### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term nomothesía (νομοθεσία, `{{G3548}}`) is derived from nomothetēs (νομοθέτης, `{{G3550}}`), meaning "lawgiver." Its core semantic range encompasses "legislation," specifically referring to the act or process of instituting laws. The base definition emphasizes its particular application to "the institution of the Mosaic code" or "the giving of the law." This word therefore denotes not merely the content of the law itself (which would be nomos, `{{G3551}}`), but the divine act of its promulgation and establishment. It signifies the authoritative bestowal of a legal system, particularly the covenantal law revealed by God through Moses at Sinai.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term nomothesía appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* [[Romans 9:4]]: "who are Israelites, to whom belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises."
In this profound passage, Paul enumerates the unique and unparalleled privileges divinely bestowed upon the nation of Israel. The "giving of the law" (ἡ νομοθεσία) is listed among other foundational elements of Israel's identity and their special relationship with God. It stands alongside their divine sonship (adoption), the manifested presence of God (the glory, likely referring to the Shekinah), the various divine agreements (the covenants), their divinely instituted service (the worship), and the prophetic assurances of God's faithfulness (the promises). This solitary occurrence in the New Testament underscores the immense and singular significance of the Mosaic Law as a direct divine gift, an epoch-defining event that uniquely shaped Israel's history and relationship with the Almighty. It highlights the Law not as a human construct, but as a divine impartation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* nomothetēs (νομοθέτης, `{{G3550}}`): "lawgiver." This is the root word from which nomothesía is derived, signifying the one who institutes the law. God is presented as the ultimate nomothetēs.
* nomos (νόμος, `{{G3551}}`): "law." While nomothesía is the act of giving the law, nomos refers to the body of legislation itself. The two concepts are inherently linked, as the act of nomothesía results in the nomos.
* didōmi (δίδωμι, `{{G1325}}`): "to give." Although nomothesía is a noun, the verbal concept of "giving" is embedded within its meaning, emphasizing the divine action of bestowing the Law upon humanity.
* diathēkē (διαθήκη, `{{G1242}}`): "covenant." The Mosaic Law was given within the framework of a divine covenant. Nomothesía is thus the establishment of the terms and conditions of that covenant between God and Israel.
* Sinai: The geographical and historical locus where this profound divine nomothesía took place, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history.
### Theological Significance
The term nomothesía carries profound theological weight. It affirms the divine origin and absolute authority of the Mosaic Law, asserting that it was not a product of human wisdom or societal evolution but a direct, holy revelation from God. This act of divine legislation underscores God's sovereign initiative in establishing a moral, ceremonial, and judicial code for His chosen people. It vividly demonstrates His holiness, justice, and His desire for a covenantal relationship with humanity.
For ancient Israel, the nomothesía was an unparalleled privilege, marking them as a distinct nation uniquely set apart by God and entrusted with His revealed will. It served as a visible sign of their covenant relationship and distinguished them from all other nations who did not possess such direct divine guidance. In the broader New Testament theological framework, while nomothesía established a foundational order for Israel, it is understood as preparatory. The Law, given through this act of nomothesía, served to reveal sin, define righteousness, and ultimately point to the need for a savior, as it could not provide salvation itself. Paul's inclusion of nomothesía in the list of Israel's blessings in [[Romans 9:4]] highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His unique, enduring relationship with Israel, even as the apostle expounds on the universal scope of God's redemptive plan realized in Christ. It underscores the divine progression and order within salvation history.
### Summary
The Greek term nomothesía (νομοθεσία, `{{G3548}}`) precisely denotes "the giving of the law" or "legislation," specifically referring to the divine institution of the Mosaic Code. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 9:4]] positions it as a preeminent privilege bestowed upon Israel, alongside their adoption, glory, covenants, worship, and promises. This usage emphasizes the Law's divine origin and authority, highlighting God's sovereign act in revealing His will to His chosen people. Theologically, nomothesía signifies God as the ultimate Lawgiver (`{{G3550}}`), establishing a covenantal framework that both defined Israel's identity and prepared the way for the fulfillment of the Law in Christ. It represents a foundational moment in salvation history, marking God's direct and specific engagement with humanity through a revealed code of conduct and worship.
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