προκαταρτίζω (prokatartizō)
prokatartizō
to arrange
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prokatartizō means to arrange or prepare something in advance. It appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 9:5. In this context, Paul urges the Corinthian believers to have their gift of generosity ready before he arrives with Titus. The word emphasizes careful planning and readiness rather than spontaneous action.
Its structure reveals its meaning clearly. The prefix pro- means "before," and katartizō relates to making something complete or fitting it together. Together, they describe the act of getting things in order prior to a specific event. This distinguishes it from general preparation; it implies a deliberate setup intended for a particular future moment.
Translators typically render this word as "make ready beforehand" or "prepare in advance." The focus remains on the practical aspect of readiness. Paul uses it to encourage the church to organize their resources so that their giving would be a willing and cheerful response, not an afterthought. The term highlights the value of thoughtful foresight in Christian service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prokatartizō appears only once in the New Testament, found in 2 Corinthians 9:5. Paul uses it to describe arranging a generous gift ahead of time. This simple act of planning shows that thoughtful preparation is a valid part of Christian service. It transforms a promise into a tangible reality.
When you plan for generosity, you are not being cold or calculating. Instead, you are creating space for joy. Having resources ready allows your giving to flow freely when the need arises. This kind of foresight honors God by ensuring that your help is timely and effective.
Consider how this applies to your own life. Whether it is time, talent, or treasure, arranging these things in advance can remove stress and open doors for blessing. Let your planning be an act of faith, trusting that God will use your prepared heart to bless others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- may complete beforehand1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προκαταρτίσωσιν1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This is the only occurrence of the word in Scripture, where Paul explicitly commands the church to arrange their gift beforehand to ensure readiness.