### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective taktós (`{{G5002}}`) derives from the verb tassō (`{{G5021}}`), which means "to arrange," "to order," "to appoint," or "to determine." Consequently, taktós carries the core meaning of something that is "arranged," "ordered," "appointed," "fixed," or "stated." It denotes a deliberate, pre-determined, or scheduled arrangement, implying a lack of randomness or spontaneity. The emphasis is on something that has been put into place by an authority or by design, rather than by chance. Its semantic range thus encompasses the ideas of a designated time, a fixed order, or an established plan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term taktós (`{{G5002}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 12:21]]. The context describes King Herod Agrippa I: "On a **set** day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and delivered an oration to them."
In this singular occurrence, taktós modifies "day" (ἡμέρα), indicating a "fixed," "appointed," or "scheduled" day. Herod had meticulously planned this public appearance, dressing in splendid attire and taking his place on the throne to address the people of Tyre and Sidon. The "set day" underscores Herod's deliberate orchestration of an event designed to magnify his own authority and impress his subjects. The narrative immediately follows with the people's idolatrous acclamation of Herod as a god, and his subsequent divine judgment for accepting such blasphemous praise. Thus, even though taktós describes a human arrangement, its placement in the narrative serves to highlight the hubris of human planning and self-exaltation in stark contrast to the swift and decisive intervention of divine sovereignty. The "set day" of Herod became the "set day" of God's judgment upon him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to taktós (`{{G5002}}`) is its root verb, tassō (`{{G5021}}`), which frequently appears in the New Testament. Tassō is used to describe:
* Divine appointment: "as many as were **appointed** to eternal life believed" [[Acts 13:48]].
* Human arrangement or designation: "they **appointed** a day for him" [[Acts 28:23]].
* Subordination or order: "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been **instituted** by God" [[Romans 13:1]].
Other related terms that convey similar concepts of order, appointment, or determination include:
* diatassō (`{{G1299}}`): "to arrange thoroughly, to command, to ordain." Used for divine ordinances or apostolic commands (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 7:17]]).
* protassō (`{{G4384}}`): "to appoint beforehand," emphasizing pre-arrangement.
* horizō (`{{G3724}}`): "to determine, appoint, designate, fix boundaries." Often used in reference to God's predetermined plans (e.g., [[Acts 17:26]], [[Acts 17:31]]).
The concept of a "set time" or "appointed time" is also a significant biblical theme, often referring to God's sovereign timing for key events in salvation history, such as the birth of Christ (e.g., "the fullness of time" in [[Galatians 4:4]]) or the eschatological judgment.
### Theological Significance
Though taktós (`{{G5002}}`) appears only once, its theological significance is not diminished. In the context of [[Acts 12:21]], it serves as a powerful subtle indicator of the contrast between human presumption and divine sovereignty. Herod's "set day" was meticulously planned by him for his own glory, an act of human will and pride. However, this humanly "set" event became the very occasion for God's divine intervention and judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that even humanly orchestrated events, particularly those marked by arrogance and self-exaltation, operate within the overarching framework of God's ultimate plan and timing.
The word implicitly points to the broader theological principle that while humans may make their plans and set their days, the Lord's purpose prevails (cf. [[Proverbs 19:21]]). Herod's meticulously "set day" was ultimately a "set day" determined by God for his downfall, demonstrating that all human affairs, whether grand or mundane, are ultimately subject to the divine will and timing. This single usage highlights the fragility of human power and the unyielding nature of divine justice.
### Summary
Taktós (`{{G5002}}`) means "arranged," "appointed," or "set," deriving from the verb tassō (`{{G5021}}`). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 12:21]] describes King Herod Agrippa I's "set day" for a public address. This "set day" was a humanly orchestrated event designed to showcase Herod's power and receive accolades. However, the narrative immediately reveals that this humanly "set" occasion became the precise moment for divine judgment upon Herod for his blasphemous pride. Thus, taktós, though describing a human arrangement, subtly emphasizes the overarching theme of divine sovereignty: even the most carefully planned human events are ultimately subject to God's ultimate control and timing, particularly when human will clashes with divine glory.
TRV