Divine Order: τάγμα (Strong’s G5001: tagma) Reveals Resurrection’s Strategic Plan

Strong’s G5001: A noun meaning “order, rank, division,” τάγμα originally described military formations. In the New Testament, it uniquely describes God’s orderly plan for resurrection, emphasizing the strategic sequence of the Messiah’s victory over death.

U- Unveiling the Word

τάγμα embodies the concept of divine strategic order, particularly in the context of resurrection. Originally a military term describing ordered ranks or divisions, it carries profound theological significance in its New Testament usage. Paul employs this term to explain how the resurrection unfolds according to God’s precise plan, with the Messiah as the firstfruits followed by His people in their appointed sequence. The early church recognized this term’s power in explaining how God’s sovereignty extends even to the ordering of resurrection events. Today, it continues to assure believers that God’s plan unfolds with perfect precision, particularly regarding our future hope.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τάγμα, tagma, /TAG-mah/
• Phonetic Guide: “tag” as in “tag,” “mah” as in “father”
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)

Etymology:

• From τάσσω (tassō) – verb meaning “to arrange, order”
• -μα (-ma) – suffix forming neuter nouns indicating result of action

D – Defining Meanings

• Order, arrangement
• Rank, division
• Appointed sequence

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derived from τάσσω with result suffix -μα

Translation Options:

• Order – emphasizes sequential arrangement
• Division – highlights organizational structure
• Rank – preserves military metaphor

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τάξις (taxis) /TAK-sis/ – “order, arrangement” – more general term
  See G5010
• διαταγή (diatagē) /dee-a-ta-GAY/ – “ordinance” – focuses on command aspect
  See G1296

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, etc.)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

As a neuter noun, it follows third declension patterns. In English translations, it typically appears as “order” (singular) or “orders” (plural), though the plural form doesn’t appear in the New Testament.

• Cross-references: τάσσω (tassō) – “to arrange, order”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τάγμα’s military origin and its theological application to resurrection order. Thayer’s traces its development from military formations to broader organizational concepts. LSJ documents extensive use in military contexts, providing background for Paul’s metaphorical application. Vine’s notes its unique appearance in discussing resurrection order, highlighting its strategic implications. Strong’s connects it to the broader word family of τάσσω, emphasizing ordered arrangement. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in military documents, showing how it described battle formations and troop arrangements in contemporary literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
1 Corinthians 15:23: “But each in his own [τάγματι] order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τάγμα powerfully illustrates God’s strategic ordering of salvation history, particularly in resurrection. This military metaphor proclaims that the Messiah’s victory over death unfolds with divine precision and purpose. The good news shines through as we see that God’s plan includes not just the fact of resurrection but its perfect timing and sequence. It assures believers that our resurrection hope isn’t chaotic but part of God’s masterful strategy, with the Messiah as the victorious firstfruits leading His people to glory.

D – Did You Know?

1. τάγμα described specific military units of about 5,000 men in Roman armies.
2. Early church fathers used this term to describe church hierarchy and order.
3. The word appears in ancient battle accounts describing successful military formations.

Strong’s G5001: A noun meaning “order, rank, division,” τάγμα originally described military formations. In the New Testament, it uniquely describes God’s orderly plan for resurrection, emphasizing the strategic sequence of the Messiah’s victory over death.

Part of speech: Noun (Neuter)

Tags: resurrection order, divine strategy, military metaphors, end times, firstfruits, Christ’s return, divine plan, eschatology, salvation history, victory​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​