from διατάσσω; arrangement, i.e. institution:--instrumentality.
Transliteration:diatagḗ
Pronunciation:dee-at-ag-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun diatagḗ (διαταγή, `{{G1296}}`) is derived from the verb diatássō (διατάσσω, `{{G1299}}`), which means "to arrange thoroughly," "to appoint," "to command," or "to ordain." Consequently, diatagḗ fundamentally denotes an "arrangement," "ordinance," "disposition," or "institution." It conveys the sense of something that has been authoritatively ordered or prescribed, implying a deliberate and purposeful disposition rather than a random or accidental ordering. The nuance of "instrumentality" in its base definition points to the means or manner by which something is established, often suggesting a divine or authoritative decree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term diatagḗ appears only two times in the New Testament, each instance carrying profound theological weight:
* **[[Acts 7:53]]**: In Stephen's powerful sermon before the Sanhedrin, he indicts his listeners, stating, "you who received the law by the diatagḗ of angels and did not keep it." Here, diatagḗ refers to the authoritative manner in which the Mosaic Law was given at Mount Sinai. It emphasizes that the Law was not a human invention but a divine arrangement, an ordinance mediated through angelic instrumentality. Stephen highlights the solemnity and divine origin of the Law, underscoring the gravity of Israel's failure to obey it.
* **[[Romans 13:2]]**: Paul writes concerning civil authority, "Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the diatagḗ of God, and those who resist will incur judgment." In this context, diatagḗ refers to the divine institution or ordering of governing authorities. Paul asserts that civil government is not merely a human construct but a divinely established arrangement for the maintenance of order and justice in society. Resistance to legitimate authority is, therefore, presented as resistance to God's own ordained structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **diatássō (διατάσσω, `{{G1299}}`)**: The verbal root of diatagḗ, meaning "to arrange thoroughly," "to appoint," "to command," or "to ordain." This verb is frequently used in the New Testament to describe divine commands or authoritative human directives (e.g., [[Matthew 11:1]], [[Luke 8:55]], [[1 Corinthians 7:17]]). Its close semantic link to diatagḗ underscores the authoritative and intentional nature of the noun. The concept is also present in [[Galatians 3:19]], where the Law is described as having been "ordained" (διαταγείς, from diatássō) through angels.
* **nomos (νόμος, `{{G3551}}`)**: "Law." diatagḗ is directly linked to the Law in [[Acts 7:53]], emphasizing the Law's character as a divinely ordered institution.
* **exousia (ἐξουσία, `{{G1849}}`)**: "Authority" or "power." In [[Romans 13:2]], diatagḗ is used in parallel with exousia, indicating that established authorities derive their legitimacy from God's divine arrangement.
* **Divine Providence/Order**: The overarching theological concept that God sovereignly arranges and orders all things, including the giving of His Law and the establishment of human governmental structures.
### Theological Significance
The term diatagḗ carries profound theological significance by consistently highlighting the divine authorship and intentionality behind pivotal institutions.
* **Divine Origin of the Law**: In [[Acts 7:53]], diatagḗ elevates the Mosaic Law beyond mere human legislation, presenting it as a direct divine ordinance, mediated by angels. This underscores the Law's sacred, authoritative, and binding nature, revealing it as a foundational expression of God's will for His people.
* **Divine Institution of Government**: In [[Romans 13:2]], diatagḗ asserts that civil authority is a God-ordained structure. This means that governing bodies, even with their human imperfections, operate under a divine mandate for the maintenance of order, justice, and the common good. Resistance to such legitimate authority is thus framed not merely as political defiance but as theological rebellion against God's established order. This provides a crucial theological basis for Christian submission to and respect for governing authorities, rooted in the recognition of God's sovereign hand in their establishment.
* **God's Order and Authority**: Across its limited but impactful uses, diatagḗ consistently points to a divinely established order and the inherent authority within that order. It speaks to a cosmos where God is not only the Creator but also the ultimate Arranger and Ordainer of both spiritual covenantal realities and temporal societal structures. This concept provides a framework for understanding God's active involvement in human history and His purposeful governance over all things.
### Summary
The Greek word diatagḗ (διαταγή, `{{G1296}}`), derived from diatássō (`{{G1299}}`), signifies an "arrangement," "ordinance," or "institution" that carries the weight of divine authority and intentionality. Its two significant occurrences in the New Testament illuminate two crucial theological truths: the divinely ordained nature of the Mosaic Law, which was received "by the diatagḗ of angels" ([[Acts 7:53]]), and the divine institution of governing authorities, which are described as the "diatagḗ of God" ([[Romans 13:2]]). In both contexts, diatagḗ underscores that these entities are not arbitrary human constructs but purposeful, authoritative arrangements established by God. The term thus emphasizes God's sovereign hand in establishing order, both in His covenant with Israel and in the structures of human society, demanding reverence and obedience to His established will.
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