νομοθετέω (nomotheteō)
nomotheteō
to give laws
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb nomotheteō means to establish laws or create a legal framework for a community. Derived from the root for "law" (nomos), it describes the active process of legislating, whether by enacting statutes or by providing a people with their governing rules. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both within the Epistle to the Hebrews.
In Hebrews 7:11, the text asks what further need there is for another priest if the Levitical priesthood could bring perfection, noting that the people had already received laws (nomothetethēsan). Here, the passive voice indicates that God furnished Israel with a legal system through Moses. The second occurrence in Hebrews 8:6 uses the same verb to describe Christ as the mediator of a better covenant, which was legally enacted by God.
This word carries significant theological weight in these contexts. It distinguishes between the old covenant, established through Mosaic law, and the new covenant, instituted by Christ. While the former involved detailed regulations for worship and conduct, the latter is grounded in superior promises. The term highlights that both covenants are divine acts of legislation, yet they serve different purposes in salvation history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nomotheteō describes the act of giving laws or establishing a legal framework. In Scripture, it highlights that God is the source of order and guidance for His people. Whether through Moses or through Christ, divine legislation provides structure for community life and spiritual growth.
In Hebrews, this term contrasts two covenants. The first was given to Israel under the old system. The second comes through Jesus, who mediates a new agreement based on better promises. This shows that God’s way of relating to us has evolved from external rules to an internal relationship grounded in grace.
Understanding this helps us see that our faith is not lawless but rooted in God’s faithful provision. We are invited to trust in the superior covenant established by Christ, which offers peace and direction for our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- has received [the] Law —1×
- has been enacted.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νενομοθέτηται.1×
- νενομοθέτηται,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:11
Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
This verse uses the passive form to show that the people received their legal framework through the Levitical priesthood, setting up the question of why another priestly order is needed.
-
Hebrews 8:6
But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
Here the verb indicates that Christ’s covenant was legally enacted by God, emphasizing its superior foundation compared to the previous arrangement.