δόγμα (dogma)
dogma
decree
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dogma refers to an official decree or ordinance issued with binding authority. In the New Testament, it describes formal rulings that carry the weight of law, whether from civil powers or religious leaders. The word appears in only five verses, appearing primarily in Luke and Acts, with additional mentions in Paul’s letters.
Its usage highlights different sources of authority. It denotes the imperial census decree in Luke 2:1 and the political charge against Caesar in Acts 17:7. Paul uses it to describe the Mosaic law’s ceremonial requirements in Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14, which were abolished through Christ. The apostles also issued dogmata regarding ethical conduct for mixed congregations in Acts 16:4.
Derived from a verb meaning to think or resolve, the term implies a settled judgment rather than casual opinion. Translators typically render it as "decree" or "ordinance," emphasizing its legal and authoritative nature. This usage distinguishes it from mere advice, marking it as a firm directive intended for obedience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word dogma refers to an official decree or ordinance issued with binding authority. In the New Testament, it describes formal rulings that carry the weight of law, whether from civil powers or religious leaders. This usage distinguishes it from mere advice, marking it as a firm directive intended for obedience.
Paul uses this term to describe the Mosaic law’s ceremonial requirements in Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14, which were abolished through Christ. This highlights how God's ultimate authority supersedes human or legal mandates, offering peace rather than condemnation.
Understanding these decrees helps us see the different sources of authority in Scripture. From Caesar’s census to the apostles’ guidance for mixed congregations, each instance points to a settled judgment intended for obedience and order in the community of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- decrees3×
- ordinances1×
- a decree1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δόγμασιν2×
- δόγματα1×
- δόγμα1×
- δογμάτων1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:1
Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
This verse shows how an imperial decree set the historical stage for the birth of Jesus, demonstrating that even political orders serve God's larger plan.
-
Ephesians 2:15
having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace,
Here Paul explains that Christ abolished the hostility caused by the law’s commandments contained in ordinances, creating peace between Jews and Gentiles.
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Colossians 2:14
wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us. He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.
This occurrence describes how God wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, nailing it to the cross to free believers from condemnation.