Katartizō (G2675) means to mend, restore, equip, fit out, make complete, put in order. The root artizō means 'to fit, prepare'; with kata- ('fully, thoroughly'), it implies thorough and complete preparation or restoration. Used of mending fishing nets (Matthew 4:21), restoring a fallen believer (Galatians 6:1), and equipping believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Appears approximately 13 times in the NT.
Katartizō is the word behind the great benediction of Hebrews 13:20-21: 'May the God of peace... equip you with everything good that you may do his will.' This is not merely information transfer — it is thorough, practical, divine equipping. The same word appears in Ephesians 4:12 for the work of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers: they exist to equip (katartismon) the saints for the work of ministry.
The pastoral application of katartizō in Galatians 6:1 is striking: 'Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.' Restoration of the fallen is a surgical, careful process — the same word was used for setting a broken bone back in place. The church's calling includes both equipping the healthy and restoring the broken — and the same verb covers both.