Lexical Summary aparaskeuastos: Unprepared, unready Original Word: ἀπαρασκεύαστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unprepared. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of paraskeuazo; unready -- unprepared. see GREEK a see GREEK paraskeuazo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and paraskeuazó Definition unprepared NASB Translation unprepared (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 532: ἀπαρασκεύαστοςἀπαρασκεύαστος, ἀπαρασκευαστον (παρασκευάζω), unprepared: 2 Corinthians 9:4. (Xenophon, Cyril 2, 4, 15; an. 1, 1, 6 (variant); 2, 3, 21; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 41; Herodian, 3, 9, 19 ((11), Bekker edition); adverb ἀπαρασκευαστως (Aristotle, rhet. Alex. 9, p. 1430{a} 3); Clement, hom. 32, 15.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence The term appears once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 9:4, where Paul warns the Corinthian believers lest they be found “unprepared” for the monetary contribution he has confidently announced on their behalf. Context in Paul’s Collection for Jerusalem Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians devotes two chapters (2 Corinthians 8–9) to the relief offering for the saints in Jerusalem. Macedonia had already demonstrated remarkable generosity despite poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). Paul seeks to spur the wealthier Corinthians to the same zeal so that his earlier boasting about them (2 Corinthians 8:24; 9:2-3) will not prove hollow. The prospect of visiting Macedonians witnessing the Corinthians’ lack of readiness is what occasions the lone New Testament use of this word. It highlights Paul’s pastoral sensitivity: he wishes to spare both parties the embarrassment that would ensue if pledges outpaced practice. Theological Implications of Readiness 1. Integrity of Testimony A church’s external witness hinges on internal faithfulness. An “unprepared” community would compromise Paul’s gospel-driven confidence (2 Corinthians 9:4), illustrating the link between practical stewardship and evangelistic credibility (compare Titus 2:10). Readiness is not merely logistical but spiritual: giving is to be “decided in the heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7), reflecting God’s own cheerful nature. The warning against unpreparedness presses believers to translate intent into action without reluctance or compulsion. Scripture consistently portrays shame as the consequence of failing to align profession and practice (James 2:14-17). Paul anticipates shame for both himself and his readers if readiness is lacking, underscoring that accountability among fellow believers is a protective grace. Historical Background The Jerusalem collection (circa A.D. 55-57) functioned as: Links to Old Testament Principles • Proverbs 3:27-28 urges prompt generosity: “Do not withhold good... when it is within your power to act.” Practical Ministry Application • Pledge Follow-Through: Churches should couple faith-filled vision with realistic planning so public commitments are met. Broader New Testament Emphasis on Readiness Though the specific term is rare, the concept permeates Scripture: Devotional Reflections Unpreparedness in 2 Corinthians 9:4 is not a mere administrative oversight; it represents a heart unaligned with God’s generous intent. Believers today are summoned to cultivate a posture of readiness—financially, relationally, and spiritually—so that the grace at work within them finds immediate expression. Such preparedness shields the church from shame, magnifies the credibility of the gospel, and channels abundant thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). Forms and Transliterations απαρασκευαστους απαρασκευάστους ἀπαρασκευάστους aparaskeuastous aparaskeuástousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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