Understanding διαταγή (diatagē) Strong’s G1296: The Divine Ordinance Delivered Through Angels

Pronunciation Guide: dee-at-ag-AY (with emphasis on final syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1296: The Greek word διαταγή (diatagē) refers to an arrangement, ordinance, or disposition that has been authoritatively set in order. In biblical usage, it specifically denotes a divine command or arrangement that has been established with authority and precision. This term emphasizes both the careful ordering of something and the authoritative nature behind that arrangement.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from the verb διατάσσω (diatassō, G1299) meaning “to arrange thoroughly, appoint, ordain”
• Compound word from διά (dia, “through”) + τάσσω (tassō, “to place in order, arrange”)
• Root τάσσω has military connotations of arranging troops in formation
• Appears primarily in teaching and narrative sections
• Used in contexts discussing the Law of Moses and divine ordinances

διαταγή Morphology:

• διαταγή (nominative singular) – an arrangement, ordinance
• διαταγῆς (genitive singular) – of an arrangement/ordinance
• διαταγῇ (dative singular) – in/with/by an arrangement/ordinance
• διαταγήν (accusative singular) – an arrangement/ordinance (as direct object)

Origin & History

The word διαταγή emerges from classical Greek where τάσσω (tassō) was frequently used in military contexts for arranging soldiers in battle formation. The addition of the preposition διά (dia) intensifies the meaning to convey thoroughness in arrangement or ordering. In classical Greek literature, Thucydides used related terms when describing military arrangements and commands issued with authority.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the related verb διατάσσω appears in contexts where God or those in authority are establishing ordinances or arrangements. For example, in Exodus 18:20, Jethro advises Moses to “teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do,” using a form of διατάσσω to emphasize the divine ordering. The early Church Father Clement of Rome (1 Clement 20) uses διάταξις (a closely related noun) when speaking of God’s orderly arrangement of creation, showing the term’s continued theological significance in early Christian thought.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thoroughly arranged order or command issued with divine authority
• An authoritative disposition or ordinance established by God
• A detailed arrangement, particularly of the Law, delivered through intermediaries
• A precise instruction or command given with full authority

διαταγή Translation Options:

• Ordinance – Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the arrangement, highlighting its status as a command
• Administration – Focuses on how the arrangement was delivered and managed, particularly suitable when discussing angelic mediation
• Appointment – Highlights the purposeful establishment of the arrangement by divine authority
• Direction – Emphasizes the guiding and instructional aspect of the arrangement
• Disposition – Captures the sense of something being arranged or put in order according to a plan

Biblical Usage

The term διαταγή appears only twice in the New Testament, making it relatively rare but theologically significant. Its first appearance is in Acts 7:53, where Stephen, in his defense before the Sanhedrin, declares that the Jewish leaders “received the law by the direction [διαταγή] of angels but have not kept it.” This usage connects the giving of the Torah with angelic mediation, a concept found in Jewish tradition that viewed angels as intermediaries in the Sinai revelation.

The only other occurrence is in Romans 13:2, where Paul states that whoever resists authority resists the ordinance [διαταγή] of God. Here, Paul uses the term to emphasize that human governmental authorities derive their legitimacy from divine appointment and ordering. This connects the concept to broader themes of God’s sovereignty over human affairs and institutions.

Though limited in direct appearances, the related verb διατάσσω appears more frequently, reinforcing the concept of divine ordering:

• “You who received the law by the direction [διαταγή] of angels and have not kept it.” Acts 7:53
• “Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance [διαταγή] of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:2
• “Why then the Law? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained [διαταγείς, verb form] through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.” Galatians 3:19
• “But as God has distributed [διέταξεν, verb form] to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.” 1 Corinthians 7:17
• “And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me… Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders [διέταξα, verb form] to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also.” 1 Corinthians 16:3-4, 1

Cultural Insights

The concept of angels mediating the giving of the Torah, referenced in Stephen’s use of διαταγή in Acts 7:53, reflects an important development in Second Temple Judaism. While the Hebrew Bible doesn’t explicitly mention angelic involvement at Sinai, by the first century CE, this had become a widespread interpretation among Jewish thinkers. The Dead Sea Scrolls, Philo of Alexandria, and Josephus all reference angels present at Sinai. This interpretation arose partly from passages like Deuteronomy 33:2, which in the Septuagint mentions “angels with Him at His right hand.”

