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νομοθεσία (nomothesia)

nomothesia

law

G3548 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun nomothesia refers to the act of establishing laws or the process of legislation. Derived from words meaning "law" and "to place," it describes the formal action of setting down legal statutes rather than the laws themselves. This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 9:4.

Paul uses it to describe a specific privilege granted to the Israelites: the right to receive divine legislation. While other terms might focus on the content of the law, this word highlights the event or authority behind its giving. It underscores the unique role of Israel as the recipient of God's legal framework, distinguishing their experience from other nations.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word nomothesia points to the specific act of establishing a legal framework. In Romans 9:4, Paul lists this alongside adoption and covenants as a unique privilege of Israel. It highlights not just the rules themselves, but the divine authority behind their giving. This distinction reminds us that God’s guidance comes with purpose and intention.

For believers today, understanding this term deepens our appreciation for Scripture. We see that God does not leave us without direction. His laws are gifts designed to shape our lives and reflect His character. This perspective helps us view biblical commands not as burdens, but as loving instructions from a faithful Father.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • lawgiving1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • νομοθεσία1×

Key Verses

  • Romans 9:4
    who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;

    Paul uses this rare term to identify the giving of the law as one of Israel's distinct spiritual privileges alongside adoption and covenants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nomothesia mean in the Bible?

Nomothesia refers to the act of establishing laws or the process of legislation. It comes from roots meaning 'law' and 'to place,' emphasizing the formal action of setting down statutes rather than the content of the laws themselves.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 9:4. Paul uses it to describe a specific privilege granted to the Israelites as part of their covenant relationship with God.

How is it different from other words for law?

While terms like nomos (G3551) refer to the laws or statutes themselves, nomothesia focuses on the event or authority behind their giving. It highlights the divine initiative in establishing the legal framework.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Romans 1 verse
Romans 9:4

who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the…