9:2
for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
The passive form indicates that the Corinthians' readiness was already established by Paul's prior encouragement, highlighting community influence.