Original Word: ἑτοιμασία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: hetoimasia
Pronunciation: he-toy-mas-ee'-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (het-oy-mas-ee'-ah)
KJV: preparation
NASB: preparation
Word Origin: [from G2090 (ἑτοιμάζω - prepared)]

1. preparation

preparation.

From hetoimazo; preparation -- preparation.

see GREEK hetoimazo

Cognate: 2091 hetoimasía – preparation. See 2092 (hetoimos).

Word Origin
from hetoimazó
Definition
preparation
NASB Translation
preparation (1).

STRONGS NT 2091: ἑτοιμασία

ἑτοιμασία, ἑτοιμασίας, ἡ (ἑτοιμάζω), cf. θαυμάσια, εἰκασία, ἐργασία);

1. the act of preparing: τῆς τροφῆς, Wis. 13:12; τῶν κλιναρίων, Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 2, 57.

2. equivalent to ἑτοιμότης, the condition of a person or thing so far forth as prepared, preparedness, readiness: Hipp., p. 24 (i. 74, Kühn edition); Josephus, Antiquities 10, 1, 2; readiness of mind (German Bereitwilligkeit), τῆς καρδίας, Psalm 9:38 (): ἐν ἑτοιμασία τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, with the promptitude and alacrity which the gospel produces, Ephesians 6:15.

Topical Definition

The noun ἑτοιμασία (Strong’s Greek 2091) speaks of a state of preparedness, readiness, or firm footing. In Ephesians 6:15 it is joined with “the gospel of peace,” portraying the believer’s feet shod with the unwavering preparedness that flows from the good news accomplished by Christ.

Biblical Usage

• Sole New Testament occurrence: Ephesians 6:15.
• Closely related verbal and adjectival forms (hetoimazo, hetoimos) appear throughout Scripture, underscoring themes of being prepared for the Lord’s coming (Matthew 24:44), for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21), and to give a defense of the hope within (1 Peter 3:15).

Context within the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)

1. Offensive and defensive. Footwear in ancient warfare enabled swift movement and secure standing. Likewise, gospel readiness equips believers both to hold their ground against spiritual assault and to advance with the message of reconciliation.
2. Rooted in peace. The gospel itself is the source of this stability: “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). The soldier stands firm because the war between God and the repentant sinner is over.
3. Integral, not optional. Feet without proper shoes left a soldier vulnerable; a Christian without gospel readiness is spiritually impaired.

Old Testament Background

• Isaiah 52:7 anticipates messengers “who proclaim peace, who bring good news,” an image Paul echoes.
• Psalm 89:14 and Psalm 119:105 emphasize righteous foundations and guidance, concepts embodied in ἑτοιμασία.
• The Septuagint occasionally employs cognate terms for the sure establishment of God’s throne (Psalm 93:2), showing divine preparedness as the model for human readiness.

Theological Significance

1. Assurance and Identity. Because the gospel secures peace with God (Romans 5:1), believers can stand unabashed before men and powers (Philippians 1:27-28).
2. Mission and Mobility. Readiness is inseparable from evangelistic impulse (Romans 1:15). The very nature of the gospel drives outward movement.
3. Holiness and Warfare. Spiritual conflict is resisted not by human ingenuity but by firm standing in gospel truths (Colossians 1:23). Personal holiness flows from the same peace proclaimed to others.

Historical Insight

Roman soldiers wore caligae—sandals studded with hobnails—for traction on uneven terrain. Paul, imprisoned and guarded by such soldiers, transforms a familiar military image into a call for spiritual alertness. Just as empiric peace (Pax Romana) allowed Roman troops to traverse the empire, so gospel peace enables Christians to carry the message across cultural and hostile landscapes.

Practical and Ministry Applications

• Evangelism. Regular rehearsal of the gospel narrative fosters confidence and spontaneity in witness.
• Discipleship. Training believers to articulate salvation by grace anchors them against doctrinal drift.
• Pastoral care. Reminding saints of their reconciled status steadies wavering hearts.
• Global missions. The peace secured at the cross transcends ethnic and national barriers, granting the Church a universal footing.

Illustrative Biblical Parallels

• Philip outrunning the chariot to preach Christ (Acts 8:29-35) exemplifies feet swift with gospel readiness.
• Paul in prison writing “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16) displays immovable footing despite chains.
• Jesus’ commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), presupposes prepared messengers.

Christological Dimension

Christ is both the giver and content of the ἑτοιμασία. His finished work establishes the peace in which believers stand (Ephesians 2:13-17). To strap on this readiness is to rest in His victory and represent His reconciling mission.

Pastoral Exhortation

• Cultivate daily meditation on gospel truths.
• Engage in corporate worship and the Lord’s Supper, where peace is proclaimed and reenacted.
• Practice articulating the gospel in varied settings—family, workplace, community—to keep footwear tightened.
• Intercede for missionaries and persecuted believers whose literal footing depends on gospel peace.

Related Themes and References

Readiness: 2 Corinthians 8:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:2

Peace: John 14:27; Colossians 3:15

Standing firm: 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 5:9

Good news proclamation: Isaiah 61:1; Romans 10:15

Summary

ἑτοιμασία in Ephesians 6:15 captures the believer’s sure-footed readiness provided by the gospel of peace. Grounded in Christ’s reconciling work, this preparedness fortifies against spiritual assault and mobilizes the Church for worldwide witness. The single occurrence thus radiates through Scripture and history, calling every generation of Christians to stand firm and move forward, feet fitted with the unfailing good news.

ετοιμασια ετοιμασία ἑτοιμασίᾳ ετοιμασίαν ετοιμασίας etoimasia hetoimasia hetoimasíāiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts