### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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