### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word dógma (`{{G1378}}`) is derived from the verb dokéō (`{{G1380}}`), which carries the sense of "to seem," "to think," "to suppose," or "to be of opinion." This etymological root suggests that a dógma is something that has been "thought good," "resolved," or "decided upon" and subsequently declared as authoritative. Its core meaning, as provided by the base definition, encompasses "a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical)," indicating a pronouncement that carries the weight of official authority. The semantic range of dógma thus includes a public decree or edict (civil), a religious ordinance or precept (ceremonial/ecclesiastical), and by extension, an established doctrine or tenet. It consistently implies a fixed, authoritative pronouncement, rather than a mere suggestion or personal opinion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term dógma appears five times in the New Testament, illustrating its varied applications:
* In [[Luke 2:1]], it refers to a "decree" (δόγμα) issued by Caesar Augustus for a census, clearly denoting a civil edict with imperial authority.
* [[Acts 16:4]] uses dógma to describe "the decrees" (δόγματα) that had been decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. These are the authoritative decisions of the Jerusalem Council concerning Gentile converts (Acts 15), representing ecclesiastical or apostolic ordinances guiding the early church.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 17:7]], the accusation against Paul and Silas is that they are "all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar" (τὰ δόγματα τοῦ Καίσαρος), again referencing civil laws or edicts.
* The most theologically significant uses occur in Paul's epistles. In [[Ephesians 2:15]], dógma is used in the phrase "the law of commandments contained in ordinances" (τὸν νόμον τῶν ἐντολῶν ἐν δόγμασιν). Here, Paul refers to the Mosaic Law, particularly its ceremonial aspects and legalistic requirements, which served as a dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. Christ's work on the cross is presented as having "abolished" these ordinances.
* Likewise, in [[Colossians 2:14]], Paul speaks of Christ "having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and consisted of its legal demands" (τὸ χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν). This refers to the "handwriting of ordinances" or legal demands of the Law, which stood as a testament against humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill them. Christ's crucifixion is portrayed as the act that blotted out this record, freeing believers from its condemnation.
In Ephesians and Colossians, dógma is used in a specific, nuanced way to denote the old covenant's legalistic and ceremonial requirements, which, while divinely given, were temporary and have been superseded or fulfilled by Christ's redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **dokéō (`{{G1380}}`):** The root verb from which dógma is derived. It signifies "to seem," "to think," or "to resolve," underscoring that a dógma is something that has been thoughtfully decided upon and authoritatively declared.
* **nomos (`{{G3551}}`):** "Law." While dógma can refer to a specific decree or ordinance, nomos is the broader concept of law itself, encompassing the entire Mosaic Law. In Ephesians 2:15, dógma specifies the "commandments contained in ordinances" *within* the broader nomos.
* **entolē (`{{G1785}}`):** "Commandment." Similar to dógma in being a directive, but dógma often carries the weight of an official, public pronouncement or established doctrine, whereas entolē can be a singular command.
* **Concepts:** Authority, decree, ordinance, precept, doctrine, legal requirement, edict. The word bridges the gap between civil and religious authoritative pronouncements.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of dógma is most profoundly revealed in Paul's epistles.
* **Christ's Fulfillment and Abolition of the Law:** In [[Ephesians 2:15]] and [[Colossians 2:14]], dógma describes the "ordinances" or "decrees" of the Mosaic Law. Paul asserts that Christ, through His death, "abolished" (Ephesians) or "canceled" (Colossians) these legalistic demands. This signifies a profound theological shift from a covenant defined by adherence to specific legal and ceremonial requirements to one of grace and faith in Christ. The "dividing wall" of the Law, which separated Jew and Gentile, is broken down, establishing a new humanity united in Christ. This highlights the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice to fulfill and supersede the Old Covenant's legalistic demands.
* **Divine vs. Human Decrees:** The New Testament distinguishes between human decrees (e.g., Caesar's in Luke and Acts) which hold earthly authority, and divine/apostolic decrees (Acts 16:4). While the "ordinances" of the Law (Ephesians, Colossians) were divinely given, they were temporary and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The apostolic "decrees" in Acts 16, guided by the Holy Spirit, represent authoritative decisions for the early church, reflecting the new covenant's principles rather than the old covenant's legalistic structure.
* **Foundation of Doctrine:** While not explicitly used in the New Testament to mean "Christian doctrine" in the modern sense of a creed or theological system, the use in [[Acts 16:4]] ("the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and elders") foreshadows the concept of established church teachings or foundational principles that guide belief and practice. Over time, in patristic and later Christian theology, dógma evolved to refer to core, authoritative doctrines or tenets of faith.
### Summary
Dógma (`{{G1378}}`) denotes an authoritative decree, ordinance, or established law, stemming from the idea of something "decided upon" or "resolved." Its New Testament occurrences include civil edicts (Luke, Acts), apostolic decisions (Acts), and most significantly, the "ordinances" of the Mosaic Law (Ephesians, Colossians). Theologically, its usage in [[Ephesians 2:15]] and [[Colossians 2:14]] is pivotal, illustrating how Christ's atoning work "abolished" the legalistic and ceremonial requirements of the Old Covenant, thereby dismantling barriers and establishing a new way of salvation by grace. This word encapsulates the profound transition from a system of legalistic decrees to the freedom and unity found in Christ, while also laying conceptual groundwork for authoritative church decisions and doctrines.
TRV