This angelic mediation was not seen as diminishing the Law’s authority but rather emphasizing its divine origin and cosmic significance. The Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) celebrated the giving of the Torah, and rabbinic traditions elaborated on the idea that each commandment that proceeded from God’s mouth at Sinai became an angel. Thus, Stephen’s reference to the Law being received through the διαταγή of angels would have resonated with his Jewish audience while serving his rhetorical purpose of highlighting their failure to keep that divinely arranged Law.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of διαταγή lies in how it underscores the divine order and authority behind God’s revelations and arrangements. In Acts 7:53, Stephen’s use of the term highlights both the exalted nature of the Law—worthy of angelic administration—and simultaneously points to its intermediated character. This creates a profound theological tension that Paul develops further in Galatians 3:19-20, where he contrasts the Law (given through angels and a mediator) with the direct promise to Abraham.

The concept of διαταγή also illuminates the relationship between divine sovereignty and human institutions. In Romans 13:2, Paul’s use of the term establishes that human governing authorities, despite their flaws, operate within a divinely ordained framework. This reveals Yahweh’s character as a God of order rather than chaos, who establishes structures for human flourishing even in a fallen world. At the same time, by distinguishing between the direct promise and the mediated law, Scripture points toward the ultimate διαταγή—the new covenant in the Messiah Jesus, which fulfills rather than abolishes the previous divine arrangements, bringing believers into direct relationship with God through the Holy Spirit rather than through angelic or human mediators.

Personal Application

Understanding διαταγή invites us to recognize and respect the divine ordering in our lives. When we acknowledge that certain authorities and structures exist by God’s arrangement—even if imperfectly administered by humans—we can more readily submit to them as unto the Lord. Yet this submission is never blind or absolute, as Stephen’s example demonstrates. When human authorities contradict divine ordinances, we must “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

On a personal level, we can take comfort in knowing that our lives are not governed by chance but by divine διαταγή—God’s intentional ordering. Even in circumstances that seem chaotic, we can trust that Yahweh is working according to His perfect arrangement. The Messiah Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, invites us into a new διαταγή—not one mediated by angels or human institutions, but a direct relationship with the Father through Him. This should inspire both confidence in approaching God and humility in recognizing His sovereign authority over every aspect of our lives.

Related Words

• ἐπιταγή (epitagē) – commandment, authoritative directive (with emphasis on the command being laid upon someone) – Pronounced: ep-ee-tag-AY. This term emphasizes the authoritative nature of a command but focuses more on the imposition of the command rather than its arrangement. See G2003
• διάταγμα (diatagma) – decree, edict, ordinance – Pronounced: dee-at’-ag-mah. A related noun that refers specifically to the decree itself rather than the process of arrangement. See G1297
• διάταξις (diataxis) – arrangement, disposition – Pronounced: dee-at’-ax-is. Focuses more on the arrangement itself rather than the authority behind it. See G1298
• τάγμα (tagma) – order, rank, division – Pronounced: tag’-mah. The military root of διαταγή, referring to a body of soldiers arranged in formation or one’s proper place in an order. See G5001
• νόμος (nomos) – law – Pronounced: nom’-os. The general term for law or custom, which is often the content of the διαταγή in biblical contexts. See G3551

Did you Know?

• The concept of angels mediating the Law reflected in διαταγή became so prominent in Jewish thought that the Talmud later claimed that when Moses ascended to receive the Torah, the angels objected to this treasure being given to humanity. According to this tradition, Moses had to argue with the angels, convincing them that humans needed the Torah’s guidance for their earthly lives, whereas angels, being spiritual beings, did not face the same temptations or challenges.
• The root word τάσσω (tassō) in διαταγή originally referred to arranging soldiers in battle formation, which gives the term a nuance of strategic divine planning. This military metaphor suggests that God’s ordinances are not random rules but strategic arrangements designed to accomplish specific purposes in spiritual warfare and kingdom advancement.
• Modern Greek still uses the term διάταγμα (diatagma), derived from the same root as διαταγή, to refer to presidential decrees and official governmental orders. This modern usage preserves the ancient sense of authoritative arrangement from a legitimate ruling power, demonstrating the enduring importance of the concept.

Remember This

διαταγή reveals that God’s commands are not arbitrary rules but intentionally arranged ordinances, delivered with precision and authority, designed to bring order to chaos and guide His people toward their ultimate purpose in His divine plan.