τάσσω

tássō /tas'-so/ Ask about this word
Meaninga prolonged form of a primary verb (which latter appears only in certain tenses); to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e. assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)
KJV usageaddict, appoint, determine, ordain, set.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word tássō, represented by G5021, means to arrange in an orderly manner or to assign or dispose to a certain position. It appears 8 times in 8 unique verses. The term conveys a sense of order, appointment, and deliberate placement, with applications ranging from being set under authority to being ordained for a specific purpose.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5021 is used to describe both divine decree and human decision. It refers to God's sovereign act of having ordained governing powers Romans 13:1 and also describes those who were ordained to eternal life Acts 13:48. Jesus had appointed a mountain for his disciples to meet him Matthew 28:16. The word is also used to describe a centurion who was a man set under authority Luke 7:8. On a human level, the church determined to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem Acts 15:2, and the household of Stephanas addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints 1 Corinthians 16:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which tássō appears:

  • G5293 hypotássō (to subordinate; reflexively, to obey): This word is used in conjunction with G5021, calling for every soul to be subject to the higher powers that God has ordained Romans 13:1.
  • G1849 exousía (delegated influence, authority): This term for power or authority is what God ordains in rulers Romans 13:1 and what the centurion recognized as the basis of his position in a military hierarchy Luke 7:8.
  • G4100 pisteúō (to have faith, believe): This word shows the response to divine appointment, as those who were ordained to eternal life believed the word of the Lord Acts 13:48.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5021 is significant, highlighting concepts of order and purpose.

  • Divine Sovereignty: The word underscores God's authority in arranging both earthly and eternal matters. He has ordained the powers that be Romans 13:1 and has also ordained individuals to eternal life Acts 13:48.
  • Hierarchical Structure: G5021 is used to illustrate a clear understanding of structure and authority. This is seen when Jesus appointed a meeting place Matthew 28:16 and when the centurion described himself as a man set under authority Luke 7:8.
  • Purposeful Action: The term can describe determined human commitment. In Damascus, Paul was to be told of all things appointed for him to do Acts 22:10. Likewise, the house of Stephanas addicted themselves to ministry, demonstrating a self-assigned devotion 1 Corinthians 16:15.

Summary

In summary, G5021 is a versatile word that signifies deliberate arrangement and assignment. From God ordaining governments to believers dedicating themselves to service, tássō consistently points to the establishment of order. It reveals a world structured by divine appointments, recognized authority, and purposeful human action.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Middle Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Perfect Active Infinitive 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Feminine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Passive Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 8 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Acts (4 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Luke
4
Acts
1
Romans
1
1 Corinthians

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