Brief Overview of διατάσσω (G1299: diatássō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διατάσσω (diatássō) [dee-ah-TAS-soh]
• 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 thorough arrangement or authoritative command.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To arrange or order: Refers to the act of putting things in a specific order, often with a sense of organization or structure.
• To appoint or command: Implies giving a directive or making a decision with authority, often expecting compliance.
• To instruct or prescribe: Used in contexts where specific instructions or guidelines are given that must be followed.

Further Insights

• Person: Third person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διατάσσω in this form is in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form. It can be translated as “he/she/it arranges” or “he/she/it commands.” The present tense indicates ongoing or habitual action, the active voice shows that the subject is performing the action, and the indicative mood reflects that it is a statement of fact.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διατάσσω in its present, active, indicative form. The word’s usage and meaning may vary depending on context and sentence structure.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διατάσσω is defined as to arrange, prescribe, or command, often with an emphasis on the authority of the one giving the order. The term suggests a deliberate and structured action that is meant to be followed.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:44, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 3:19

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διατάσσω as meaning to arrange or ordain, particularly in contexts where an authoritative command is given. The term emphasizes the orderly and structured nature of the directive.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:44, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 3:19

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διατάσσω as to appoint or prescribe, particularly in relation to commands or instructions given with authority. The term is often used to highlight the authoritative nature of the command and the expectation of compliance.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:44, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 3:19

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διατάσσω as to arrange, order, or prescribe, particularly in legal or military contexts where orders are issued and must be followed. The term highlights the importance of structure and order in the execution of commands.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:44, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 3:19

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διατάσσω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and τάσσω (G5021: tassō), meaning to arrange, appoint, or command. It is used to describe the act of giving authoritative instructions or organizing things in a specific order.
• Scripture References: Acts 7:44, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 3:19

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διατάσσω to describe the careful arrangement and organization of military forces before a battle, emphasizing the importance of order and structure in achieving victory.
• Plato, Republic: Plato employs the term to discuss the organization of the ideal state, where the philosopher-kings issue commands and organize society in a structured and orderly manner.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: Xenophon uses διατάσσω in a military context to refer to the orders given by a commander to his troops, underscoring the need for discipline and adherence to these directives for the success of the mission.

Summary

διατάσσω (G1299: diatássō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to arrange, order, or command. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and τάσσω (to arrange, to appoint), the term conveys a sense of deliberate and authoritative organization. In the New Testament, διατάσσω is used in contexts where commands or instructions are given with authority, such as in Acts 7:44, 1 Corinthians 9:14, and Galatians 3:19. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe both the organization of military forces and the structured governance of society. Overall, διατάσσω highlights the importance of order, structure, and authority in both ancient and biblical contexts, making it a key term for understanding how commands and arrangements were made and followed in these cultures.