[Greek] ἐξαρτίζω (exartizō), [Latin] complere: to fit out, to equip, to complete, to furnish, to accomplish, to finish; Acts 21:5, 2Tim.3:17
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to complete, to finish, to equip, to furnish, to supply, and to provide for oneself. Herodotus’ The Histories 9.66 states “He had with him a great army as many as 40,000 men. He knew full well what the outcome would be, and no sooner had the Greeks and Persians met than he led these with a fixed purpose; telling them to follow him all together wherever he should lead them, whatever they thought his intent might be.” Plutarch’s Alexander 7 states “It would appear, moreover, that Alexander not only received from his master his ethical and political doctrines, but also participated in those secret and more profound teachers which philosophers designate by the special terms acroamatic and epoptic.”
Old Testament: This term essentially means to bind or to unite. All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (Gen.14:3). Ephraim is joined to idols (Hos.4:17). Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together (Psa.122:3). Five curtains shall be joined to one another (Exo.26:3). They made attaching shoulder pieces for the ephod; it was attached so that it would be a unit (Exo.36:18). It shall have two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends, that it may be joined (Exo.28:7).
New Testament: This term means to finish (bring to an end) and to equip. In a strictly secular sense, after arriving by ship to Tyre, Paul and the others resumed their journey. Paul denotes what is right or proper in how a Christian should act. In his letter to Timothy, Paul states that all scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teaching, instruction, correction, and training in righteousness. Scriptures are the word of God in human language. These scriptures’ divine authority (along with God) equip Christians in sharing the gospel.
Scripture:
“So that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2Tim. 3:17
God calls and equips (provides for) others the means to serve and share the gospel message.
Etymology: This term is related to the Greek artios and katartizo. Artios, also found in 2Tim.3:17, means perfect or competent. Interestingly, artios is related to the Latin ars, meaning skill and craft. This idea implies unity, harmony, working together, art, skill, and craft. The early Greeks make reference to how a ball and socket joint is fitted together. This imagery describes a skilled artisan fully equipped to undertake a craftsmanship or ministry. Katartizo is a strengthened from of the Greek artizo. Katartizo, used in the sense of restoring, can mean repairing nets, mending bones, outfitting a ship, and training an athlete.
Conclusion:
Complete, art, artisan, artistic, arthritis, completion
First of all, I was curious if this Greek term was in fact related to the word ‘art’. I was correct. This term seems very applicable to all walks of life and situations such as leading, instructing, and teaching.
In the Old Testament, this term is more narrowly defined as binding or uniting. This term makes reference to binding (worshiping or showing allegiance) to idols.
In the New Testament, God and scripture provides for all what we need. The above picture and quote says it best.
To all Christian contestants, make sure you put on your equipment (gear) and ‘drink in your electrolytes of faith’ as you compete in the Christian race (life).