Brief Overview of δογματίζω (G1379: dogmatízō)

• δογματίζω (dogmatízō) [dog-mah-TEE-zoh]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek noun δόγμα (dógma), meaning “a decree or ordinance,” and the verb-forming suffix -ίζω (-izō), indicating the action of enforcing or establishing a decree.
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• To decree: To make or enforce a decree, command, or ordinance.
• To subject to regulations: To impose rules or doctrinal standards upon others.

Further Insights:

• Formation from δόγμα: The verb δογματίζω is directly formed from the noun δόγμα, carrying the idea of turning a belief or principle into an actionable or enforceable rule.
• Usage as a verb: As a verb, δογματίζω emphasizes the process of making something binding or obligatory, turning abstract principles (δόγμα) into practical applications or enforcements.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Defines δογματίζω as “to make something an ordinance,” specifically in contexts where certain practices or beliefs are being enforced as binding rules. It appears in Colossians 2:20 in relation to the imposition of regulations.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes the term as denoting the act of establishing decrees or rules that must be followed, often in a religious or legal context.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Emphasizes that δογματίζω involves imposing decrees or regulations, reflecting its root in δόγμα. This usage is seen in the New Testament where legalistic practices are being criticized.
• Scripture References:
• Colossians 2:20: “If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees (δογματίζω), such as…”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

• Philo of Alexandria: Philo uses δογματίζω in the context of religious laws, where he discusses how specific decrees should be observed by the faithful, reflecting the term’s strong connotation of legal or religious imposition.
• Josephus: In Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus employs δογματίζω to describe the enactment of specific ordinances by rulers or authorities, particularly in relation to Jewish law.
• Polybius: The historian Polybius uses the term in a political sense, describing how leaders would issue binding decrees (δογματίζω) to ensure the governance of their subjects.

Summary of δογματίζω (G1379: dogmatízō)

The Greek verb δογματίζω, transliterated as dogmatízō, is derived from the noun δόγμα, meaning “a decree” or “an ordinance,” with the verb-forming suffix -ίζω. This verb conveys the action of making something a decree, or subjecting others to regulations or doctrinal rules. It is used in contexts where principles or beliefs are enforced as binding rules or practices. The term appears in Colossians 2:20, where it is used to criticize the imposition of worldly regulations upon believers. In classical Greek literature, δογματίζω is found in the writings of Philo, Josephus, and Polybius, where it is used to describe the enactment or enforcement of legal and religious decrees. The verb highlights the process of turning abstract ideas into concrete, enforceable rules, reflecting its close connection to its root word, δόγμα.