[Greek] καταρτίζω (katartizō), [Latin] reficere, [Latin] perficere, [Latin] facere, [Latin] instruere, [Latin] aptare: to mend, to fully equip, to complete, to adjust, to make perfect, to repair, to set in order, to train, to instruct; Mt.4:21, Mt.21:16, Mk.1:19, Lk.6:40, Rom.9:22, 1Cor.1:10, 2Cor.3:11, Gal.6:1, 1Thess.3:10, Heb.10:5, Heb.11:3, Heb.13:21, 1Pet.5:10
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to order, to equip, to prepare, to adjust, to mend, to set to form, to restore, to reconcile, to furnish, to instruct, to prepare, and to make good. Plutarch’s Alexander 7 states “Because he would not entrust the direction and training of his son to the ordinary teachers of poetry and formal studies, Phillp sent for the most famous and learned of philosophers, Aristotle.” Herodotus’ The Histories 9.66 states “He knew full well what the outcome of the battle would be, and now sooner had the Greek and Persians met, then he led these with a fixed purpose, telling them to follow him all together where he should lead them.” Polybius’ Histories 1047.6 states “The possession of this ship of superior build enabled the Romans, by equipping her with whatever was wanted for the service she had to perform, to intercept all who were adventurous enough to try running the blockade.”
Old Testament: This term means to be firm, to prepare, to complete to make, to agree, to hold fast, to uphold, and foundation. He shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn (Jos.6:26). The Lord by wisdom had founded the earth (Pro.3:19). So be ready by morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai (Exo.34:2). Prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here (Num.23:1). Behold, God does all these oftentimes with men (Job 33:29). I have set the Lord continually before me (Psa.16:8). Judgment and justice take hold of you (Job 36:17).
New Testament: This term means to mend, to bring forth, to train, to make, to agree with, to correct, and to strengthen. The disciples continuously mend their nets in order to sustain their livelihood. The people cannot bring forth adequate praise for such an awesome God. A disciple, fully trained and formed, can be like his teacher. God will sometimes endure patiently with those who are destined for destruction. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to agree in what they say and do and to mend their ways. Paul calls upon the Thessalonians to correct (remedy) the deficiencies of their faith. Peter states that the God of grace will strengthen you after you have suffered a little.
Scripture:
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2Cor.13:
Paul was very concerned about the division, sedition, and other problems in Corinth. Paul pleads for them to mend their ways and to live in harmony and peace.
“Furnish you with all that is good, that you may do His will. May He carry out in you what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” Heb.13:21
This is one of the most beautiful blessings in the New Testament. This scripture refers to the notion that God will provide you with the gifts and talents needed to do His will.
“The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory through Christ (Jesus) will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.”
Believers may sometimes be called to share in the suffering of Christ. The suffering will pale in comparison to the glory that we will receive.
Etymology: The Latin adjective artios means complete, fitted, and put together. This term is related to the Latin noun ars (art). The Latin verb artizo means to complete, fitted, and put together. The Latin verb katarizo is a more strengthened form of artizo. This gives the sense of restoring (making someone or something stronger). Nets and bones, when mended (repaired) become stronger. An athlete becomes stronger when he trains. Soldiers and ships become stronger when they are armed.
Conclusion:
Art, armed, perfect, perfect, factory, manufacture, refine, adapt, efficient, instruct, apt
It was very interesting to discover that this term has many meanings. The basic meaning of this term is to prepare or to equip. This can apply to battles, battle plans, and conquests. Instruction can apply to receiving formal education and the philosophies.
There are also many meanings for this term in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, the disciples often needed to mend their nets in order to sustain their livelihood. People’s attempts to deservedly praise God are hopelessly inadequate and amounts to little more than the sounds made by infants. Often God shows infinite patience with those who are destined for evil. God also many times shows patience for each of us in our moral failings. Paul was constantly pleading for his Christian communities to correct and to end their divisiveness. It is also important to note that He will provide for us what we need to do His will. God will also confirm and strengthen us after we have suffered a little. Yet, these struggles will pale in comparison to the blessings we will receive.
Update: Coronavirus pandemic: In the spirit of federalism, the states (and local govt. officials) were given the authority to determine the necessary policies for reopening businesses and other venues. With the best of intentions, they implemented these policies based on their local and regional circumstances. Some states (and cities) have been successful and some states (and cities) have not not been successful in curtailing the spread of this virus.
Therefore, some will now have to mend, change, adapt, revamp, or rethink their policies to open up (or shut down) businesses. This is in part due to some people who did not equip themselves with masks, some who did not follow proper social distancing practices, and some (covidiots) who did not equip themselves with common sense. Protests and political rallies both certainly have complicated this situation! (Let’s be honest—some people have been careless in their actions). This was also caused in part in being not equipped to handle testing and in part being unable to fully understand how this virus spreads. These plans will need to be adjusted, strengthened, changed, and redefined in order to be more effective in this battle against this virus. Like a sports team, we all need to work together in order to defeat this foe.
“God doesn’t call the equipped. God equips the called. And you have been called.” Rick Yancey