Brief Overview of διαταγή (G1296: diatagḗ)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαταγή (diatagḗ) [dee-ah-tah-GAY]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, thoroughly and τάσσω (G5021: tassō) meaning to arrange, to appoint, to order. The compound form suggests a thorough or authoritative arrangement, command, or directive.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• An order or command: Refers to a directive or instruction given with authority, often implying that it must be followed or obeyed.
• An arrangement or ordinance: Can indicate the act of setting something in order or establishing an ordinance or decree that is meant to be observed.
• A commandment: Often used in the context of a specific command or law that has been issued and is expected to be adhered to.

Further Insights

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine

Further Insights Explained:

• διαταγή is a feminine noun used in various grammatical cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) depending on its role within a sentence. It is typically used in the singular form to denote a specific order, command, or arrangement, highlighting its authoritative nature.

Disclaimer: The morphological analysis here focuses on the noun form of διαταγή, considering its typical usage in Greek texts. Context and sentence structure may slightly alter its meaning or application.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διαταγή is defined as an authoritative directive or order, often used to refer to a command that must be followed. The term underscores the binding nature of the command and its authoritative source.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:53, Romans 13:2

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαταγή as meaning an order, ordinance, or command. It emphasizes the authoritative aspect of the command, suggesting that it is not just a suggestion but a binding directive.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:53, Romans 13:2

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διαταγή as an order or commandment, particularly one that carries the weight of authority. The term is used to indicate that the command is established and must be observed.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:53, Romans 13:2

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαταγή as an arrangement, command, or ordinance, especially in legal or military contexts where orders are issued and must be followed. It highlights the organizational or authoritative nature of the directive.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:53, Romans 13:2

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαταγή as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and τάσσω (G5021: tassō), meaning an order, arrangement, or command. It is used to describe an authoritative directive that is established and must be adhered to.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:53, Romans 13:2

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαταγή to describe orders given by a king or military commander, emphasizing the binding nature of the directive in the context of war or governance.
• Plato, Laws: Plato employs the term to discuss legal ordinances and commands that are established within a state, highlighting the importance of following these directives for the order and stability of society.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: Xenophon uses διαταγή in a military context to refer to commands given by a general to his troops, stressing the need for discipline and adherence to these orders in order to achieve success.

Summary

διαταγή (G1296: diatagḗ) is a Greek noun that primarily means an order, command, or arrangement. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and τάσσω (to arrange, to appoint), the term is used to describe authoritative directives or commands that are meant to be followed. In the New Testament, διαταγή is used to refer to commands or ordinances that are given by a figure of authority, such as in Acts 7:53 and Romans 13:2, where it emphasizes the binding nature of these commands. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it is used in both legal and military contexts to describe orders that must be obeyed. Overall, διαταγή highlights the concept of authoritative command and order, making it a significant term in understanding both ancient and biblical perspectives on governance, law, and obedience.