### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **horothesía**, represented by `{{G3734}}`, refers to **a limit-placing, i.e. (concretely) boundary-line**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, indicating its highly specific application in scripture. Its meaning is derived from a compound of words related to setting a boundary or limit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3734}}` is in [[Acts 17:26]], where it describes God's sovereign ordaining of human history and geography. The verse states that God has **made** `{{G4160}}` all **nations** `{{G1484}}` of **men** `{{G444}}` from **one** `{{G1520}}` **blood** `{{G129}}` to **dwell** `{{G2730}}` on the earth, having **determined** `{{G3724}}` their appointed **times** `{{G2540}}` and the **bounds** of their habitation. This places the concept of national and personal boundaries directly under the authority and design of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify its meaning:
* `{{G3724}}` **horízō** (to mark out or bound): This verb, from which **horothesía** is partly derived, means to **appoint, decree, specify**. It is used in the same verse to state God has **determined** the appointed times [[Acts 17:26]], and elsewhere to say that Jesus was **ordained** by God to be the Judge [[Acts 10:42]].
* `{{G4384}}` **protássō** (to pre-arrange): This word, meaning to **prescribe**, is used in conjunction with **horízō** in [[Acts 17:26]], emphasizing that the times were **before appointed**, highlighting the premeditated and sovereign nature of God's plan.
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (earth, land): This word for **earth** or **land** provides the physical context for the boundaries. God establishes the bounds for habitation upon all the face of the **earth** [[Acts 17:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3734}}` is centered on God's meticulous governance of the world.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The use of `{{G3734}}` in [[Acts 17:26]] underscores the absolute sovereignty of God. He is depicted as the one who not only creates all **nations** `{{G1484}}` from **one** `{{G1520}}` blood but also actively **determines** `{{G3724}}` their appointed times and sets their specific boundary-lines.
* **Unified Origin:** The setting of these **bounds** is contextualized by the declaration that God **made** `{{G4160}}` all nations from a single source. This establishes that divinely-appointed boundaries exist within the framework of a unified humanity created to **dwell** `{{G2730}}` on the **earth** `{{G1093}}`.
* **Ordered Habitation:** The concept of **horothesía** reveals a purposeful order to God's creation. The established limits for habitation are not arbitrary but are **before appointed** `{{G4384}}`, suggesting a deliberate arrangement for the nations of **men** `{{G444}}` on the **face** `{{G4383}}` of the earth.
### Summary
In summary, **horothesía** `{{G3734}}` is a precise term for a **boundary-line** that, despite its single use, carries significant theological weight. Its appearance in [[Acts 17:26]] frames God as the ultimate architect of human history, who has sovereignly **determined** `{{G3724}}` the specific places and times for all nations. The word demonstrates that no aspect of human existence, including geography and history, is outside of God's purposeful and pre-arranged plan.
TRV