Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words is essential for delving deeper into the text’s original meaning and cultural context. The word ἐπιδιατάσσομαι (epidiatássomai), Strong’s G1928, is particularly significant because it deals with the concept of giving further instructions or making additional arrangements, often in a legal or formal context. This term holds relevance for New Testament interpretation, especially when discussing themes related to instructions, commandments, or amendments. It also provides insights into the ancient Greek practices of law, governance, and personal directives.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιδιατάσσομαι (epidiatássomai) [eh-pee-dee-ah-TAS-so-my]
- Etymology Root Words: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”), διά (dia, “through”), and τάσσω (tássō, “to arrange, order”), meaning “to give further instructions” or “to arrange additionally.”
- Part of Speech: Verb. This word is in the middle voice, suggesting that the subject of the verb performs the action with reference to or for themselves.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To make further arrangements or directives.
- To give additional orders or instructions.
- To establish or appoint something more specifically.
Similar Words: Related Greek words include διατάσσω (diatássō) [dee-ah-TAS-so], meaning “to command” or “to appoint,” and προστάσσω (prostássō) [pros-TAS-so], meaning “to order” or “to direct.” While διατάσσω generally refers to the issuing of commands or decrees, ἐπιδιατάσσομαι (epidiatássomai) emphasizes giving supplementary instructions or making additional arrangements, often after an initial command or order.
Further Insights: The verb ἐπιδιατάσσομαι is a compound formed by adding the prefix ἐπί (epi-) and διά (dia-) to τάσσω (tássō), which intensifies the idea of arranging or ordering. The middle voice suggests that the subject is actively involved in the process, often for their own benefit or according to their specific authority. This verb is typically used in contexts where detailed, supplementary instructions are given to ensure clarity or precision in execution.
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐπιδιατάσσομαι as “to give further instructions” or “to arrange additionally,” particularly in legal or administrative contexts where additional directions or orders are necessary to clarify or enforce an initial directive.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιδιατάσσομαι is used to describe the act of making supplementary arrangements or orders, especially when the original instructions need further specification or amendment. It is often found in contexts related to personal directives or legal settings.
- Vines: Highlights that ἐπιδιατάσσομαι suggests “ordering something further” or “giving additional commands,” emphasizing its use in cases where there is a need to provide more detailed instructions beyond what was initially given.
- LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπιδιατάσσομαι is noted to mean “to arrange in addition” or “to provide further directives,” often in contexts of governance, legal arrangements, or personal instructions in wills and testaments.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “to make further arrangement,” commonly implying the action of adding to or expanding upon prior instructions or commands to ensure complete clarity or to address new circumstances.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 24:23: “And he commanded the centurion that Paul be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs. And after this, he gave further orders (ἐπεδιατάξατο) regarding Paul’s situation.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Politics | “The ruler gave additional orders (ἐπεδιατάξατο) to ensure the law was clear.” |
| Demosthenes | Against Midias | “The council was instructed to provide further directives (ἐπεδιατάξατο) on the matter.” |
| Xenophon | Hellenica | “The general issued supplementary commands (ἐπεδιατάξατο) to his captains before battle.” |
| Septuagint | Numbers | “Moses gave further instructions (ἐπεδιατάξατο) to the Israelites concerning the offerings.” |
| Septuagint | Joshua | “Joshua made additional arrangements (ἐπεδιατάξατο) for the division of the land.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Kings | “The king ordered further directives (ἐπεδιατάξατο) to be issued throughout the kingdom.” |
Summary of ἐπιδιατάσσομαι (G1928)
The Greek word ἐπιδιατάσσομαι (epidiatássomai) is a verb that means “to give further instructions,” “to make additional arrangements,” or “to issue supplementary orders.” It is significant in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it often involves making precise or additional directives to clarify, enforce, or amend existing instructions. In the New Testament, it is used in contexts where detailed commands or arrangements are necessary to ensure proper implementation or to address new circumstances. Its usage in classical texts, especially in governance, legal, and military contexts, underscores its broader application in organizing and directing human affairs.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek and Roman legal systems, giving supplementary orders (ἐπιδιατάσσομαι) was a common practice to ensure that initial laws or decrees were fully understood and correctly implemented. This method of issuing additional directives helped maintain order and clarity in governance, especially in complex cases where new details or situations arose after the initial decree was made.
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