Brief Overview of διόρθωσις (G1357: diórthōsis)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διόρθωσις (dee-OR-tho-sis)
• Etymology: The term διόρθωσις is derived from the Greek verb “διορθόω” (diorthóō), which is a combination of “διά” (diá), meaning “through” or “across,” and “ὀρθός” (orthós), meaning “straight” or “correct.” Thus, διόρθωσις literally means “a making straight” or “a correction.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Correction or Improvement: The primary meaning of διόρθωσις is related to the concept of correction, improvement, or reformation. It involves the process of making something right or bringing something into proper order.
• Rectification: The term can also imply the act of setting something right, especially in a moral or legal context.
• Restoration: In a broader sense, διόρθωσις can refer to the restoration or renovation of something to its intended or proper state.

Further Insights

• Morphology and Structure: διόρθωσις is a noun derived from the verb διόρθω, which emphasizes the act of correcting or setting things straight. The suffix “-σις” typically indicates a process or action, reinforcing the idea of ongoing correction or reformation.
• Usage in Context: The word is often used in contexts where there is a need for correction, whether in a moral, spiritual, or practical sense. It can be applied to both individuals and systems that require improvement or restoration.
• Cultural Implications: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of διόρθωσις would have been associated with the importance of maintaining order and righteousness, whether in personal conduct or in the governance of society.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines διόρθωσις as “a setting right, correction, or improvement,” emphasizing its usage in contexts that involve moral or systemic correction.
• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 9:10 – The term is used in reference to the time of reformation, pointing to the correction or improvement of religious practices under the new covenant.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s notes that διόρθωσις refers to “a reformation” or “a setting right of what is wrong,” often in a spiritual or moral context.
• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 9:10 – Used to describe the correction or rectification of practices under the old covenant as fulfilled in the new covenant.

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ provides a broader definition, including “correction, amendment, or improvement,” applicable to both individual behavior and broader societal reforms.
• Classical Reference: Used in classical texts to describe the correction of laws, customs, or practices that have gone astray.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s emphasizes the word’s connection to moral and spiritual correction, often used in the context of religious reformation.
• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 9:10 – Emphasizes the corrective nature of the term in relation to religious practices and their fulfillment.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διόρθωσις as “reformation” or “a rectification,” underscoring its use in contexts of significant change or improvement.
• Scripture Reference: Hebrews 9:10 – Associated with the idea of reformation or correction in religious observances.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Aristotle’s Politics: Aristotle uses the concept of διόρθωσις when discussing the correction of governmental structures, emphasizing the importance of restoring proper order within a state.
• Plato’s Republic: Plato refers to the need for διόρθωσις in the context of moral and educational reform, particularly in the development of an ideal society.
• Xenophon’s Memorabilia: Xenophon mentions διόρθωσις in relation to personal moral improvement, underscoring the process of rectifying one’s character or actions.

Summary

διόρθωσις (G1357: diórthōsis) is a Greek noun that fundamentally represents the concept of correction, improvement, or reformation. Derived from the verb διόρθω, meaning “to correct” or “to set straight,” the word encapsulates the process of making something right, whether in a moral, spiritual, or practical sense. The term is notably used in Hebrews 9:10 to describe the reformation brought about under the new covenant, indicating a significant shift from old practices to new, divinely ordained ones.

In classical Greek literature, διόρθωσις is employed to describe the correction of laws, customs, and individual behaviors, reflecting the cultural emphasis on maintaining order and righteousness. Whether applied to personal moral improvement or the rectification of societal systems, διόρθωσις underscores the importance of aligning with a standard of correctness, making it a vital term in understanding both ancient Greek philosophy and New Testament theology.