from διά and τάσσω; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc.:--appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain.
Transliteration:diatássō
Pronunciation:dee-at-as'-so
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1299}}` διατάσσω (diatássō) is a compound formed from διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and τάσσω (tassō), meaning "to arrange," "to put in order," or "to assign a place." Therefore, the core meaning of διατάσσω is "to arrange thoroughly," "to set in order definitively," or "to command with authority and precision."
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **To appoint or institute:** To establish something with a clear purpose and structure.
* **To command or order:** To give a specific, authoritative directive.
* **To prescribe or direct:** To lay down rules or instructions for action.
* **To ordain:** To establish by divine or authoritative decree.
The prefix διά intensifies the action of τάσσω, indicating a complete, decisive, or distributed arrangement, often implying a deliberate and well-considered disposition rather than a casual suggestion. It carries the weight of authority and the expectation of compliance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1299}}` διατάσσω appears approximately 16 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, and several times in Paul's epistles. Its usage consistently reflects its core meaning of authoritative ordering or commanding.
* In the Gospels, it often describes Jesus' authoritative commands. For instance, in [[Luke 8:55]], after raising Jairus's daughter, Jesus "commanded" (διετάξατο) that she be given something to eat, a practical yet authoritative instruction. Similarly, [[Luke 17:10]] speaks of servants doing "all that you were commanded" (τὰ διαταχθέντα ὑμῖν), referring to their duties as prescribed by their master.
* In the book of Acts, `{{G1299}}` διατάσσω frequently denotes official decrees or divine instructions. [[Acts 7:44]] mentions the "tabernacle of witness, just as He who spoke to Moses commanded" (διετέτακτο), referring to God's precise instructions for its construction. [[Acts 18:2]] records Claudius's imperial "command" (διατεταχέναι) for all Jews to depart from Rome, highlighting its use for governmental edicts. Paul also uses it to describe his own travel arrangements ([[Acts 20:13]]) and, more significantly, the orders given to soldiers ([[Acts 23:31]]) or the directives from a Roman official ([[Acts 24:23]]).
* Paul's epistles provide crucial theological insights into the term. In [[Romans 13:2]], Paul speaks of resisting "the ordinance of God" (τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ διαταγῇ), emphasizing that civil authority is established by divine arrangement. This underscores God's sovereign ordering of human society.
* In [[1 Corinthians 7:17]], Paul states, "as the Lord has assigned to each, as God has called each, so let him walk," using διεμέρισεν (assigned) and διέταξεν (ordered/appointed). Here, it refers to God's specific arrangement for each believer's life and calling.
* Crucially, [[1 Corinthians 9:14]] declares, "the Lord commanded (διέταξεν) that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel," referring to a divine institution for the support of ministry.
* Paul also uses `{{G1299}}` διατάσσω to describe his apostolic directives for church practice. In [[1 Corinthians 11:34]], regarding the Lord's Supper, he states, "the rest I will set in order (διατάξομαι) when I come." Likewise, concerning the collection for the saints, he says, "as I directed (διέταξα) the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do" ([[1 Corinthians 16:1]]). This highlights the apostles' authority in establishing order and practice within the early church.
* [[Galatians 3:19]] describes the Law as "ordained (διαταγείς) by angels through an intermediary," emphasizing its divine origin and structured establishment.
* Finally, in [[Titus 1:5]], Paul instructs Titus to "set in order the things that are wanting, and appoint elders in every city as I directed (διεταξάμην) you," illustrating the apostolic mandate for church organization and leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G1299}}` διατάσσω is closely related to its root verb `{{G5021}}` τάσσω (tassō), which means "to arrange" or "to appoint." The prefix διά (dia) intensifies or specifies the nature of the arrangement, often implying a thoroughness, distribution, or definitive establishment.
Other related terms include:
* `{{G2753}}` κελεύω (keleuō): To command, order (a more general term for giving orders).
* `{{G1781}}` ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai): To command, charge (often with a sense of obligation or instruction).
* `{{G4367}}` προστάσσω (prostassō): To command, order (often used for specific instructions or assignments).
* `{{G3550}}` νομοθετέω (nomotheteō): To legislate, make laws (implies establishing a legal order).
The concepts associated with `{{G1299}}` διατάσσω include authority, order, divine will, legislation, governance, instruction, appointment, and the establishment of structured systems, whether by God, Christ, apostles, or human rulers. It speaks to the imposition of a deliberate, non-arbitrary arrangement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1299}}` διατάσσω is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** The frequent use of διατάσσω in relation to God's actions ([[Acts 7:44]], [[Romans 13:2]], [[1 Corinthians 7:17]], [[1 Corinthians 9:14]], [[Galatians 3:19]]) underscores His absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate ordainer of all things. God does not merely suggest but authoritatively arranges, institutes, and commands. This applies to the moral law, the structure of society, the callings of individuals, and the provisions for His people. His commands are not arbitrary but reflect His wise and purposeful will for creation and redemption.
2. **Christ's Authority:** Jesus' use of διατάσσω ([[Luke 8:55]]) demonstrates His inherent divine authority to command and institute. His words carry the weight of divine decree, demanding obedience and shaping reality.
3. **Apostolic Authority and Church Order:** Paul's repeated use of διατάσσω to describe his directives to the churches ([[1 Corinthians 11:34]], [[1 Corinthians 16:1]], [[Titus 1:5]]) highlights the foundational role of apostolic teaching and practice in establishing the order and structure of the early church. The apostles, as divinely appointed agents, were given authority to "set in order" the affairs of the nascent Christian communities, ensuring adherence to the gospel and sound practice. This demonstrates that the church is not a chaotic assembly but a divinely ordered body.
4. **The Nature of Obedience:** The presence of διατάσσω in contexts of obedience ([[Luke 17:10]], [[Acts 23:31]], [[Romans 13:2]]) emphasizes the importance of submission to established authority, whether divine or human. To resist what is διατεταγμένος (ordained or commanded) is to resist the source of that order, which, in the case of divine ordinances, is God Himself.
### Summary
`{{G1299}}` διατάσσω is a powerful Greek verb that signifies the authoritative and thorough arrangement, institution, or command of something. It conveys the idea of setting in order definitively, whether by divine decree, Christ's command, apostolic instruction, or human governmental authority. The term consistently points to a deliberate, structured, and binding disposition. Theologically, it illuminates God's sovereign ordering of creation, society, and the church, Christ's inherent authority, and the foundational role of apostolic directives in establishing Christian practice. It underscores the importance of order, structure, and obedience to divinely or legitimately instituted authority within the biblical narrative.
TRV