from δόγμα; to prescribe by statute, i.e. (reflexively) to submit to, ceremonially rule:--be subject to ordinances.
Transliteration:dogmatízō
Pronunciation:dog-mat-id'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb δογματίζω (dogmatízō, `{{G1379}}`) is derived from the noun δόγμα (dogma, `{{G1378}}`), meaning "an opinion, decree, ordinance, or doctrine." As a verb, δογματίζω carries the core sense of "to prescribe by statute" or "to issue a decree." However, in its New Testament usage, it predominantly appears in the passive or reflexive voice, signifying "to be subjected to ordinances" or "to submit oneself to regulations." This implies an active or passive compliance with established rules, often those that are external, human-made, and ceremonial in nature. The semantic range thus encompasses both the act of legislating and, more commonly in the biblical context, the act of being bound by or observing such legislated rules.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb δογματίζω (dogmatízō, `{{G1379}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Colossians 2:20]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding its theological weight.
In [[Colossians 2:20]], Paul writes: "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still living in the world, do you submit to regulations?" (εἰ ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου, τί ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε;).
Here, "δογματίζεσθε" is in the present passive indicative, posing a rhetorical question that challenges the Colossian believers. The context of Colossians 2 is Paul's strong admonition against various forms of legalism, asceticism, and syncretistic practices that were threatening the purity of the gospel in Colossae. These practices included adherence to dietary laws, festivals, new moons, Sabbaths, and a false humility involving angel worship (cf. [[Colossians 2:16-18]]).
Paul's argument is that believers have "died with Christ" (ἀπεθάνετε σὺν Χριστῷ) to the "elemental spirits of the world" (στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου, `{{G4747}}`). This death signifies a decisive break from the old way of life, including any system of human-made rules or cosmic powers that seek to enslave. To "submit to regulations" (δογματίζεσθε) is presented as a contradiction to this new reality in Christ. The regulations in question are further exemplified in [[Colossians 2:21]] as "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch," which are "based on merely human commands and teachings" ([[Colossians 2:22]]). Thus, δογματίζω here refers to the act of allowing oneself to be governed by external, human-imposed religious rules, which Paul deems utterly ineffective for true spiritual life and growth, and indeed, a denial of the sufficiency of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δόγμα (dogma, `{{G1378}}`):** The noun from which δογματίζω is derived. It refers to a decree, ordinance, or doctrine. In the New Testament, it can refer to governmental decrees (e.g., [[Luke 2:1]]), the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:15]]), or apostolic decrees (e.g., [[Acts 16:4]]). The negative connotation of δογματίζω in Colossians stems from its application to human-made rules that detract from Christ, rather than divine or apostolic ordinances.
* **στοιχεῖα (stoicheia, `{{G4747}}`):** "Elemental spirits" or "elementary principles." In Colossians, these are intimately linked with the regulations that believers are warned against submitting to. They represent the basic, often worldly, principles or powers that can hold people in bondage.
* **νομίζω (nomizō, `{{G3543}}`):** To consider, suppose, or observe a custom/law. While broader, this word touches on the general concept of adherence to rules or established practices.
* **Legalism:** The theological concept that salvation or righteousness is achieved through adherence to a system of laws or rules. The use of δογματίζω in Colossians directly critiques this mindset, emphasizing the freedom found in Christ.
* **Asceticism:** Practices of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. The "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" regulations in Colossians 2 are examples of ascetic practices that Paul rejects when they become a basis for righteousness or spiritual superiority.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of δογματίζω (dogmatízō, `{{G1379}}`) in [[Colossians 2:20]] carries profound theological significance, primarily highlighting the nature of Christian liberty and the sufficiency of Christ.
1. **Freedom in Christ vs. Bondage to Rules:** The core theological implication is the stark contrast between the liberating power of union with Christ and the enslaving nature of human-made religious regulations. Paul argues that believers have died to the "elemental spirits of the world" and, by extension, to the system of rules associated with them. To "submit to regulations" (δογματίζεσθε) is to deny this death and revert to a state of bondage, undermining the freedom purchased by Christ.
2. **Sufficiency of Christ's Work:** The very act of submitting to external ordinances implies that Christ's work on the cross is somehow incomplete or insufficient for salvation and sanctification. Paul's high Christology in Colossians asserts Christ's absolute supremacy and sufficiency in all things (e.g., [[Colossians 1:15-20]]). True spiritual life and maturity are found in being "complete in Christ" ([[Colossians 2:10]]), not in adhering to a list of humanly devised "do's and don'ts."
3. **Distinction Between Divine and Human Decrees:** While God's commands and apostolic decrees (δόγματα, `{{G1378}}`) are authoritative and beneficial (e.g., [[Acts 16:4]]), δογματίζω in Colossians refers specifically to those human traditions and rules that become a burden and distract from the true source of spiritual life. It underscores the critical theological discernment required to distinguish between genuine divine revelation and human inventions that masquerade as piety.
4. **The New Covenant Reality:** The word reinforces the radical shift from the Old Covenant's emphasis on external law to the New Covenant's emphasis on an internal transformation by the Spirit through faith in Christ. To "submit to regulations" is to cling to an old paradigm that has been superseded by Christ's death and resurrection.
### Summary
The Greek verb δογματίζω (dogmatízō, `{{G1379}}`) signifies "to be subjected to ordinances" or "to submit to regulations." Its singular New Testament appearance in [[Colossians 2:20]] is pivotal. In this context, Paul uses the term to challenge believers who, having "died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world," were nevertheless allowing themselves to be bound by human-made, ceremonial, or ascetic rules. The word thus highlights the profound theological tension between the freedom and completeness found in Christ and the temptation to revert to legalism or external observances. Theologically, δογματίζω underscores the sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work, the reality of the believer's death to the old self, and the essence of Christian liberty, which is rooted in union with Christ rather than adherence to human doctrines or burdensome regulations. It serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual life flows from Christ alone, not from outward conformity to rules.
TRV