The Greek word dogmatízō, represented by G1379, means to prescribe by statute or, reflexively, to submit to a ceremonial rule. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular usage carries a specific weight, referring to the act of allowing oneself to be governed by external ordinances or regulations.
The sole appearance of G1379 is in Colossians 2:20, where it is used to challenge believers. The verse poses a rhetorical question: "if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?". This question frames the submission to such rules as inconsistent with a believer's new identity. Having been made "dead with Christ" G599 G5547, one is freed from the foundational principles or "rudiments" G4747 that govern life "in the world" G2889.
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of being subject to ordinances:
- G599 apothnḗskō (to die off (literally or figuratively)): This describes the believer's definitive separation from their old life. Being "dead" with Christ is the basis for no longer being subject to worldly rules Colossians 2:20.
- G4747 stoicheîon (element, principle, rudiment): These are the basic, elementary principles of the world from which a believer has been freed. They are described elsewhere as "weak and beggarly elements" that lead to bondage Galatians 4:9.
- G2889 kósmos (world): This refers to the worldly system and its values. To live as though still "in the world" is to operate by its principles, which stands in contrast to living in Christ John 16:33.
- G2198 záō (to live (literally or figuratively)): The verse contrasts truly "living" in Christ with behaving "as though living" in the world Colossians 2:20, linking the latter to being subject to ordinances.
The theological weight of G1379 is centered on the nature of Christian freedom.
- Union with Christ: The act of being "subject to ordinances" is presented as incompatible with the reality of being dead, risen, and living with Christ G5547. This union fundamentally changes a believer's relationship to external rules Colossians 2:20.
- Freedom from Worldly Systems: Submission to ordinances is characteristic of life under the "rudiments of the world" G4747. Believers are called to live according to a higher reality, not the elementary principles tied to "the tradition of men" Colossians 2:8.
- A New Way of Living: The questioning tone in Colossians 2:20 implies that subjecting oneself to ordinances is a regression to a former way of life, one that is incongruent for those who are now "living" G2198 because Christ lives in them Galatians 2:20.
In summary, G1379 is a specific and powerful term used to critique a return to rule-based, ceremonial living. Although it appears only once, its context in Colossians highlights a core theological truth: the believer's union with Christ means freedom from the elementary spiritual principles that govern the world. It serves as a call to live out the implications of being "dead with Christ" rather than submitting to the old ordinances of a worldly life.
TRV