Brief Overview of διάταγμα (G1297: diátagma)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διάταγμα (diátagma) [dee-AH-tahg-mah]
• 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 decree, ordinance, or command that is thoroughly established or mandated.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• A decree or ordinance: Refers to an official order or command issued by an authority, often carrying legal or formal weight.
• A mandate or directive: Can also indicate an authoritative instruction or command that must be followed.
• An established order: Used in contexts where something has been arranged or set in order by a governing authority.

Further Insights

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

Further Insights Explained:

• διάταγμα is a neuter noun that is used in various grammatical cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) depending on its function within a sentence. The term is typically used in the singular form to denote a specific decree, mandate, or command, highlighting its official and authoritative nature.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided here focus on the noun form of διάταγμα, 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):

• διάταγμα is defined as a decree, ordinance, or command, particularly one issued by an authority and intended to be obeyed. The term emphasizes the formal and binding nature of the command.
• Scripture References: Luke 2:1

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διάταγμα as meaning a decree, ordinance, or formal command. The emphasis is on the authoritative aspect of the decree, suggesting that it is not just a suggestion but a binding directive issued by a ruling authority.
• Scripture References: Luke 2:1

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διάταγμα as a decree or ordinance, particularly in relation to commands issued by a governing authority. The term is used to indicate that the command is established, carries authority, and is expected to be followed.
• Scripture References: Luke 2:1

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διάταγμα as a decree, ordinance, or command, particularly in legal or governmental contexts where orders are issued and must be followed. It highlights the organizational or authoritative nature of the directive.
• Scripture References: Luke 2:1

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διάταγμα as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and τάσσω (G5021: tassō), meaning an order, ordinance, or decree. It is used to describe an authoritative directive that is established by a ruling figure or body.
• Scripture References: Luke 2:1

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Laws: Plato uses διάταγμα to discuss legal decrees and the importance of adherence to the laws established by the governing bodies within a state, emphasizing the need for order and justice.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus employs the term to describe royal decrees issued by kings or emperors, highlighting the binding nature of these commands in the context of governance and law.
• Xenophon, Cyropaedia: Xenophon uses διάταγμα in a military context to refer to the orders issued by a commander to his troops, underscoring the importance of discipline and obedience in achieving victory.

Summary

διάταγμα (G1297: diátagma) is a Greek noun that primarily denotes a decree, ordinance, or command. 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 and carry formal or legal weight. In the New Testament, διάταγμα is used in passages such as Luke 2:1 to refer to decrees issued by ruling authorities, such as the famous decree by Caesar Augustus for a census to be taken across the Roman Empire. 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, διάταγμα 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.