from a compound of διά and a derivative of ὀρθός, meaning to straighten thoroughly; rectification, i.e. (specially) the Messianic restauration:--reformation.
Transliteration:diórthōsis
Pronunciation:dee-or'-tho-sis
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διόρθωσις (G1357, *diórthōsis*) is a compound noun derived from the preposition διά (`{{G1223}}`, *dia*), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and a derivative of the adjective ὀρθός (`{{G3717}}`, *orthós*), meaning "straight" or "right." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "a thorough straightening" or "making completely right." Its core meaning encompasses rectification, correction, amendment, or restoration to a proper state. The provided definition specifically highlights its application as "the Messianic restauration," indicating a profound and definitive act of setting things right, not merely a superficial adjustment but a fundamental re-establishment of order and truth. This implies a comprehensive and ultimate correction of what was amiss or out of alignment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διόρθωσις (G1357) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 9:10]]**: "which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation."
In this sole occurrence, διόρθωσις is used in the phrase καιρὸς διορθώσεως (*kairòs diorthṓseōs*), "a time of reformation" or "a time of setting things right." The context of [[Hebrews 9:10]] is a discussion of the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws and practices. The author of Hebrews argues that these regulations concerning food, drink, and various washings were external, temporary, and ultimately insufficient to perfect the conscience or provide true access to God. They were "imposed until the time of reformation." This "time of reformation" refers to the advent of the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. It signifies the decisive moment when God's redemptive plan brought about a thorough and definitive rectification of the relationship between God and humanity, superseding the provisional and shadowy nature of the Old Covenant. The use of διόρθωσις here underscores the completeness and finality of this divine intervention, portraying it as a comprehensive straightening out of the spiritual order.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of διόρθωσις (G1357) connects it to several important biblical concepts:
* **ὀρθός (`{{G3717}}`, *orthós*)**: The root word meaning "straight," "right," or "upright." This foundational element emphasizes the idea of alignment with a divine standard of rectitude.
* **διά (`{{G1223}}`, *dia*)**: The prefix indicating "through" or "thoroughly," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the rectification.
* **ἀποκατάστασις (`{{G605}}`, *apokatástasis*)**: Meaning "restoration" or "restitution," as seen in [[Acts 3:21]] ("the times of restitution of all things"). While *apokatástasis* often carries a broader, eschatological sense of universal restoration, διόρθωσις in Hebrews 9:10 specifically points to the decisive, Messianic rectification brought about by Christ's work.
* **τελειόω (`{{G5048}}`, *teleióō*)**: Meaning "to perfect" or "to complete." The Old Covenant rituals could not "perfect" (τελειῶσαι - *teleiōsai*) the worshiper ([[Hebrews 9:9]]), but the New Covenant, introduced at the "time of reformation," brings about true perfection and access to God.
* **Concepts of Righteousness and Justice (Hebrew: צֶדֶק - `{{H6664}}`, *tsedeq*; מִשְׁפָּט - `{{H4941}}`, *mishpat*)**: In the Old Testament, these terms describe God's character and His actions in setting things right in the world. The "time of reformation" in the New Testament is the ultimate manifestation of God's righteousness and justice in human history through Christ.
* **New Covenant (διαθήκη καινή - *diathḗkē kainḗ*)**: The entire argument of Hebrews revolves around the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. διόρθωσις signifies the fundamental change that defines this new era.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διόρθωσις (G1357) is profound, particularly given its singular appearance in [[Hebrews 9:10]]. It encapsulates the radical shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, representing a divine act of ultimate rectification and restoration.
1. **The Culmination of God's Plan**: The "time of reformation" is not a mere tweak or adjustment to the old system but a complete and definitive "straightening out" of the relationship between God and humanity. It signifies the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes, bringing to an end the provisional nature of the Mosaic Law.
2. **Christ-Centered Reformation**: This reformation is explicitly Messianic. It is brought about by the coming of Christ, His perfect sacrifice, and His establishment of the New Covenant. He is the agent of this thorough rectification, making true access to God possible through His blood, unlike the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
3. **Superiority of the New Covenant**: The term underscores the inherent superiority of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, with its external ordinances, was a temporary arrangement, a shadow pointing to a greater reality. The "time of reformation" marks the arrival of that reality, bringing internal, spiritual, and permanent cleansing and perfection.
4. **Holistic Restoration**: The idea of "thorough straightening" implies a restoration that addresses not just external practices but the very core of human worship and spiritual standing before God. It corrects the fundamental dis-alignment caused by sin, establishing a new and living way to the Father.
5. **Eschatological Implication**: While referring to an already inaugurated reality in Christ, the "time of reformation" also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate and complete restoration of all things in God's eternal kingdom.
### Summary
διόρθωσις (G1357, *diórthōsis*) is a potent Greek term meaning "thorough straightening," "rectification," or "comprehensive restoration." Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 9:10]] is pivotal, describing the "time of reformation" (καιρὸς διορθώσεως) that arrived with the inauguration of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. This term signifies not a minor amendment but a fundamental, divine act of setting things completely right, superseding the temporary and insufficient provisions of the Old Covenant. Theologically, διόρθωσις highlights the decisive, Messianic, and superior nature of the New Covenant, emphasizing that Christ's work brought about the ultimate and permanent reconciliation and spiritual alignment between God and humanity, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
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