διατίθημι (diatithēmi)
diatithēmi
to make a covenant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diatithēmi describes the act of arranging or disposing of something, often with a sense of finality. In classical usage and the Septuagint, it frequently translates the Hebrew word for "cutting" a covenant, capturing the serious nature of binding agreements. The New Testament employs it in two distinct ways: to describe making a will or testament, and to signify entering into a formal covenant relationship.
This dual meaning is crucial for understanding its theological weight. In Luke 22:29, Jesus speaks of the Father arranging (diatithēmi) a kingdom for the disciples, echoing the language of inheritance and sovereign disposition. Conversely, in Hebrews 9:16-17, the same root connects to the concept of a last will and testament, where a death is required to make the arrangement effective. This linguistic link helps explain why the New Testament often pairs the verb with the noun diathēkē (covenant/will), emphasizing that God’s promises are not merely suggestions but settled, irrevocable arrangements established by divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diatithēmi carries a weight of finality that goes beyond simple agreement. It describes a sovereign act of arranging or disposing of something with binding authority. When used in the New Testament, it often bridges the gap between a legal covenant and a last will, highlighting that God’s promises are settled and irrevocable.
In Luke 22:29, Jesus speaks of the Father conferring a kingdom upon His disciples. This use underscores that our inheritance is not earned but granted by divine disposition. It reminds us that our standing before God rests on His faithful arrangement, not our own fluctuating efforts.
Hebrews draws a parallel between this covenantal promise and a will, noting that such arrangements require the death of the testator to take full effect. This connection points to Christ’s sacrifice as the seal of our inheritance. Because He died, the promises attached to His name are secured for those who believe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I will make2×
- made1×
- having made [it];1×
- having made [it].1×
- appointed1×
- appoint1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαθήσομαι2×
- διέθετό1×
- διέθετο1×
- διατίθεμαι1×
- διαθέμενος.1×
- διαθεμένου·1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:29
I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,
This verse demonstrates the sovereign aspect of the word, showing Jesus receiving a kingdom arrangement directly from the Father.
-
Hebrews 9:16
For where a last will and testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him who made it.
Here the term links covenant language to legal inheritance, establishing that death is necessary for the arrangement to be effective.
-
Hebrews 9:17
For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.
This occurrence clarifies that the binding power of the testament only activates after the maker has died, reinforcing the seriousness of the promise.