δογματίζω (dogmatizō)
dogmatizō
to decree
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dogmatizō means to issue a formal decree or establish an ordinance. Derived from the noun for "decree" (dogma), it carries the weight of authoritative command, often used in legal or administrative contexts where rules are laid down by those in power.
Its most notable usage appears in Colossians 2:20, where Paul employs the middle voice to describe a state of being bound by human regulations. Here, the word shifts from the act of commanding to the experience of being subjected to them. Paul uses this image to contrast the freedom found in Christ with the burden of living under strict, man-made codes that govern daily behavior.
This distinction highlights a key theological point: while God’s commands are rooted in His character, human decrees often function as external constraints. The word captures the tension between spiritual liberty and the pressure to conform to rigid systems of rule-keeping that define life by what is forbidden rather than by grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dogmatizō points to the heavy weight of human regulations. In Colossians 2:20, Paul asks why believers would submit to man-made rules after dying with Christ. These ordinances often feel like strict codes that govern daily behavior, creating a burden rather than freedom. They define life by what is forbidden instead of by grace.
Understanding this helps us see the difference between God’s commands and human decrees. God’s laws reflect His character and lead to life, while many human rules are external constraints that can stifle spiritual growth. We are called to live in the liberty Christ provides, not under the pressure to conform to rigid systems.
This truth invites us to rest in the sufficiency of Christ. Instead of striving to meet arbitrary standards, we can trust in His finished work. May you find peace in knowing that your standing before God rests on His grace, not on your ability to keep every human rule.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do you submit to decrees?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δογματίζεσθε;1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 2:20
If you died with Christ from the elemental spirits of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
Paul uses this word to question why believers would submit to man-made ordinances after having died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world.