Divine Appointments: τακτός (Strong’s G5002: taktos) Reveals Sovereign Timing

Strong’s G5002: An adjective meaning “appointed, arranged, fixed,” τακτός describes divinely ordered times and events. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts to highlight how even seemingly routine appointments serve God’s sovereign purposes.

U- Unveiling the Word

τακτός embodies the concept of divine appointment and ordered arrangement in both sacred and secular contexts. As a verbal adjective from τάσσω (to arrange), it carries the weight of authority and purposeful planning. In its New Testament context, it appears during a pivotal moment in Acts, demonstrating how even political appointments serve God’s greater purposes. The early church recognized this term’s significance in understanding how God works through established orders and appointed times. Today, it continues to remind believers that all times and arrangements ultimately serve divine purposes, even when human authorities appear to be in control.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τακτός, taktos, /tak-TOSS/
• Phonetic Guide: “tak” as in “tack,” “toss” as in “moss”
• Part of Speech: Adjective (Verbal)

Etymology:

• From τάσσω (tassō) – verb meaning “to arrange, order”
• -τός (-tos) – verbal adjective suffix indicating completed state

D – Defining Meanings

• Appointed
• Arranged
• Fixed, determined

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but formed from τάσσω with verbal adjective suffix -τός

Translation Options:

• Appointed – emphasizes authority’s role
• Set – highlights fixed nature
• Arranged – captures orderly aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τεταγμένος (tetagmenos) /te-tag-MEN-os/ – perfect participle form meaning “having been appointed”
  See G5021
• τάξις (taxis) /TAK-sis/ – “order, arrangement”
  See G5010

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Variable
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: First/Second

As an adjective, it agrees with its noun in case, number, and gender. The English equivalent would remain “appointed” regardless of the noun it modifies.

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

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τακτός’s role in describing officially appointed times and arrangements, noting its use in both secular and sacred contexts. Thayer’s traces its development from the verb τάσσω, highlighting its connection to authority and order. LSJ documents extensive use in administrative and legal contexts, providing background for its New Testament application. Vine’s notes its single appearance in Acts, connecting it to divine sovereignty over human affairs. Strong’s emphasizes its verbal adjective nature, indicating completed arrangement. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in official documents, demonstrating its role in formal appointments and schedules.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 12:21: “On an [τακτός] appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τακτός powerfully demonstrates how God’s sovereignty works through established orders and appointed times. In Acts, this term appears in a context where human authority meets divine judgment, showing that even politically appointed times serve God’s purposes. The good news shines through as we see that the Messiah remains Lord over all appointments and arrangements, working His will even through secular schedules. This reminds us that no human authority operates outside His control, and all appointments ultimately serve His kingdom purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. τακτός was commonly used in ancient legal documents for court appointments.
2. The term appears in military contexts for scheduled battles and maneuvers.
3. Early church writers used this word when discussing appointed times for worship and church gatherings.

Strong’s G5002: An adjective meaning “appointed, arranged, fixed,” τακτός describes divinely ordered times and events. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts to highlight how even seemingly routine appointments serve God’s sovereign purposes.

Part of speech: Adjective (Verbal)

Tags: divine appointments, sovereignty, arranged times, fixed schedule, God’s timing, authority, order, divine purpose, scheduled events, providence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​