διάταγμα (diatagma)
diatagma
edict
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diatagma refers to an official edict or mandate issued by an authority. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Hebrews 11:23, where it describes the orders given by the Egyptian king against the Israelite newborn boys.
Its root verb means to order through or arrange thoroughly, suggesting a command that is firmly established and not easily overturned. The word carries the weight of state power, reflecting the harsh reality faced by Moses' parents as they hid their child in defiance of royal decree.
This single usage highlights the tension between human tyranny and divine faithfulness. While the edict sought to eliminate a specific lineage, it inadvertently set the stage for the deliverer who would lead Israel out of bondage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diatagma describes an official edict or royal decree issued by those in power. In Hebrews 11:23, it refers to the harsh order from the Egyptian king that sought to end the lives of Israelite boys. This term carries the heavy weight of state authority and human tyranny, representing a command that was firmly established and seemingly impossible to overturn.
Yet the parents of Moses did not fear this decree. Their faith in God’s greater plan gave them the courage to hide their child, directly defying the king’s mandate. This moment highlights a profound truth: human laws cannot stop God’s purposes. When we face circumstances that feel like insurmountable barriers or unjust commands, we can remember that divine faithfulness always stands above earthly power.
Even when the world issues orders that seem to contradict God’s will, our trust remains secure. The edict meant to destroy a deliverer instead set the stage for his rescue. This reminds us that no decree of man can thwart the good work God intends in our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- edict1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διάταγμα1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where diatagma identifies the specific royal command that Moses' parents defied through faith.