Equip

Greek Word Pronunciation: ka-tar-TID-zo
Strong’s Number: 2675
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 2936
Key Verse: “Now the God of peace ... equip you in every good thing …” -- Hebrews 13:20-21

Katartizo is a compound word, composed of kata (“down”) and artos (“a joint”), and has a variety meanings: to repair, restore to a former good condition, to prepare, to fit out, to equip. It is used of reconciling factions, putting a dislocated limb into place, mending nets, manning a fleet, supplying an army with provisions. The basic idea is “adjustment; the putting of all the parts into right relation and connection.”

In Hebrews 11:3, “the worlds [literally, “ages” of time] were prepared by the word of God,” it speaks of the created universe and the periods of time. In Matthew 4:21, regarding the mending of nets, the idea is that they be restored to their former condition, thus preparing them for the next day’s fishing, equipping them for future service. In Luke 6:40, Jesus says that a pupil that “has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.” Jesus’ focus in discipleship is on equipping followers with character. The person who has been equipped to follow Jesus is the person who has become like Him. Paul used the verb in a metaphorical sense of “setting a person right, of bringing him into line” in regard to maturity as a Christian. Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, instead of dividing into quarreling cliques, Christians should be “perfectly united in the same mind and purpose.” In 2 Corinthians 13:9 and 11, Paul prays that the brethren may be “made complete.” In Galatians 6:1, “restore such a one,” the word refers to mending the lives of Christians, thus equipping them for usefulness in God’s service. Sin caused the broken relationship, which now needs repairing, thus restoring communion with Jesus. The present tense suggests necessity for patience and perseverance in the process. In 1 Peter 5:10, “God will Himself perfect you,” it speaks of rounding out the spiritual life of the saint so that he is equipped for both the living of a Christian life and the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In HEBREWS 13:20-21, “God ... equip you in every good thing to do His will,” the prayer is for the complete mutual adjustment of all the members of the flock into a perfected whole, fitted to do the perfect will of God.