Brief Overview of δόγμα (G1378: dógma)

• δόγμα (dógma) [DAWG-mah]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb δοκέω (dokéō), meaning “to think” or “to seem,” indicating a thought or opinion that is established as a decree or ordinance.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter).
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Primary Meanings

• Decree or ordinance: A formal ruling or command issued by an authority, particularly in legal or religious contexts.
• Dogma or doctrine: A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true and to be accepted without question.

Further Insights:

• Connection to Thought: The word δόγμα, rooted in the verb δοκέω, suggests an idea or opinion that has been solidified into an authoritative decree, underscoring the mental process of deciding or judging.
• Neuter Noun Usage: As a neuter noun, δόγμα often conveys a sense of an abstract or universal principle, applicable in various contexts, especially in formalized structures like laws or doctrinal statements.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Defines δόγμα as a formal decree or ordinance, often referring to rulings by governing bodies or religious authorities. For instance, it is used in Luke 2:1 to describe the decree issued by Caesar Augustus.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Expands on the meaning of δόγμα, highlighting its use in civil and religious contexts, particularly for decisions made by authorities, such as those mentioned in Acts 16:4.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Emphasizes the authoritative nature of δόγμα, describing it as a term for official decrees or rules, particularly those that are binding upon those under the authority issuing them.
• Scripture References:
• Luke 2:1: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”
• Acts 16:4: “As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem.”
• Ephesians 2:15: “By abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Polybius: In Histories, Polybius uses δόγμα to describe formal decisions made by councils or leaders, emphasizing the official and binding nature of such resolutions.
• Plato: In The Republic, Plato refers to δόγμα as established philosophical or political principles, underlining the concept of accepted and unquestioned truths.
• Philo of Alexandria: In his works, Philo uses δόγμα to discuss Jewish religious laws, often comparing them to Greek philosophical doctrines, demonstrating the term’s adaptability across different intellectual traditions.

Summary of δόγμα (G1378: dógma)

The Greek word δόγμα, transliterated as dógma, is a neuter noun derived from the verb δοκέω, meaning “to think” or “to seem.” It primarily denotes a formal decree or ordinance issued by an authority, often in a legal, governmental, or religious context. Additionally, δόγμα can refer to a dogma or doctrine, representing principles or beliefs that are established and accepted as incontrovertible truths. This word appears in key New Testament passages, such as in Luke 2:1, where it describes a decree from Caesar Augustus, and in Acts 16:4, where it refers to decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. In classical Greek literature, δόγμα was used to signify formal decisions, doctrines, and established truths across various contexts, including philosophical, political, and religious spheres.