διατάσσω (diatassō)
diatassō
to direct
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diatassō conveys the act of arranging, appointing, or issuing a specific command. It carries the sense of setting things in order according to authority, often implying that the arrangement is fixed and binding. In the New Testament, it appears sixteen times, with significant usage in Luke-Acts and Paul’s letters, reflecting its role in describing divine instructions or apostolic directives.
Its meaning ranges from giving orders to establishing regulations. For instance, Jesus uses it when instructing Jairus regarding his daughter (Luke 8:55), and Paul employs it when outlining church practices, such as appointing leaders (Titus 1:5) or directing contributions (1 Corinthians 16:1). The word suggests a structured, intentional order rather than a casual suggestion.
The term’s emphasis on authority is evident in its passive forms, which refer to what has been “ordained” or “commanded.” This highlights the weight behind the directive, whether it comes from God, Christ, or apostolic authority. Translators often render it as “order,” “appoint,” or “command,” depending on context, preserving the sense of established direction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about God giving directions, it can sometimes feel like a list of rules to follow. The Greek word diatassō helps us see this differently. It means to arrange or set things in order with authority. This is not about random commands, but about intentional structure. Just as a builder follows a plan to ensure a house stands firm, God provides guidance to help our lives stand strong.
In 1 Corinthians 16:1, Paul reminds the church about the collection for believers in need. He refers back to how he had previously directed the churches in Galatia. This shows that Christian living involves practical steps and organized care for one another. It is not just spiritual feelings, but tangible actions arranged by love.
Thinking of God’s instructions as a careful arrangement can bring peace. We do not have to guess what He wants. His directions are fixed and binding, meant to protect and guide us. When we follow these orders, we are participating in a divine plan that brings order to our chaos and hope to our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having been commanded2×
- to have commanded1×
- ordered1×
- having commanded1×
- having been ordained1×
- having arranged himself1×
- has prescribed1×
- had commanded1×
- directed;1×
- commanding1×
- appointed1×
- I will set in order.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διέταξεν2×
- διατεταγμένον2×
- διαταχθέντα2×
- διέταξα1×
- διετάξατο1×
- διεταξάμην·1×
- διατάσσων1×
- διατάσσομαι.¶1×
- διατάξομαι.¶1×
- διατεταχέναι1×
- διατεταγμένος1×
- διαταξάμενος1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
Paul uses this word to refer to his previous specific instructions on how the Galatian churches organized their financial support for other believers.
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Titus 1:5
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—
Paul tells Titus to arrange what was lacking and appoint elders, showing the word applies to establishing church leadership structure.
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Luke 8:55
Her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately. He commanded that something be given to her to eat.
After raising Jairus' daughter, Jesus commands that she be given food, demonstrating a practical, caring directive following a miracle.
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I Corinthians 9:14
Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.
Paul states that the Lord ordained those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel, grounding church practice in divine command.