middle voice from διά and τίθημι; to put apart, i.e. (figuratively) dispose (by assignment, compact, or bequest):--appoint, make, testator.
Transliteration:diatíthemai
Pronunciation:dee-at-ith'-em-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai, `{{G1303}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "apart," and the verb τίθημι (tithēmi, `{{G5087}}`), meaning "to place" or "to set." Crucially, it appears in the middle voice, which indicates that the action is performed by the subject for their own benefit or concerning themselves.
The literal sense is "to place apart for oneself" or "to arrange for oneself." However, its primary use in biblical and extra-biblical Greek is specialized and figurative, carrying a strong legal or contractual connotation. Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **To make a binding arrangement or compact:** This is the most prevalent usage, especially when referring to the establishment of a covenant. It implies a unilateral disposition or decree, rather than a negotiation between equals.
2. **To appoint or dispose:** To set forth terms or conditions.
3. **To make a will or testament:** In this specific legal sense, it refers to the act of a "testator" disposing of their property by a will that takes effect upon their death. This meaning is particularly significant in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai, `{{G1303}}`) occurs five times in the New Testament, primarily in contexts related to covenants.
1. **Covenantal Establishment (Acts 3:25; 7:8; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16):**
* In [[Acts 3:25]], Peter declares to the Jewish audience, "You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'" Here, διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai) clearly refers to God's sovereign act of establishing the Abrahamic covenant.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 7:8]], Stephen recounts, "And he gave him the covenant of circumcision." The verb again highlights God's initiative in instituting this covenant with Abraham.
* The usage in [[Hebrews 8:10]] and [[Hebrews 10:16]] is particularly significant, as it quotes from Jeremiah 31:31-34 (LXX). In both instances, it describes the Lord's declaration concerning the New Covenant: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord." The middle voice here underscores that God establishes this covenant definitively for His own purposes and for the benefit of His people, emphasizing His unilateral action and the binding nature of His promise.
2. **Testamentary Disposition (Hebrews 9:16-17):**
* This passage presents a unique and crucial shift in the meaning of διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai), leveraging the double meaning of the related noun διαθήκη (diathēkē, `{{G1242}}`) as both "covenant" and "will/testament."
* [[Hebrews 9:16]] states, "For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established." And [[Hebrews 9:17]] continues, "For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive."
* In this context, διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai) refers to the act of a "testator" making a "will." The author of Hebrews masterfully employs this legal analogy to explain the necessity of Christ's death. Just as a human will is activated and becomes legally binding only upon the death of the one who made it, so the New Covenant (διαθήκη, `{{G1242}}`) required the death of Christ, its divine Testator, to become effective and grant its promised inheritance. This highlights the definitive and sacrificial nature of Christ's work in establishing the New Covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the noun διαθήκη (diathēkē, `{{G1242}}`), which means "covenant" or "testament." διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai) is the verb *to make* or *establish* such a covenant or will. The relationship is fundamental to understanding God's dealings with humanity.
Other related concepts include:
* **συνθήκη (synthēkē):** While also meaning "agreement," συνθήκη typically denotes a mutual compact between equals, implying negotiation. In contrast, διαθήκη (and by extension διατίθεμαι) often signifies a unilateral disposition or decree, particularly when God is the subject, emphasizing His sovereign will.
* **Divine Promise:** Covenants made by God are inherently promises, guaranteed by His character and power.
* **Inheritance:** The concept of an inheritance is closely tied to a will (διαθήκη), and thus to the effectiveness of the New Covenant through Christ's death.
* **Sacrifice:** The establishment of covenants, especially the New Covenant, is intrinsically linked to sacrifice, as seen in the necessity of Christ's death to activate the "will."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai, `{{G1303}}`) is profound, particularly in its dual application to God's covenants and Christ's testament.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative:** When God makes a covenant (διατίθεμαι), it underscores His absolute authority and initiative. These are not agreements negotiated with humanity but are divine decrees, unilaterally established by God. This highlights the gracious and sovereign nature of God's redemptive plan.
2. **The Binding Nature of God's Promises:** The legal and contractual connotation of διατίθεμαι emphasizes the unbreakable and reliable nature of God's covenants. They are not mere suggestions but binding dispositions that God Himself guarantees. This provides assurance and stability for those who are party to His covenants.
3. **The Efficacy of the New Covenant through Christ's Death:** The usage in Hebrews 9 is a theological cornerstone. By presenting Christ as the "Testator" who made the New Covenant as a "will," the author demonstrates the absolute necessity of His death. Just as a human will becomes effective only upon the death of the testator, so the New Covenant, with all its benefits and promises (forgiveness of sins, new heart, intimate knowledge of God), is fully activated and made available to believers only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This underscores the definitive and unrepeatable nature of Christ's work on the cross.
4. **Continuity and Fulfillment:** The word helps to bridge the Old and New Covenants, showing God's consistent method of relating to humanity through binding agreements. Yet, it also highlights the unique and superior nature of the New Covenant, established not by animal sacrifices but by the precious blood of Christ, the divine Testator.
### Summary
διατίθεμαι (diatíthemai, `{{G1303}}`) is a significant Greek verb that primarily denotes the act of "making a binding arrangement" or "establishing a covenant." In the New Testament, it consistently refers to God's sovereign initiative in making covenants with humanity, emphasizing their unilateral and unbreakable nature. Crucially, in Hebrews 9, the word takes on the specific legal sense of "making a will" or "testament." This masterful rhetorical device illuminates the profound truth that the New Covenant, with all its promised blessings, became effective and fully operational only through the death of Jesus Christ, who is both the divine Covenant-Maker and the Testator whose sacrifice activated His "will" for humanity. Thus, διατίθεμαι speaks to the reliability of God's promises and the definitive, sacrificial foundation of the New Covenant.
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