from ἐπιτάσσω; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness:--authority, commandment.
Transliteration:epitagḗ
Pronunciation:ep-ee-tag-ay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐπιταγή (epitagē, `{{G2003}}`) is derived from the verb ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō, `{{G2004}}`), which means "to command," "to order," or "to enjoin." Consequently, ἐπιταγή signifies the result of such an action: an injunction, a decree, a mandate, or an authoritative command. The term conveys not merely a suggestion or a request, but a directive issued by someone who possesses the inherent right and power to give orders. The base definition "by implication, authoritativeness" captures this crucial nuance: the word itself communicates the weight and binding nature of the command, stemming from the authority of its source. It is a command that carries the force of law or an unchallengeable directive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπιταγή appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles, and its usage consistently underscores the concept of authoritative command:
* **Divine Command:** In [[Romans 16:26]], the gospel is proclaimed "according to the commandment of the eternal God." Similarly, in [[Titus 1:3]], the preaching of God's word is "according to the commandment of God our Savior." In both instances, ἐπιταγή refers to a direct, authoritative directive from God Himself, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and the binding nature of His will. The gospel is not a human invention but a divine mandate.
* **Apostolic Distinction:** Paul strategically employs ἐπιταγή to distinguish between his personal counsel or concession and a direct, binding command from the Lord.
* In [[1 Corinthians 7:6]], concerning marital relations, Paul states, "I speak this by way of concession, not of commandment."
* Again, in [[1 Corinthians 7:25]], regarding virgins, he writes, "Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment."
* And in [[2 Corinthians 8:8]], when urging the Corinthians to contribute to the collection, he clarifies, "I speak not by way of commandment, but by way of testing the sincerity of your love."
In these contexts, Paul uses ἐπιταγή to affirm that while his advice is Spirit-inspired and valuable, it is distinct from a direct, explicit, and universally binding command from Christ. This highlights the gravity and non-negotiable nature of an actual ἐπιταγή from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐπιταγή is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō, `{{G2004}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to command" or "to order." The noun ἐπιταγή is the concrete expression or result of this act of commanding. The authority inherent in the verb is transferred to the noun.
* **ἐντολή (entolē, `{{G1785}}`):** A more general term for "commandment" or "precept," often used for the Mosaic Law or specific moral injunctions (e.g., the Ten Commandments). While ἐντολή focuses on the content of the command, ἐπιταγή emphasizes the *authoritative source* and the *binding force* of the directive. An ἐπιταγή is always an ἐντολή, but not every ἐντολή is necessarily framed as an ἐπιταγή in terms of its immediate source or promulgation.
* **νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`):** "Law," typically referring to the Mosaic Law or a general principle. ἐπιταγή is a specific, authoritative injunction, whereas νόμος is a broader system of rules or a foundational principle.
* **ἐξουσία (exousia, `{{G1849}}`):** "Authority" or "power." ἐπιταγή is the *exercise* or *manifestation* of ἐξουσία. One issues an ἐπιταγή because one possesses ἐξουσία. The command itself carries the weight of the authority behind it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιταγή is profound, particularly in its application to God's commands:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Authority:** When ἐπιταγή refers to God's command ([[Romans 16:26]], [[Titus 1:3]]), it powerfully underscores His absolute sovereignty and the unchallengeable nature of His will. God's directives are not suggestions or recommendations; they are binding decrees that flow from His omnipotence, wisdom, and righteousness. This term affirms that God's word is inherently authoritative and demands obedience.
* **Nature of Revelation:** The use of ἐπιταγή highlights that divine revelation is not merely informative or advisory, but prescriptive. God reveals Himself and His will not only to enlighten but also to command and guide human behavior and belief.
* **Apostolic Legitimacy:** Paul's deliberate use of ἐπιταγή to differentiate his personal opinion from a divine command ([[1 Corinthians 7:6]], [[1 Corinthians 7:25]], [[2 Corinthians 8:8]]) implicitly validates the authority of his apostolic teaching when it *does* convey an ἐπιταγή from the Lord. It underscores that true apostolic instruction, when Spirit-inspired, carries the full weight of Christ's authority, demanding faithful adherence. This distinction was crucial for the early church in discerning authoritative doctrine.
* **Basis for Obedience:** The term implies that obedience to God's commands is not optional but a necessary response to His inherent authority. It grounds the call to discipleship in the binding will of a sovereign God.
### Summary
ἐπιταγή (epitagē, `{{G2003}}`) denotes an authoritative command, injunction, or decree, emphasizing the inherent power and right of the one issuing it. In the New Testament, its primary theological significance lies in its application to the binding commands of God, highlighting His supreme sovereignty and the non-negotiable nature of His divine will, particularly as revealed in the gospel. Paul's careful use of the term also serves to distinguish direct divine mandates from his personal counsel, thereby underscoring the gravity and binding force of true apostolic teaching that conveys an ἐπιταγή from the Lord. Ultimately, ἐπιταγή points to the authoritative nature of God's revelation and the necessity of obedient submission to His divine directives.
TRV