κατασκευάζω
kataskeuázō
G2680 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To prepare, to make ready, especially with an emphasis on external preparation or equipping; to construct or build something, often referring to physical structures or arrangements. In broader contexts, may also mean to establish, furnish, or arrange (for use).
Semantic Range
to prepare thoroughly, to equip, to construct, to build (physical structures), to furnish, to arrange, to make ready, to establish
Root / Etymology
From the preposition κατα- (intensive prefix 'down, thoroughly') and a verb derived from σκεῦος ('implement, vessel, equipment'), thus 'to thoroughly equip or make ready' or 'to construct/arrange with equipment.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κατασκευάζω primarily refers to equipping, furnishing, or preparing items, such as ships or houses. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, its usage broadens to include the construction or building of physical structures (temples, roads, altars), as well as more figurative senses such as preparing situations or arrangements. In the Septuagint, it often renders Hebrew verbs meaning 'to establish, prepare, or make ready'—sometimes overlapping with terms for 'to build.' In the New Testament, κατασκευάζω occurs in contexts of preparing the way (e.g., for a person/event), making or readying (a place or thing), and constructing (Hebrews 3:3-4 for a 'house' as a structure). While English translations may render as 'prepare,' 'make ready,' 'build,' or 'ordain,' the Greek term typically carries the nuance of thorough outward preparation or construction, sometimes as distinct from ἑτοιμάζω, which may emphasize inward readiness. The semantic boundary between these terms is not always strictly maintained in Koine usage.
Translation Consistency
“Prepare” is the most natural, flexible English verb that covers the primary uses of κατασκευάζω — to make ready, equip, arrange, or set up. It easily renders construction/assembly senses (prepare a structure or furnish something) while remaining idiomatic across contexts. More specific alternatives like “build” or “construct” are narrower, so “prepare” gives the consistent, typical meaning required for uniform rendering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and a derivative of σκεῦος; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas ἑτοιμάζω refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create:--build, make, ordain, prepare.
Root Family
σκευ- / κατασκευ- (kataskeuázō) — to prepare, to equip, to build
Word Forms
7 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2680-02 |
κατασκευάσει | kataskeuasei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will prepare | he will thoroughly prepare | he will thoroughly prepare | 3 |
G2680-01 |
κατασκευάσας | kataskeuasas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having built | having thoroughly prepared | having constructed | 2 |
G2680-06 |
κατεσκευασμένον | kateskeuasmenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
a people | having been fully prepared | having been fully prepared | 2 |
G2680-03 |
κατασκευάζεται | kataskeuazetai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is built | is being prepared | is being constructed | 1 |
G2680-04 |
κατασκευαζομένης | kataskeuazomenes | V PRS PASS PTCP GEN F SG |
being prepared | of being thoroughly prepared | of being thoroughly prepared | 1 |
G2680-05 |
κατεσκεύασεν | kateskeuasen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
prepared | he/she/it thoroughly prepared | he thoroughly prepared | 1 |
G2680-07 |
κατεσκευάσθη | kateskeuasthe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
was prepared | was thoroughly prepared | was prepared | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
11 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2680-02 |
Matthew 11:10 | κατασκευάσει | kataskeuasei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will prepare | he will thoroughly prepare | he will thoroughly prepare |
G2680-02 |
Mark 1:2 | κατασκευάσει | kataskeuasei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will prepare | he will thoroughly prepare | he will thoroughly prepare |
G2680-06 |
Luke 1:17 | κατεσκευασμένον | kateskeuasmenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
a people | having been fully prepared | having been fully prepared |
G2680-02 |
Luke 7:27 | κατασκευάσει | kataskeuasei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will prepare | he will thoroughly prepare | he will thoroughly prepare |
G2680-01 |
Hebrews 3:3 | κατασκευάσας | kataskeuasas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
built | having thoroughly prepared | having prepared |
G2680-03 |
Hebrews 3:4 | κατασκευάζεται | kataskeuazetai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is built | is being prepared | is being constructed |
G2680-01 |
Hebrews 3:4 | κατασκευάσας | kataskeuasas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having built | having thoroughly prepared | having constructed |
G2680-07 |
Hebrews 9:2 | κατεσκευάσθη | kateskeuasthe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
was prepared | was thoroughly prepared | was prepared |
G2680-06 |
Hebrews 9:6 | κατεσκευασμένων | kateskeuasmenon | V PRF PASS PTCP GEN N PL |
were prepared | having been fully prepared | having been fully prepared |
G2680-05 |
Hebrews 11:7 | κατεσκεύασεν | kateskeuasen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
prepared | he/she/it thoroughly prepared | he thoroughly prepared |
G2680-04 |
1 Peter 3:20 | κατασκευαζομένης | kataskeuazomenes | V PRS PASS PTCP GEN F SG |
being prepared | of being thoroughly prepared | of being thoroughly prepared |