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νομοθέτης (nomothetēs)

nomothetēs

lawgiver

G3550 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun nomothetēs refers to one who establishes laws, functioning as a lawgiver or legislator. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in James 4:12, where it carries significant theological weight by identifying God as the sole authority capable of judging human conduct.

Its structure combines nomos, meaning "law," with tithēmi, a verb for "placing" or "setting." This etymology suggests not merely writing rules, but firmly establishing a standard. The context in James warns against boasting about the future, emphasizing that only the one who sets the law has the right to save or destroy.

Translators consistently render this word as "lawgiver," reflecting its straightforward definition. By using this specific title, the text distinguishes between human authority and divine sovereignty, reminding readers that moral judgment belongs exclusively to God.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

James 4:12 reminds us that God alone is the Lawgiver, the one who sets the standard for right and wrong. This title carries weight because it points to His absolute authority over life and death. When we feel tempted to judge others or control outcomes, this truth grounds us in humility.

Recognizing God as the sole Lawgiver frees us from the burden of playing judge. It invites trust in His wisdom rather than our own limited perspective. We can rest in the knowledge that He alone holds the power to save and to destroy, offering peace when we surrender our need for control.

How it's translated

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

  • Lawgiver1×

Forms in the text

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

  • νομοθέτης1×

Key Verses

  • James 4:12
    Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

    This verse uniquely identifies God as the only Lawgiver, linking His authority to establish law with His exclusive power to save or destroy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nomothetēs mean in the Bible?

The Greek word nomothetēs translates to 'lawgiver.' It combines words for 'law' and 'placing,' suggesting one who firmly establishes a standard. In the New Testament, it appears only once to describe God's unique authority.

Where does the word lawgiver appear in Scripture?

It appears in James 4:12. The text states that only one is the Lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy. This usage emphasizes God's exclusive right to judge human conduct.

How is God as Lawgiver different from human laws?

While humans create rules for society, James presents God as the ultimate Lawgiver with power over life and death. This distinction calls believers to humility, recognizing that moral judgment belongs solely to Him.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

James 1 verse
James 4:12

Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?