διάταγμα
diátagma
G1297 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A formal directive or decree, typically with authoritative or legal force; an ordinance, edict, or specific command issued by a person or body with the power to order or arrange matters. Primary sense is an authoritative arrangement or command, especially as enacted in law or established by custom. Semantic range includes authoritative ordinance, decree, command, formal regulation, or instruction.
Semantic Range
ordinance, decree, formal arrangement, authoritative command, edict, regulation
Root / Etymology
From διατάσσω (to arrange, to order, to appoint); suffix -μα indicates result or means of an action, so diátagma denotes the result of ordering or arranging, i.e., an ordinance or directive.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διάταγμα is a later and more formal term, found primarily in Hellenistic and Koine Greek sources, including the Septuagint and New Testament, where it refers to formal rulings or decrees. Unlike the more general ἐντολή (commandment, instruction), διάταγμα carries the implication of an authoritative or enacted decree, often issued by a ruler or governing authority. In the Septuagint, it is used for royal edicts, governing decisions, or formal prescriptions. The term is relatively rare and does not have the broad usage of ἐντολή or νόμος. English translations often render it as 'ordinance,' 'decree,' or 'edict,' but these may not capture its technical nature as an enactment resulting from authoritative ordering. There is no significant divergence in meaning across Septuagintal and New Testament usage, but the context often defines the issuing authority and scope of the arrangement. Instances of διάταγμα are infrequent compared to related terms, which reflect its use for especially formal or legal arrangements rather than ordinary commands.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διατάσσω; an arrangement, i.e. (authoritative) edict:--commandment.
Root Family
διατάγ- (diatagḗ) — to order, to arrange, to assign, to appoint
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1296 | διαταγή | formal directives |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1297-01 |
διάταγμα | diatagma | N ACC N SG |
commandment | an authoritative decree | authoritative decree | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1297-01 |
Hebrews 11:23 | διάταγμα | diatagma | N ACC N SG |
commandment | an authoritative decree | authoritative decree |