### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιδιατάσσομαι `{{G1928}}` is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί `{{G1909}}` (meaning "upon," "in addition to," "over") and the verb διατάσσω `{{G1299}}` (meaning "to arrange through," "to appoint," "to command authoritatively"). The middle voice (-ομαι) indicates an action performed by the subject for its own benefit or with a particular interest, or an action whose result affects the subject.
Therefore, ἐπιδιατάσσομαι carries the precise meaning of "to appoint besides," "to arrange in addition to," or "to supplement (an existing arrangement)." The nuance of ἐπί suggests an addition *upon* something already established and authoritative, rather than a mere general addition. It often implies a legal or formal context, akin to adding a codicil to a will or a rider to a contract. The core semantic range thus emphasizes the concept of an authoritative, supplementary amendment to an existing, binding decree or arrangement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπιδιατάσσομαι `{{G1928}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's Epistle to the Galatians:
* **[[Galatians 3:15]]**: "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto [ἐπιδιατάσσεται]."
In this solitary occurrence, Paul employs a human analogy to illuminate a profound theological truth about God's covenant. He argues that even a human will or covenant, once formally ratified and confirmed, cannot subsequently be annulled or have new clauses "added upon" it by others. The verb ἐπιδιατάσσεται here underscores the finality and inviolability of an established legal agreement.
The context of Galatians 3 is Paul's defense of justification by faith, contrasting the Abrahamic covenant of promise with the Mosaic Law. Paul's point is that the Law, given 430 years after God's covenant with Abraham, does not "add to" or alter the foundational promise of salvation through faith. The Abrahamic covenant, being a divinely confirmed promise, is immutable. The Law served a different, temporary purpose (to highlight sin and lead to Christ) and did not function as a supplementary condition for obtaining the blessings of the promise. The use of ἐπιδιατάσσομαι powerfully conveys that God's original, unconditional promise remains supreme and unaltered by subsequent divine dispensations, let alone human attempts to impose new conditions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐπιδιατάσσομαι `{{G1928}}` is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related terms:
* **διατάσσω `{{G1299}}`**: The base verb means "to arrange through," "to appoint," "to command." It signifies an authoritative ordering or decree. The compound ἐπιδιατάσσομαι thus refers to an addition *to* such an authoritative arrangement.
* **ἐπί `{{G1909}}`**: The preposition ἐπί denotes superimposition, addition, or being "upon" something. It gives ἐπιδιατάσσομαι its specific nuance of adding *to* an existing structure or foundation.
* **ἀθετέω `{{G114}}`**: Meaning "to set aside," "to nullify," or "to reject." This verb appears in parallel with ἐπιδιατάσσομαι in [[Galatians 3:15]], forming an antithetical pair. A confirmed covenant cannot be nullified *or* added to, emphasizing its unchangeable nature.
* **προστίθημι `{{G4369}}`**: A more general verb meaning "to add to" or "to put to." While προστίθημι can refer to any kind of addition, ἐπιδιατάσσομαι specifically implies adding to an existing authoritative decree or legal arrangement.
* **Concepts**: The word is intrinsically linked to concepts such as:
* **Covenant (διαθήκη)**: A binding agreement, especially God's promises to humanity.
* **Promise (ἐπαγγελία)**: God's sworn word, which is immutable.
* **Law (νόμος)**: The Mosaic Law, understood by Paul not as an addition to the promise but as a temporary tutor.
* **Immutability**: The unchanging nature of God's character and decrees.
* **Divine Decree**: The authoritative and unalterable will of God.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπιδιατάσσομαι `{{G1928}}` in [[Galatians 3:15]] carries profound theological weight, particularly within Pauline theology:
1. **Immutability of God's Covenant**: The word powerfully underscores the unchangeable and inviolable nature of God's covenant with Abraham. Just as a human will cannot be altered once confirmed, neither can God's divine promise. This highlights God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word.
2. **Priority of Grace over Law**: Paul uses this word to argue that the Mosaic Law did not "add to" or supersede the Abrahamic covenant of promise. Salvation has always been by grace through faith, not by works of the Law. The Law's function was distinct and did not introduce new conditions for inheriting the promise. This is foundational to the gospel message of justification by faith alone.
3. **Finality of Divine Revelation**: The concept embedded in ἐπιδιατάσσομαι implies that God's foundational redemptive plan, as revealed in the Abrahamic covenant, is complete and not subject to human or even subsequent divine "additions" that would alter its core. While revelation unfolds progressively, the essence of salvation through promise remains constant.
4. **Warning Against Human Supplementation**: By extension, the principle conveyed by this word serves as a warning against any human attempt to "add to" God's established way of salvation or His revealed truth. This includes adding human traditions, rituals, or works as necessary conditions for salvation, thereby nullifying the sufficiency of Christ's work and God's grace. It champions the purity and completeness of the gospel.
### Summary
ἐπιδιατάσσομαι `{{G1928}}` is a rare but highly significant Greek verb, meaning "to appoint besides," "to arrange in addition to," or "to supplement an existing authoritative arrangement." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Galatians 3:15]] is pivotal for understanding Paul's theological argument regarding the relationship between God's unconditional covenant with Abraham and the Mosaic Law. The word emphasizes that a confirmed covenant, whether human or divine, cannot be "added upon" or altered. Theologically, ἐπιδιατάσσομαι underscores the immutability of God's promises, the priority of grace over law, the finality of divine revelation, and serves as a powerful caution against any human attempt to supplement or modify God's foundational plan of salvation. It highlights the unassailable integrity and sufficiency of God's established redemptive work.
TRV