"to prepare, make ready, 2 Cor. 9:2, 3; mid. to prepare one’s self, put one’s self in readiness, Acts 10:10; 1 Cor. 14:8*"
Definition and meaning
to prepare, make ready, 2 Cor. 9:2, 3; mid. to prepare one’s self, put one’s self in readiness, Acts 10:10; 1 Cor. 14:8*
In the original Greek the word is written: παρασκευάζω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of paraskeuazo (G3903) across the King James Bible.
And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3903 (paraskeuazo) is a Greek word that means: to prepare, make ready, 2 Cor. 9:2, 3; mid. to prepare one’s self, put one’s self in readiness, Acts 10:10; 1 Cor. 14:8* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word paraskeuazo (G3903) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3903 is paraskeuazo, a Greek word defined as: to prepare, make ready, 2 Cor. 9:2, 3; mid. to prepare one’s self, put one’s self in readiness, Acts 10:10; 1 Cor. 14:8*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
paraskeuazo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.